Peggy’s has been shuttered since the devastating crowd crush in EastEnders earlier this year – but next week is the dawn of a (yet another) new era for the Walford nightclub.
Earlier this month, Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) had set his eyes on buying the troubled venue to impress his son Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman).
However, Teddy will soon find he has some competition on his hands, as his ex-wife Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) makes a cheeky move to annoy him.
The week begins with Teddy trying to formalise his offer, but his attempt to lowball current owner Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) is not well received, and he tells Teddy there is another interested party.
Phil’s ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) tries to get him to see sense about the sale, wondering if he really wants to get rid of the place.
Dismissing Sharon’s concerns, Phil ploughs ahead despite the obvious impact letting go of Peggy’s is having on his mood.
Meanwhile, Nicola is having fun stirring things up for Teddy following her arrival in Walford.
Having bagged herself somewhere to stay, she decides to cause more of a headache for her ex-husband when she overhears him arranging to meet Phil to sign the sale paperwork.
Cornering Phil for a chat, is a last-minute offer about to leave Teddy gazumped?
‘Nicola is a woman who knows her mind and isn’t intimidated by anyone or anything,’ says actress Laura Doddington, who plays her.
‘She’s looking to see if she can turn any situation to her advantage.’
The most important question remains, however – just what will the new owner call the gaff formerly known as The Cobra Club, e20, Angie’s Den, Scarlet, R&R and Ruby’s?!
EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 11 November at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer.
