There are some familiar faces (kind of!) in EastEnders next week, as familiar faces arrive.
Just as Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) confesses his feelings for Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) arrives with her new family in tow.
And there are ulterior motives and secrets at play.
She’s here – along with Bex (Jasmine Armfield) – to say goodbye to Martin and it’s Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) who is struggling with the goodbye more than most.
Elsewhere, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Peter Beale (Thomas Law) clash as Cindy (Michelle Collins) looms large over them.
And Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) may be caught in a trap…
Monday March 31
At No.43 Sharon is warmed by a Mother’s Day gesture from Zack and Albie, but her happiness is short lived when Nigel arrives and reveals Phil is missing. At No.55, Denise, Sharon and Nigel call the police, but the situation is quickly diffused when Phil returns and offers a simple explanation.
Realising the mix up is down to Nigel’s dementia, Phil covers but Sharon is unconvinced, and enlists the help of Kathy and Denise to buoy Phil. Touched by her reaction, and encouraged by Denise and Nigel, Phil finally reveals his feelings for Sharon once alone at No.55
A black cab arrives – Vicki Fowler is back…
Peter reassures Lauren on the day of their baby scan. At Beale’s Eels, Peter is distracted as his concerns grow for Cindy following a phone call with Gita who reveals she has gone AWOL, and he misses the scan.
Later, Lauren scolds Peter for his lack of care and is angry that Cindy continues to haunt their family.
Elsewhere, Avani and Lily meet to smoke weed as they attempt to distract themselves from recent events.
Bianca and Sonia head to Beales Eels for lunch where Bianca meets Charlotte. The pair soon bond and head to Harry’s Barn for a drink, but it’s clear Charlotte has a hidden agenda…
Tuesday April 1
Sharon’s attention soon turns to Vicki’s new partner Ross and his son Joel. Back at No.43, Vicki explains she has returned for Martin’s funeral before revealing that she and Spencer separated.
Alfie and Kat head to No.43, having learnt of Vicki’s return from Zack, but they are shocked when Spencer is nowhere to be seen.
Kat questions Vicki on her versions of events, and it’s not long before the true reason behind the breakup is revealed.
At Beales Eels, Kathy and Ian encourage Peter to make amends with Lauren, and he later proposes but Lauren declines. At No.45, Lauren explains to Peter and Kathy that she can’t accept.
At Harry’s Barn, Charlotte’s true intentions soon come to light when Bianca discovers she is a journalist. Bianca declines an offer of an interview regarding Reiss, but her interest is piqued.
Elsewhere, newcomer Joel introduces himself to Avani and Tommy.
Wednesday April 2
In the café, Ross urges Vicki to ask Sharon for money, but after a chat with Kathy about Sharon’s recent heartaches, Vicki rethinks and turns her interest to Ian. At Beales Eels, Vicki lies about her debt and asks Ian for a loan.
At the Boxing Den, Sharon accosts Vicki after being informed by Ian, but she quickly dismisses her concerns.
Peter heads back to No. 29A for a crisis talk with Lauren.
Bianca tells Sonia about the interview request, but Sonia is adamant it’s a bad idea.
Attentions soon turn to Bex who arrives ahead of Martin’s funeral. Bex asks Sonia to accompany her at the undertakers to say goodbye to Martin, but an overcome Sonia can’t bring herself to go.
Elsewhere, Joel continues to acquaint himself with the locals as Ross attempts to introduce himself to Vicki’s wider family.
Thursday April 3
Tensions rise on the day before Martin’s funeral, as Ruby accosts Jean in the café about Stacey’s whereabouts before heading to the undertakers to say an emotional goodbye to Martin.
Sonia agrees to accompany Bex to say goodbye to her dad, and the pair are joined by Kathy.
At Martin’s coffin, Kathy and Bex share in their grief as they offer up their personal tributes to Martin, but an overcome Sonia can’t bring herself to speak. Once alone, a heartbroken Sonia breaks down as she says her final goodbye…
At No.43, tensions rise between Sharon and Vicki. Later at No. 25, Linda gives Sharon some food for thought.
At the café, Bianca meets with Kat. Tommy deletes his online chatbot as his friendship with Joel continues to flourish, but it’s clear Alfie is unsure about their new bond.
