“Walford Will Never Be The Same…” — 18 Explosive EastEnders Spoilers Reveal A Week Packed With Betrayal, Returns And Heartbreak
What's coming up in Walford?
EastEnders spoilers follow.
Next week in EastEnders sees tension between Lauren and Mark reach breaking point, as their dodgy car scheme attracts some unwanted attention.
Meanwhile, Joel is very much not welcome back in the Square, and Denise and Jack continue to struggle with their feelings amid her cancer battle.
Here are 18 big moments to look forward to in the Square across next week – and don’t forget to check out our spoiler photo roundup for a first look at all the big storylines.
1. Mark’s grave error leaves Lauren reeling
After Mark gatecrashed the Beales’ family barbecue and wound up Lauren last week with a lie about a car deal going wrong, he soon infuriates her yet again.
When Lauren discovers that Mark hasn’t put fake number plates on a vehicle he’s selling illegally as part of their dodgy scheme – and realises he’s already left to deliver it – there could be trouble ahead.
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As Mark speeds off after spotting the police during his journey, he reaches out to Lauren for help.
2. Mark and Lauren’s tension boils over
Mark and Lauren eventually meet at the lock-up, and they argue yet again.
However, the tension between them that’s been rising ever since they came close to kissing at Vicki and Ross’s wedding reception finally bubbles over into passion.
Lauren swiftly stops things from going any further and pulls away from Mark.
3. Mark takes advice from Vicki
Back in Walford, Mark bumps into Vicki, who shares some advice about love and relationships with him.
Mark asks Lauren if he can talk to her at the Boxing Den. What will she decide to do next?
4. Ian starts to forgive himself
Ian starts to make peace with himself after his decision to plead guilty to the hit-and-run that gravely injured Jordan.
Facing what could be his last night in Walford, he agrees to go out for drinks with his loved ones.
5. Ian’s family drinks lead to drama
As the Beale family meet Ian for drinks at Harry’s Barn, Lauren shows her affection towards Peter.
Later, Chelsea arrives and questions why on earth Ian’s loved ones would be celebrating anything. Peter defends his dad, but Ian soon leaves the venue, with Lauren not too far behind.
6. Ian’s behaviour shocks Lauren
While he has the opportunity to speak to Lauren alone, suspicious Ian asks her outright if there’s something she’s hiding.
Lauren is shocked by his line of questioning, affirming that of course she loves Peter. Ian isn’t fully convinced, but reluctantly takes her at her word as he heads to Peacock Palace to spend the night with Elaine.
7. Vicki finds Joel’s return difficult
Following Joel’s surprise return to Walford after his early release from the young offenders institute, Vicki is struggling knowing that her abusive stepson is back in their home.
Meanwhile, Ross occupies himself with trying to find Joel a place at a sixth-form college for September.
8. Joel’s presence has further repercussions
Ross has to shift his focus from the future to the present when Nugget, Avani and Amy make their anger towards Joel very clear at school.
Ross is forced to step in to de-escalate things, and later sits down with Vicki to discusses their situation.
Their conversation is cut short when Priya and Ravi turn up and argue with them about Joel’s return to the area.
9. Joel reaches a big decision
Following the incident at school and with a tense atmosphere at home, Joel reaches the decision that nobody wants him around in Walford.
He decides to book a train ticket – but where will he go if he leaves Albert Square?
10. Joel opens up to Lily
Lily makes time for Joel after she sees him helping Janet. She invites him back to her home while he waits to catch his train.
Joel feels comfortable enough to start talking to Lily about his struggles while he was at the young offenders institute. However, their conversation is interrupted when Jean arrives with Amy and Avani, who obviously aren’t pleased to see him.
Ross later goes to the tube station, where he urges Joel not to leave.
11. Amy and Avani plot to take on Joel
Having found out that Joel has changed his mind and decided to stay in Walford after all, furious Amy and Avani start to plan revenge.
The pair visit Peacock Palace to call a truce with Joel, inviting him to the park for an end-of-year celebration as school finishes.
Ross has questions for Amy and Avani about their intentions, but reluctantly agrees that he can go and meet them.
12. Amy and Avani’s revenge plan humiliates Joel
After school finishes, Joel heads to the park – where Amy and Avani have planned to take revenge on him.
The pair have also got Denzel, Barney, Lily, Ricky and Nugget involved as they grab Joel, chain and lock him to a fence and pour beer all over him while filming it all…
13. Denise and Jack face the strain
Denise and Jack find themselves in a difficult place emotionally following her leukaemia treatment setback.
Denise is struggling to open up to Jack about what she’s going through, but she leaves her latest hospital appointment with some things to think about.
Meanwhile, Jack was left unsettled after spotting Denise talking to her ex Ravi. This escalates when Jack is placed on compassionate leave by the police, and his colleague Craig is allocated his current caseload.
Former Hollyoaks star Matthew James-Bailey has joined the EastEnders cast as Craig, a detective constable who will be part of a major storyline unfolding over the next few months.
14. Jack and Denise’s efforts to talk falter
Jack gets advice from Phil, as he and Denise continue to face relationship difficulties.
On a visit to the hospital, Denise finds the courage to open up about her friend’s sad death. However, Jack is still struggling to be honest about his emotions, and causes more upset when he abruptly leaves.
15. Denise and Jack reach a breakthrough
After another challenging week for Denise and Jack, they finally make progress in getting their relationship on track.
With the time and space to talk, the couple open up to each other about their feelings and challenges.
However, their valuable time together is short-lived when Jack receives an urgent call from the police – and it’s about Joel…
16. Linda starts a new campaign
Linda decides to host a sober dance class at the community centre. Unfortunately, the event doesn’t go as well as she’d hoped.
Concerned about whether the community centre will survive, Linda seeks advice from Ian about saving it from closure.
17. Linda makes an exciting new connection
Ian recommends that Linda speaks to local councillor Clive about the future of the community centre.
Linda takes Ian’s advice and meets Clive. They get along well – and Linda is clearly attracted to him, too.
18. Elaine has a plan for Linda
There’s a party atmosphere at Peacock Palace, where Linda has gathered a group of women from around the Square to make a plan that could save the community centre.
To Linda’s delight, Clive has also turned up to help. Sensing chemistry between the pair, Elaine resolves to play matchmaker. Will she be successful?