EastEnders lines up more drama next week, as revealed in our new spoiler pictures, with new beginnings and devastating ordeals on the cards for the Square’s finest.
Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) is back home after his stay in a mental health facility and he’s feeling grateful for the support of his loved ones – predominantly Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).
But despite feeling like he’s in a better place, the gangster doesn’t want the residents of Walford to know where he’s been over the past month.
Nigel, who has been diagnosed with dementia, slips up and apologises but Phil attempts to brave it out.
With word of Phil’s struggles reaching him, George Knight(Colin Salmon) enquires about how best to help his mate, with some help from Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).
And speaking of Linda, the Queen Vic landlady is on cloud nine after learning that the insurance is going to pay out and thus they’ll be able to rebuild the iconic boozer.
Her good mood, however, is soon scuppered when Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) takes over.
As a distraction, Linda attempts to matchmake Johnny (Charlie Suff) with Felix Baker (Matthew James Morrison) but she soon decides to focus on herself, with Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) agreeing to help her find a date.
Later, Linda goes on a date with a man named Jeff at Harry’s Barn. Feeling nervous, she makes small talk – but will romance blossom?
Elsewhere, Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) tries to cheer Lily Slater (Lilia Turner) up in the wake of Martin’s (James Bye) demise, encouraging her to skip school with her and Amy instead.
The teens encounter Marvin – the boy who sold Avani vapes previously – and he offers them drugs.
Avani refuses but the police subsequently arrive and take them all to the station. The officers explain that they need to strip search Avani, believing she could have more drugs on her.
The ordeal proves traumatic for Avani and Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) is horrified when finds out what has transpired. Avani, however, won’t let her lodge a complaint.
