Christmas is only weeks away which means the drama in Albert Square is heating up for an explosive festive season.
As expected, Walford is set for another explosive Christmas Day this year as Cindy (Michelle Collins) is set to tear the Beale family apart when a dark secret is exposed.
Let’s face it, it wouldn’t be the most wonderful time of the year in the BBC soap without one person being unmasked for their dirty secret, killed or doing a runner.
But before Christmas Day arrives, let’s take a look at all of the scandals taking place from Monday, December 9, as Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) starts ringing in that festive cheer.
READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say ‘they’re perfect together’ as they spot ‘frustrating’ detail
READ MORE: EastEnders’ Jacqueline Jossa drops six-word hint as she teases dramatic 40th anniversary
There’s a new couple in Walford
The week kicks off with Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) gearing up for the opening of the new bar, which she’s called ‘Harry’s Barn’, in a nod to her two boys Harry and Barney.
Meanwhile, her ex-husband Teddy (Roland Manookian) is besotted after spending the night with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and the new couple decide to tell their exes, but it doesn’t go down too well.
Upon hearing the news, Nicola is on a mission to wind Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) up, in hope of the hard man sabotaging his cousins new relationship with his ex-wife.
Later, the Mitchells gather at the bar for the all-important launch, and Teddy warns Nicola not to pull any more stunts.
However, after trying and failing to make Phil a co-conspirator in breaking up Teddy and Sharon, Nicola heads to No.55 to try again but she is surprised by what she finds.
Phil orders Nicola out, but she promises his secret is safe with her before telling Sharon everything. Nicola tries manipulating Sharon with what she has seen to drive a wedge between her and Teddy.
Worried, Sharon heads over to see ex-husband Phil, who brushes off Nicola’s story, but can see something is wrong.
Meanwhile, at Harry’s Barn, Nicola takes the opportunity to stir between Teddy and Sharon before dropping a bombshell – she’s changed and wants to put their marriage back together. Determined to keep up the pressure, Nicola calls on Phil, but her visit leaves Sharon furious.
Phil struggles
Later in the week, Sharon and Phil reveal to the Mitchells what Nicola’s been up to, but confrontation takes its toll on Phil who feels further isolated from the other Mitchells and Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) clocks it.
Jay pops over to see Phil, but the hardman has a tough time opening up. Teddy seeks Billy’s advice on how to make things right with Phil and later goes over to extend his invite for Christmas Day again. Will he accept? Or will Phil be spending Christmas all alone?
Ollie’s turmoil
Across the Square, Johnny Carter (Carlie Suff) is devastated when younger brother Ollie tells him disturbing details of Linda’s (Kellie Bright) drunken behaviour. The situation hits a new low when the Queen Vic landlady gets drunk again and slings some punters out of the pub as Ollie watches on.
Johnny confronts Linda about the impact of her drinking, but she turns on him, packs a bag and leaves before heading to Sharon’s. Following a showdown with Sharon, Linda heads home but on her way, she has a nasty encounter with Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris).
Heading to the Minute Mart, Linda tries to buy booze but when Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) won’t sell it to her, she just takes it.
Alfie reports back to Johnny before discovering that Sharon’s place has been broken into after Linda left the door open. Sharon arrives home to find she’s been robbed.
Elaine arrives home
After knocking back vodka, Linda is saved by Phil and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), who offer to attend a meeting and she agrees.
But when Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) returns from her honeymoon, a truly shocking and devastating day takes place.
Elaine realises that she can no longer enable Linda and gives her an ultimatum.
The Beale’s prepare for Christmas
Local businessman Ian is in his element when he excitedly presents the family with their outfits for the Beale’s Eels Santa float. But Cindy is no-where to be seen when she gets a better offer from Junior (Micah Balfour).
Peter Beale (Thomas Law) visits the car lot to see if Lauren is ok who soon blames being pregnant for her behaviour, but she later worries her family when she is snappy with Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).
However, when Lauren feels the baby kick for the first time, she takes this as a sign. Will Lauren manage to ditch her painkiller addiction?
Elsewhere, Martin Fowler (James Bye) goes to see his son Roman at the hospital but the nurse turns him away, having promised Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) to get rid of him.
When the doctor reveals a change in his condition, Ruby heads to Walford to find Martin, but his temper gets in the way of the former couple making peace. But he later returns to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) and Mo Harris (Laila Morse) help the men of Walford get camera-ready for a charity calendar photoshoot with a cheeky twist.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
