BBC EastEnders spoilers: Lauren’s turmoil, ‘devastating’ Linda plot and Phil’s sad secret

There’s some concerning moments soon on EastEnders, with more than one character facing turmoil ahead of Christmas.

Three different characters worry their loved ones, with some “devastating” scenes on the way. As one character struggles amid their secret addiction, another’s battle is clear to see leading to disastrous scenes.

One resident is also hiding something sad, and as people get closer to the truth he finds himself unable to open up. These same three characters end up coming to together in a bid to support one of the trio, but will it work?

Phil Mitchell, who’s set to be part of a loneliness storyline, finds himself being exposed next month. Amid Nicola Mitchell causing trouble for her ex Teddy Mitchell and his new flame Sharon Watts, she makes a discovery and soon reports to Sharon.

Nicola is on a mission to wind Phil up, but as she heads to his house she’s left surprised by what she finds. Phil is furious to see her there, and she promises his secret is safe with her – but soon tells Sharon everything.

Phil denies what Nicola has claimed though, but soon enough people start to realise something is wrong. Sharon and Jay Brown’s attempts to get him to open up fall flat, with Phil feeling more isolated than ever.

As Jay tries to get to the bottom of it Phil lashes out, and he can’t find a way to confide in him. Later, Teddy goes over to extend his invite for Christmas Day again – but will he accept? Meanwhile, Lauren Branning is still using Cindy Beale’s latest antics to get her hands on some painkillers amid her become addicted to taking them.

But with her behaviour sparking concern with partner Peter Beale, she blames it on her pregnancy. Her snappy behaviour continues to worry her family, but when Lauren feels her baby kicking for the first time, she takes this as a sign – so will she get the help she needs?

Both Lauren and Phil find themselves supporting Linda Carter though amid their own problems, as she continues to hit the bottle after her alcoholism relapse. Her son Johnny Carter is devastated when his younger brother Ollie tells him disturbing details of Linda’s drunken behaviour.

When Linda gets drunk again and lashes out, Johnny confronts her but she turns on him and leaves for Sharon’s. As Sharon vows to help her friend, with Linda deciding to head home. A run-in with Bernadette Taylor leads to her trying to buy more booze though, and she ends up stealing it from the Minute Mart.

Alfie Moon alerts Johnny about this, before discovering that Sharon’s home has been broken into after Linda leaves the door open. As several characters try to get through to Linda about her drinking it only makes things worse, with Linda eventually agreeing to attend a meeting with Phil and Lauren.

Linda’s mother Elaine Peacock returns from her honeymoon and is told what’s gone on while she’s been away. However, after a “truly shocking and devastating day”, Elaine gives Linda a final ultimatum – but what is it, and what will Linda do?