The Albert Square brat pack seek revenge on troubled Joel Marshall (Max Murray) in worrying EastEnders scenes next week.
Following his release from a stretch in a young offender’s institute for beating step-mum Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) unconscious, his peers have refused to welcome him back into the community. They’re convinced that he’s still entwined in a twisted online community of misogyny, and invite him to Walford park under false pretences.
While they celebrate the end of the school term, events quickly sour and he’s locked to a fence before being soaked in beer. But could this act of retribution have dire consequences for those responsible when local copper Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) learns all?
He’s got his own issues, as partner Denise Fox (Diane Parish) refuses to open up to him. Junior colleague Craig Ingram (Matthew James-Bailey) steps in to help with the work/home balance, but will everything go smoothly?
Plus, there’s a new love interest for Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Lauren Beale (Jacqueline Jossa) can’t resist temptation with Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) prepares for his stretch behind bars.
Here’s everything happening in EastEnders in week commencing Monday 20 July.
5 EastEnders spoilers for next week
1. The Walford teens seek revenge on Joel Marshall
Joel’s arrival continues to send shockwaves through the Square. Vicki finds it hard to cope with his presence, while dad Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) attempts to secure him a place in sixth form.
Joel quickly discovers that he is far from welcome, facing hostility from Nugget Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) and Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) at school before his dad steps in to calm the situation.
Tensions remain high at home as Vicki and Ross try to make sense of their predicament, only for Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) to add to their woes. A lonely Joel decides to flee and books a train out of Walford.
A small act of kindness from Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) changes everything. She invites him back to No. 31 after seeing him help Janet Mitchell (Grace), and listens as he speaks candidly about his time in prison. Yet his reprieve is short-lived, with Jean Slater (Gillian Wright), Amy and Avani interrupting the moment.
Ross eventually tracks Joel down at the tube station and persuades him to stay, much to Amy and Avani’s dismay.
Determined to teach Joel a lesson, the girls hatch a scheme. Luring him to Walford Park under the guise of an end-of-term celebration, they and their mates lock him to a fence, drench him in beer and record the humiliating ordeal.
2. Lauren Beale and Mark Fowler succumb to temptation
Relations between Lauren and Mark remain fraught, especially when she discovers he has failed to fit fake plates to the car he plans to sell illegally. Spotted by police during the handover, he panics and turns to her for help.
Their heated row at the lock-up gives way to a charged moment of passion, though Lauren quickly pulls back.
Back on the Square, Mark asks for a private meeting at the Boxing Den. Lauren arrives, but later makes a point of showing affection towards husband Peter (Thomas Law).
Ian soon senses that something is amiss and presses her for the truth, and when she insists that Peter is the man she loves, he’s forced to accept her explanation.
3. Denise Fox and Jack Branning’s relationship is strained by her inability to open up to him
Struggling to share her feelings, Denise Fox (Diane Parish) finds her relationship with Jack under increasing strain. He’s unsettled to be placed on compassionate leave, and learns that his current case will be handed to colleague Craig.
Advice from Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) encourages Jack to confront his emotions, while a visit to the hospital finally prompts Denise to open up about the loss of her friend Tiana. However, their honesty initially sparks further conflict before the pair ultimately find their way back to one another.
Their reconciliation is cut short when Jack receives an urgent call about the attack on Joel.
4. Linda Carter makes it her mission to save the community centre – and meets a new love interest
Linda’s second attempt at a sober dance class gets off to a rocky start, and her concerns soon turn to the future of the Walford Community Centre itself. Seeking guidance from Ian, she is introduced to local councillor Clive Masters (Jason Durr), with an immediate spark apparent between the pair.
Determined to save the venue, Linda gathers her friends to discuss fundraising ideas and is thrilled when Clive arrives to lend his support.
Later, celebrations at Peacock Palace see Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) notice the growing chemistry between Linda and Clive – and she wastes no time in playing cupid.
5. Ian Beale prepares to be sent down
Beginning to forgive himself, Ian agrees to a farewell drink that could mark his final night in Walford.
The Beales gather at Harry’s Barn to celebrate, but Chelsea Fox’s (Zaraah Abrahams) arrival raises awkward questions.
Ian slips away from the festivities, closely followed by Lauren, while Peter remains behind to defend his father.
Read more:
- EastEnders confirms Zoe Slater exit as legendary character tipped to be killed off
- EastEnders confirms Hollyoaks favourite cast as new detective for major Branning storyline
- EastEnders legend teases “dangerous” dynamic between Max Branning and Cindy Beale
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