[Scarlett.]

EastEnders' iconic pub The Queen Victoria is to topple in a blazing inferno later this year.

The pub, which has stood in its current state since the soap's inception 25 years ago, will burn down in the autumn and could tie in with the departure of Walford matriarch Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor).

Little is known about Peggy's exit plot but executive producer Bryan Kirkwood told DS that it will be "both epic and poignant".

A show source said: "It's set to be a spectacular episode. No-one knows yet if Peggy dies in the fire but they are also writing out a host of other characters, so there is a good chance someone will be killed off when the Vic burns."

In total, 13 cast members - including Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), Charlie Slater (Derek Martin) and Chelsea Fox (Tiana Benjamin) - are being written out before the end of the year.

The decision to destroy The Vic's exterior in a fire ties in with the soap's transition to HD, in which key sets must be completely refurbished to ensure their standard in the higher quality format.

Digital Spy