When East-Enders first aired back in 1985, mullets were raging, Bob Geldof was planning an epic concert for Live Aid and teenagers the world over rolled their eyes in approval of surly blockbuster The Breakfast Club.

Over in Albert Square, the fictional corner of London's East End, perms and shoulder pads were big business, residents went about their drama-filled days and Walford's 'yoof' came of age on screen.

The first ever episode of the hit soap, which aired on February 19, 1985, saw a pimply Ian Beale goading his mum and 'Pops' into giving him his pocket money so he could play on the machines, while 'Dirty' Den, Arthur and 'caff' owner Ali stumbled across the dead body of missing Walford resident Reg.

Three decades on and the dust has firmly settled on Reg's grave, while Beale has moved up the ranks from veg seller to restaurateur. On a personal front, though, his life is in tatters, following the shock murder of his daughter Lucy last year.

But 30 years needs to be marked with a 'doof-doof'-worthy bang, so as well as the return of loud-mouthed former landlady Peggy Mitchell, played by Barbara Windsor, there will also be live episodes for a week, starting on Monday, February 16, and Lucy's killer will finally be revealed.

But first, here's a look back at some of the juiciest plots, most barmy scenes and the downright bonkers unanswered questions from the soap so far...

OH, ANGIE

As residents across the Square clunked their sherry glasses and unwrapped presents, Den was preparing for one of the soap's most memorable 'doof-doof' moments ever, during the 1986 Christmas episode. Pulling his be-sequinned wife Angie Watts to one side, he gritted his teeth as he served her his divorce papers, whispering 'Happy Christmas' as he stalked away. All together now... DOOF-DOOF-DOOF!

IN A SPIN

Seduction comes in many forms. For some, it's Christian Grey's risque wooing. For others - yes you, Pat Butcher - it comes in the form of Frank, played by the late Mike Reid, turning up on your doorstep, starkers! Well, starkers apart from a gold chain and comedy spinning bow tie, that is, which is exactly what happened during one episode back in 2000. His throaty chuckle. Her shock. The jangling of the earrings as she takes in his body... our eyes!

KAT GOT YOUR TONGUE?

Back in the early Noughties, Albert Square needed a bit of a boost - and got one in spades when the Slaters moved in, chiefly from gobby drama queen Kat. But beneath the fake tan and leopard print, Kat was hurting inside, and hiding the fact that she was really her little sister Zoe's mum. Eventually, the truth came out, resulting in Zoe screeching, 'You ain't my muvva!' and Kat's ear-splitting response: 'YES, I AAAAAAAAM'. Pure East Enders gold.

UP IN SMOKE

One of the longest serving characters is nicotine-loving, bouffant-haired Dot Branning (nee Cotton), played by the now 87-year-old June Brown. Chain-smoking Dot has been a faithful assistant at the launderette for much of that time, begging the question of why any manager would let someone with such a heavy cigarette habit be around all those fresh clothes?

OH BROTHER

Phil or Grant? Grant or Phil? One is bald and brutish and the other is... well, bald and brutish. Understandably then, Sharon, who was married to Grant, found herself in a Mitchell-shaped pickle when she started having it off with his older brother Phil, in the mid-Nineties. She probably got them mixed up, poor love.

A-BEALE-ING PROSPECT?

Ian Beale. He's a bit of a whinger, isn't he? Tight with his cash, probably permanently stinking of chips, old cabbages (during his days on the market stall) and various other foods from the 'caff' or restaurant, he also spent time as a loan shark. And yet, Beale has never been short of women to wed. There was Cindy, Mel, Laura and Jane. And during the soap's anniversary week, Jane and Ian will have another pop at marriage, marking Walford's own Elizabeth Taylor's fifth time at the altar.

YOU'RE BARRED

While the Vic's regulars have deaths, drama and duels to contend with, poor old barmaid Tracey doesn't get a look in. When Peggy Mitchell was squawking at love rival Pat Butcher, overworked Tracey was downstairs fetching the barrels. When Den Watts was trying out his pick-up lines, our Trace was re-stocking the pork scratchings. And when Archie was manipulating the Mitchells, 'Silent Trace' was scouring the pipes and pulling pints. Tracey has grafted away at the Square's local since the late Eighties - without a sniff of a promotion. Shame on you Queen Vic landlords and ladies!

l EastEnders'

30th Anniversary Week

(live episodes) starts BBC 1

Monday, February 16