'EastEnders' is set to win the battle of the soaps this Christmas, according to bookies.
The Derek Branning murder mystery is expected to give the BBC soap a nudge over rival soap Coronation Street, with bookmakers William Hill making it the top favourite for Christmas Day TV viewing figures.
The Walford villain, played by Jamie Foreman, is to be killed off in a series of "explosive storylines" during the festive period, and the betting odds predict that he may kill himself.
Will Derek Branning kill himself?
Kat Slater's mystery man, who viewers have been left guessing about for months, is also set to be revealed in the festive episode.
"EastEnders tops the Christmas Day television betting every year and every year it obliges for festive punters, topping the ratings ever since the Den and Angie saga back in the 80s," said William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly.
Lauren Branning, Tanya Branning and Alfie Moon are also among those in the frame to be Derek's killer.
Doctor Who and Downton Abbey are second for top Christmas Day show, with ITV soap Coronation Street in fourth place.
Which TV shows will you watch this Christmas?
