It’s an especially dramatic week on EastEnders, as the day of Ian’s plea hearing arrives. What will he decide to do?

Elsewhere, Denise faces several difficult setbacks as she continues her treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), while Sheila’s presence causes continued tension.

Meanwhile, one Walford resident’s unexpected return sparks widespread anger and concern.

Here are 15 spoilers teasing more about the biggest upcoming storylines ­– and don’t forget to check out our spoiler photo round-up for the week ahead.

1. Ian’s court case causes family tension

Ian’s plea hearing is approaching for the hit-and-run incident that left young Jordan Fox with life-changing injuries. As he prepares to make a difficult decision, Ian’s lawyer advises him that he should plead guilty.

This causes tension among the Beale family ­– Peter and Lauren encourage Ian to seek further advice, while Kathy is adamant that he should enter a not guilty plea.

With his loved ones divided, Ian decides to visit Elaine at Peacock Palace for her advice on what to do.

2. Ian’s attempts to interfere backfire

Later, Ian decides to try and speak to Chelsea to see if he can convince her to change her witness statement.

Understandably, this does not go down well with Denise, who has some harsh words for him and asks him to leave.

3. Ian reaches a big decision

With time – and options – running out, Ian finally reaches a decision and shares it with his family.

On the day of the hearing, Ian updates Phil on the situation, and Kathy tries to stay upbeat. But will Ian decide to plead guilty or not guilty?

4. Denise faces a treatment setback

Denise is back home following a stay in hospital as her treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia continues.

Denise’s family are excited and relieved to welcome her home. However, they don’t know that Denise has been told that she hasn’t responded to the treatment as well as expected.

As she prepares to try again with another round of treatment, will Denise open up to any of her loved ones, or will she decide to keep the news from her family?

5. Denise receives heartbreaking news

Denise is struggling to settle at home, and has decided not to share the difficult news about her treatment with the family.

When she heads to hospital for an appointment, Denise receives further upsetting news ­– a friend who she met while in hospital has sadly died.

As Denise returns home to start processing this devastating news, Libby steps up to support her.

6. Denise finally confides in Jack

As Denise and Jack continue to face difficulties, she decides to tell him that her chemotherapy has not been as effective as doctors hoped. An emotional Jack falters at learning this difficult news.

Denise insists that she would like to keep news of this setback private between the two of them, and that she doesn’t want the rest of the family to know.

Searching for something to focus on away from her treatment, Denise decides to plan a leaving party for Libby.

7. Sheila’s presence causes further tension

A challenging week for Denise only gets worse when she sees Jordan with Sheila, and Libby admits to her that Sheila is Gray’s grandmother.

Denise takes her frustrations out on the rest of the family, and tells Chelsea that she wants to meet Sheila as soon as possible.

With tensions high, Denise asks Libby and Chelsea to leave her alone so she can press Sheila about her motivation for helping Jordan.

8. Sharon leaves Phil shocked

Phil is floored when he learns that Sharon has decided to sell her half of the Boxing Den.

However, an interested buyer soon makes their pitch ­– and it’s Max who’s first in line…

9. Sharon and Zoe have a showdown

There’s drama in the Vic when Sharon confronts Zoe for lying to her about Dennis being the father of her twins. Thankfully for Zoe, Jasmine and Josh are there to defend her.

Zoe later tries to say sorry to Sharon and Zack ­for her behaviour – but Sharon isn’t interested in accepting her apology.

10. Vicki and Ross’s honeymoon is short-lived

Vicki and Ross are back from their honeymoon, and Sharon’s thrilled to see them back on the Square. However, they’re soon brought back to reality when Zack turns up.

After seeking some advice from Kathy, Vicki later announces to the family that she and Ross plan to move in with Jean and Mo.

However, sensing how awkward things still are after all the wedding day drama, Zack offers to move out instead.

11. Joel’s return causes outrage

With the situation at No. 43 seemingly resolved after Zack’s decision, there’s more drama around the corner ­– Joel is back, along with his mum Cleo, having been released early from a young offenders institute after being sentenced for his crimes a few months ago.

Cleo has a bombshell for Vicki, Ross and Sharon ­– she doesn’t want Joel living with her. Vicki is understandably upset, and visits the café to share her concerns with Sharon.

However, Avani and Amy have quickly learned that Joel is back in Walford, and take their anger out on Vicki.

Will Joel get a second chance in Walford ­– or will he be sent away again with the impact of his horrific crimes against Vicki and Avani still clear?

12. Priya and Max give in to their feelings – again

Despite their close call recently, Priya continues with her efforts to seduce Max.

Once again, they give into their feelings and spend the night together. How long can they keep their affair under wraps for? Or will Priya go through with her threat to expose Max’s infidelity?

13. Mark and Lauren reach an agreement

Mark and Lauren finally reach a deal over their dodgy car dealings, and Mark confirms that he won’t attend a family barbecue that Ian’s planning, namely to keep professional and personal matters separate.

But with the chemistry between them still growing, can Mark resist the temptation to make a surprise appearance?

14. Mark’s behaviour leaves Lauren furious

The Beale family has gathered for Ian’s barbecue, and Lauren is shocked when Mark arrives having gone back on his word.

However, Mark really tests her patience later in the day when he phones and demands that she meet him due to a car deal going wrong.

After making a frantic dash to help Mark out, Lauren discovers that he’s lied to her again to test her loyalty. Furious with his behaviour, she leaves.

15. Gina and Harry are in trouble

Gina and Harry find themselves in a tricky situation when they lose some of Penny’s stock.

As they panic and attempt to trace the missing items, can they resolve things before Penny finds out?