Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) takes a mysterious phone call in EastEnders next week, as he makes a plan to Walford permanently.

The newcomer makes quite an impression when he arrives with girlfriend Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) this week, with a number of residents wondering why she had separated from her long term partner Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker).

Following some questioning from Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), she is forced to come clean.

On the surface it seems that Ross – with son Joel (Max Murray) – have arrived to support Vicki at her uncle Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral.

However, before long, their ulterior motive is realised.

Ross urges Vicki to ask her sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) for some cash, but she feels guilty asking such a favour given she hasn’t seen her for the last two decades.

She also notes that Sharon has dealt badly with her grief for Martin, and has had a turbulent time with ex-husband Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) during his mental health battle.

With nowhere left to turn, she asks cousin Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) instead.

When Sharon discovers her monetary plight, she confronts Vicki for the truth, but she manages to dismiss her concerns.

On the eve of Martin’s funeral, tensions begin to rise between the women, but Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) gives her friend some food for thought.

Will Sharon agree to help her out?

In upcoming scenes, the two are distraught ahead of the service and try to find a way to get through the traumatic day.

Ross can see that Vicki is in a bad way, and suggests that he and Joel come along to support her.

Sharon reckons that it could be idea – he’d be coming face to face with Alfie again, and given his anger towards him, things could escalate again.

Realising that he should probably put things right, he apologises for upsetting Alfie, but makes it clear that he hasn’t forgotten what has happened.

Later, he takes a mysterious call with an unknown person, and decides to make it his mission to convinced Vicki that they should stick around in Albert Square for a while longer.

She isn’t sure it’s the right decision, and has already booked flights back to Australia.

Realising that it isn’t going to be an easy to win her over, he enlists Ian to persuade her, spelling out that Mark Jnr should be the one who supports her grieving mother Michelle, and not Vicki.

At the end of the week, Michelle calls Vicki – and it becomes clear that Ross’ plan has work.

What is he planning, and why is he so desperate not to return home?

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EastEnders’ Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) was forced to confess her shocking secret on Tuesday, after her crime threatened to split up Peter Beale (Thomas Law) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa). 

As fans of the BBC soap will know, back in February it was revealed that Kathy was the one who attacked Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and left her for dead on Christmas night after her affair with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) was exposed. 

While Cindy and Kathy’s son Ian (Adam Woodyatt) have been privy to the truth, the rest of the Beale and Knight families have remained in the dark about who the culprit was. 

Cindy is currently taking time out from Walford after inadvertently causing the Queen Vic explosion that killed Martin Fowler (James Bye). 

Earlier this week, Peter tried to track his mother down, causing him to miss a scan his pregnant girlfriend Lauren had at the hospital. 

As we returned to Walford on Tuesday, Peter decided to make it up to her by proposing – but in a shock turn, she declined. 

Lauren later explained that she is haunted by the possibility that she was the one who attacked Cindy, as she still does not remember her movements of the night in question. 

Fans will remember that shortly after Lauren exposed Cindy’s affair with Junior on Christmas night, she then downed a batch of painkillers Cindy supplied her with, causing her to lose her memory. 

As a guilt-ridden Kathy eavesdropped on Lauren and Peter’s conversation, she soon realised their relationship would not withstand if she did not speak up. 

She then confessed all to Lauren, who was gobsmacked to learn of the bombshell Kathy had been sat on. 

But what will Lauren do with the important information she has just learned? And will she be able to repair her relationship with Peter?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

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This article contains spoilers for tonight’s episode of EastEnders, which airs on BBC One at 7.30pm or can be streamed now on iPlayer.

Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) has made a grand return to Albert Square – but without her long-term partner Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker).

The character has arrived back to her old haunt after 21 years away, with it quickly becoming apparent that a lot has changed in her life during that time.

Arriving to represent her mum grieving Michelle (Susan Tully/Jenna Russell) at Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral, she had a lot of catching up to do with the locals.

Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) was delighted to see her sister after so long, but immediately questioned where Spencer was.

Vicki admitted that she had moved on with new fella Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) as a result of Spencer’s infidelity, but she wasn’t being exactly truthful.

Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) had heard on the grapevine that Vicki was back in Walford, and immediately struggled to accept the fact that his brother would cheat on her.

After a swift phone call, the truth was outed. She was the one who had cheated on him, with his best pal Ross!

But who is Spencer Moon, and where is actor Christopher Parker now?

Who is Spencer Moon in EastEnders?

Spencer Moon is the youngest brother of Alfie, and first appeared on 29th November 2002.

He came to live in the area with their grandmother Nana Moon (Hilda Braid) when Alfie took over the lease on The Queen Vic pub.

Both of his parents had been killed when he was young, and he was subsequently raised by Nana.

For a while he chased after Kelly Taylor (Brooke Kinsella), though the relationship was doomed when Alfie offered her some cash for a date night and she assumed Spencer was trying to buy her body.

He often brought trouble to Alfie’s door – one one occasion he sold stolen goods for Mickey Miller (Joe Swash), that led to Alfie being beaten up by gangsters.

Spencer was forced to move to Australia in 2004 when he was caught trying to retrieve drugs that had been stashed by cousin Danny Moon (Jake Maskall) in Pauline Fowler’s (Wendy Richard) house.

What happened between Spencer and Vicki in EastEnders?

Childhood sweethearts Vicki and Spencer first met when she (then played by Scarlett Alice Johnson) arrived from the Florida to live with her grandmother Pauline in 2003.

The stalwart was less than impressed to see that the two were spending so much time together, and ordered him out of the house when he was invited for coffee (or cawfee, as young Vicki pronounced it!)

Following a one night stand, Vicki fell pregnant but didn’t want to keep the child.

Sharon – who believed she was infertile – offered her younger sister a whopping £10k so that she could raise it as her own, but she decided to have an abortion.

Spencer was left devastated, as he believed he was ready to be a father. His resentment didn’t last long, as they soon reconciled when their vehicle broke down on the Scottish moors.

Whilst they never fully made amends, it was revealed many years later that they had reconnected in Australia and were planning to open a bar together.

Where is actor Christopher Parker now?

Former actor Christopher, 41, first appeared in an uncredited part in soap opera London’s Burning.

He was also a stunt double in 2002’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Christopher made it through to the final of the first ever series of Strictly Come Dancing over two decades ago, and also was a regular presenter on CBBC with Fearne Cotton.

Other presenting roles included CD:UK, MTV News, Radio Disney and as entertainment reporter on ITV’s This Morning.

He also appeared in the second series of BBC drama Hotel Babylon, and presented Soap Star Bingo on the then new Gala Bingo TV Channel in 2009.

His last TV appearance was on a celebrity version of Total Wipeout, filmed in Argentina in 2010.

Christopher retired from acting and took on a law degree, and now works as a senior consultant at London-based law firm Ignition Law.

His work website profile notes that he specialises in ‘negotiating and concluding contracts on behalf of high profile television presenters and mainstream broadcasters’ as well as drafting social media marketing agreements for influencers.

It also says that he represent individuals in other sectors of the media industry.

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If you’re a Call The Midwife fan, you might just have recognised a familiar face that has popped up in EastEnders this week. 

Recent scenes saw a mysterious woman befriending Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) in Beale’s Eels, as they bonded over a negative review she’d left owner Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) online. 

However, after suggesting a drink at the nearby Harry’s Barn with Bianca, it soon became clear she had a hidden agenda. 

In Tuesday’s episode of the BBC soap, which is already streaming on iPlayer, the woman is revealed to be a journalist and podcaster. 

She is hoping to persuade Bianca to appear on her show and give the inside scoop on her recent hostage ordeal at the hands of twisted killer Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman). 

Charlotte is played by actress Leonie Elliott, who is perhaps best known for her role in Call The Midwife. 

She played beloved nurse Lucille Anderson in the hit BBC drama from 2018 to 2023. 

Lucille was last seen on Call The Midwife before returning home to Jamaica to recuperate following a miscarriage and later accepted a job on a maternity ward there. 

Following her exit from the show, Leonie said in a statement: ‘Thank you all for embracing Lucille and rocking with me on this journey, it is with a heart full of love and appreciation that I embark on pastures new.

‘Having spent six years on a truly wonderful show, with a fantastic team, I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with Lucille.’

She continued: ‘I feel honoured to have represented the pioneering Windrush generation and their incredible impact on British society.’

Fans had an update on the character earlier this year when Lucille’s husband Cyril Robinson revealed she’d asked him for a divorce.

As well as her role in Call The Midwife, Leonie has had guest parts in Holby City, Casualty, The Bill and Black Mirror, and also appeared in 2018 BBC drama Killed By My Debt.

It remains to be seen how the rest of Leonie’s EastEnders role pans out – but after Bianca agrees to be interviewed on Charlotte’s podcast, is it a decision she will live to regret?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.

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Two new characters have arrived in Walford in EastEnders, and one of them is played by a very familiar face.

Alex Walkinshaw is no stranger to soapland, but it’s been a little while since he’s been on our screens.

He’s now playing Ross Marshall, father of Joel (Max Murray) and partner to Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). The three characters are in Albert Square ahead of Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral, following his death in February.

It didn’t take us very long to learn Vicki and Ross are hiding a secret surrounding money, sparking another reason for their arrival.

Here, we take a look at Ross star Alex Walkinshaw’s history in the world of soap, and where you’ve seen him before.

Who is Alex Walkinshaw and who did he play in The Bill?

Alex is a 50-year-old actor from Barking. He bagged his first credit in the industry way back in 1990, when he played ‘Older Boy’ in a TV film called Death in Venice.

Alex became best known for playing Sgt. Dale Smith in popular drama The Bill. Also called Smithy, the character was on our screens from 1992-2010.

Smithy was involved in a great deal of drama at Sun Hill, including being held hostage, getting jailed for three months, and being stabbed.

Who did Alex play in Holby City and Casualty?

Alex is also known for playing the character of Adrian Fletcher in Casualty and Holby City.

The nurse, often referred to as Fletch was a single father and was regularly involved in storylines that saw him attempt to juggle working in the NHS and being a dad.

Fans also grew to love Fletch’s friendship with Jac Naylor (Rosie Marcel). The two characters explored their chemistry at one point, but Jac broke Fletch’s heart (and ours) when she said they couldn’t ever be together.

Holby City ended in 2022, with the final episode strongly focusing on Jac, who died after her brain tumour diagnosis.

What else has Alex been in?

Away from The Bill and Holby City, fans will also recognise Alex as Jez Diamond, from BBC One school-based drama Waterloo Road.

Shortly after Holby City ended, he featured in an episode of Midsomer Murders.

EastEnders star Louisa Lytton has confirmed she has filmed her final scenes as Ruby Allen. 

The actress reprised her role as the controversial character last year, sending shockwaves through the Square when it was revealed she had secretly given birth to a child by ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) during her three years away from Walford.

Since her return in November, Ruby had reunited with Martin, but he perished in the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion in February. 

With Martin’s funeral set to air next week, Ruby still remains in the dark that Martin confessed his feelings for ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) in his dying moments, and the two women are set for a huge showdown next week.

However, the curtain will soon come down on Ruby’s latest stint in Albert Square, with Louisa confirming: ‘I left EastEnders a couple of weeks ago.

‘I was only back for six months, to tie in with the 40th [anniversary] and Martin’s exit.

‘It’s always good to come and go – I never see it as a big thing when I leave because I can be back again. It’s all been left open,’ she added (via The Sun). 

Louisa originally played the teenage daughter of Walford gangster Johnny Allen (Billy Murray) between 2005 and 2006. 

She then made a surprise return after more than a decade in 2018, sticking around on the Square for three years. 

She was carted off to prison in 2021 after Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) framed her after discovering someone had been growing a cannabis farm in the Slaters’ garage. 

It was revenge for Ruby having Jean’s daughter Stacey falsely imprisoned, claiming she attacked her during a showdown that led to Ruby miscarrying her unborn baby. 

After leaving EastEnders again in the coming weeks, Louisa’s next role will see her appear in a touring production of A Girl on the Train.

She will be playing the lead role of Rachel Watson between 15 April and 31 May.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

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This article contains spoilers for Tuesday’s episode of EastEnders, which is already streaming on BBC iPlayer. 

EastEnders has revealed Vicki Fowler’s (Alice Haig) real reason for returning to Walford after 20 years. 

The character was last seen in 2004 when she departed for Australia with Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker). 

However, she made a surprise comeback on Monday ahead of her uncle Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral, with Alice Haig taking over the role from previous actress Scarlett Alice Johnson. 

However, there was immediate intrigue about Vicki’s family set-up as she was reunited with half-sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) on Tuesday. 

Questions were soon asked about Spencer’s whereabouts as she introduced her new partner Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and his son Joel (Max Murray).

After initially lying and claiming Spencer had cheated on her, she was eventually forced to reveal that it was actually her who had destroyed their relationship by having an affair with his friend Ross. 

This revelation was much to the ire of Sharon and Spencer’s brother Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), who both had no idea Vicki and Spencer had even broken up. 

Vicki soon sought to try and build bridges, but when she was left alone with Ross, it wound up that the couple have an ulterior motive for being back in the UK. 

A tense conversation revealed they are in debt, with Ross pushing Vicki to ask Sharon for cash. 

But what is the cause of their money woes, and is there more to the story?

Meanwhile, Martin is set to be laid to rest in emotional scenes next week. 

His ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), who he secretly reunited with on his death bed, is back in town after spending some time away with her brother Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) – but she is still struggling to process the death of her one true love. 

She will once again find herself at odds with Martin’s partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton), who still has no idea that Martin and Stacey had made plans to remarry before his death. 

With tensions between the two women at boiling point and Vicki also hiding a massive secret, will Martin’s farewell go off without a hitch?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

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It’s set to be a week of high emotions and bitter showdowns in EastEnders as the residents of Walford prepare to say goodbye to Martin Fowler (James Bye) next week. 

Forthcoming scenes will see the beloved fruit and veg trader laid to rest after he perished in the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion in February. 

Martin’s struggling ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) has been absent from the Square in recent weeks, having reunited secretly with Martin in his final moments and made plans to remarry. 

On Monday, Stacey is in a bad way as she returns home, which is the catalyst for more rows and tension with her daughter Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) and Martin’s partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton). 

The week begins with an unravelling Stacey rolling home drunk, much to the fury of Lily, who has been trying to support her grieving younger siblings.

‘She feels terrible but all she wants to do is escape how she’s feeling so she’s drinking to forget, explains Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey. ‘Poor Lily ends up stepping up to look after her brothers and sister, which makes her really angry with Stacey.’

Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) steps up to try to help Stacey sober up but is dismayed when Stacey tells her that she can’t face the funeral.

After Martin’s loved ones gather to say their final goodbyes during the emotionally charged service, Ruby’s anger and resentment towards Stacey builds.

At the wake, emotions bubble over and later an explosive showdown between the two women at the allotment. 

During the row, some revelations could destroy any hope of peace between them. 

Meanwhile, Lily hits the bottle with encouragement from Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James). When Stacey then finds her drunk, she tries to make amends with her daughter, but her efforts are in vain. 

Later, Stacey is horrified to discover Martin’s stall has been set on fire and launches a hunt to find out who is responsible for the cruel act.

While Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) warns her to leave it to the police, she’s soon convinced she has all the evidence she needs to confront the person she suspects is the culprit.

As tensions reach boiling point, Ruby makes the huge decision to leave Walford, believing the situation between her and Stacey becomes intolerable. 

‘It’s such an awkward situation,’ Lacey says. ‘Stacey has tried to keep the truth from Ruby, so she doesn’t get hurt, but it’s hard not to feel resentful of her. 

‘Any little thing can lead to an argument.’

Stacey’s mum Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) advises her to stop fighting and start healing, but when Stacey goes to find Ruby to talk, Zack Hudson (James Farrar) reveals that she’s already left…

Will the two women miss their chance to finally find some closure between them?

EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 7 April at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.

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EastEnders’ Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) is dealt a devastating blow in the wake of Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral next week, when his fruit and veg stall is set alight.

The beloved resident died as a result of crush syndrome in the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion in February, and the community has been torn apart as a result.

Battling her emotions – and the fact Martin confessed his love for her in the moments prior to his death – Stacey has since left the area to stay with brother Sean. 

Martin’s partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton), who has no idea of the conversation, has begrudged her for fleeing at a time when she is needed most.

She’s been left to tackle the funeral preparations alone, fighting off suggestions from Stacey’s mum Jean Slater (Gillian Wright).

In upcoming scenes, the day has arrived to lay Martin to rest, and his nearest and dearest are preparing themselves for a rollercoaster of emotions.

Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) are distraught ahead of the service, with the latter’s boyfriend Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) deciding to accompany her – despite Sharon’s advice, given the frosty reception he got from Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).

At the Slater residence, youngster Lily (Lillia Turner) is attempting to support her younger siblings, when Stacey arrives home… and she’s drunk.

Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) turns up and attempts to sober her up, offering a shoulder to cry on. She’s taken aback when Stacey reveals that she can’t face attending the funeral.

Lily tries to put the hurt she feels towards her mother for the sake of the day’s events, as the mourners celebrate his life.

At the wake, Ruby’s resentment towards Stacey reaches breaking point, and an argument soon ensues when the women come face to face at the allotment.

Revelations are exposed, and any chance of a reconciliation between them is blown to smithereens.

Elsewhere, Lily is struggling more than ever and turns to her friend Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) for support.

With some encouragement from her pal, Lily hits the bottle, and Stacey is horrified to stumble across her drunken daughter. When they return home, Stacey’s olive branch goes unappreciated, and it becomes clear that the road to recovery for the pair will take longer than expected.

After a turbulent day, matters just get worse and worse.

Flames begin to climb from Martin’s market stall, as Stacey watches on in horror.

His loved ones gather to see what is left of the cart, as Stacey swears to Lily that she will find out who is responsible and won’t let them get away with it.

Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) assures her that his team are across the situation and asks her to leave it to them to deal with, but she becomes convinced that she has enough evidence to point the finger.

Who will Stacey blame?

As the week goes on, Ruby decides that the time has come for her to leave Albert Square. There is no turning back after her altercation with Stacey, and she needs a fresh start.

Jean pleads with her daughter to make amends, but when she finally caves, she learns that Ruby has already left.

Will Stacey ever find closure over Martin’s death?

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EastEnders’ Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) feared being cancelled after making grotesque remarks to recently traumatised Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) and Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer). 

The sisters both had an ordeal at the hands of twisted killer Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman), who smothered his comatose wife Debbie to death and let Sonia take the fall for it, before then holding Bianca hostage after she found out the truth. 

On Monday’s episode, Sonia and Bianca headed to Beale’s Eels to enjoy a lunchtime promotion on offer for Mother’s Day, where mums could eat free. 

And never one to turn down a good deal, Bianca made the most of the offer – but they were left shocked at owner Ian’s comments towards them. 

First off, he made a vile remark about Sonia breastfeeding her newborn daughter Julia in the restaurant, much to her ire. 

He then made a quip about Bianca dreaming up how she could use her hostage ordeal to solicit freebies out of business people like him, leaving her disgusted. 

Ian’s comments were overheard by a fellow diner, who stuck up for Sonia and Bianca. 

She then revealed that she had left a negative online review about Beale’s Eels, which also noted how Ian had his own mum Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) and pregnant daughter-in-law Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) working there on Mother’s Day. 

Upon finding the review online, Ian was left fearing he would be ‘cancelled’ for his behaviour, but was given some food for thought from grandson Louie. 

Meanwhile, the woman approached Bianca and Sonia in the street outside, where they shared their disgust at Ian’s comments. 

Bianca then agreed to grab a drink with her nearby – but it soon became apparent the woman had a hidden agenda, secretly taking a call to tell an accomplice they were ‘in’. 

Spoilers have already revealed the woman is a journalist who will be seen trying to get the inside scoop on Reiss.

Will Bianca spill the beans?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

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Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) has made a grand return to EastEnders, but who is she, and how is she related to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean)?

The character swanned back into Walford after two decades away in today’s episode, alongside new partner Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and his son Joel (Max Murray).

Arriving to represent her mum Michelle (Susan Tully/Jenna Russell) at Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral, it soon becomes clear that the trio have an ulterior motive.

The three will become regular faces in Albert Square – but this isn’t the first time that Vicki has lived in London.

Despite spending years in Australia, and growing up in Florida, she was born in the area and spent a number of her teenage years here.

As it’s been a while since we last saw her, you may have some questions about how she came to be, and who her family are in the East End.

Who are Vicki Fowler’s parents?

Vicki is the daughter of Michelle Fowler and Dirty Den Watts (Leslie Grantham).

She was born as a result of a controversial teenage pregnancy storyline in 1986, but viewers weren’t privy to who her father was at the time.

A number of potential baby daddies were lined up, including Michelle’s cousin Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and friend Kelvin Carpenter (Paul J Medford).

Ahead of the big reveal, we saw Tony Carpenter (Oscar James), Ali Osman (Nejdet Salih), Andy O’Brien (Ross Davidson) – and Dirty Den – all answering a phone call that seemed to be from Michelle, asking to meet up on the canal path.

In a huge shock, Den’s trusty pooch Roly emerged from his car, revealing him to be the father.

How is Vicki Fowler related to Sharon Watts?

Sharon’s parents are Carol Hanley (Sheila White) and Gavin Sullivan (Paul Nicholas), though she was adopted by Den and his wife Angie (Anita Dobson).

This makes Sharon the adoptive half-sister of Vicki.

It wasn’t until after Den’s apparent death in 1989 that Michelle confessed the paternity to Sharon – and she didn’t take the news lightly!

Why has Vicki Fowler returned to EastEnders?

Aside from her uncle Martin’s funeral, it seems that Vicki has landed herself in some monetary issues.

There’s a huge shock for Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) and Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) when they realise she is no longer in a relationship with Alfie’s brother Spencer (Christopher Parker), and the truth of the situation soon comes to light.

Before long, new fella Ross pleads with Vicki to ask Sharon for some cash.

Guilt-ridden, she turns to Ian instead, but word soon spreads back to Sharon and serious questions are asked.

Why is Vicki so desperate for cash?

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Former EastEnders star James Bye has revealed he turned down a request from the soap over his character Martin Fowler’s forthcoming funeral. 

The beloved fruit and veg trader died in the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion in February, shortly after sharing a romantic reunion with ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) in the rubble of the pub. 

The Walford residents are currently making final preparations for Martin’s funeral next week, with his sister Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) and daughter Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield) set to return home to say their final goodbyes. 

In a bid to make the funeral scenes more realistic, James revealed that the EastEnders art department asked to be able to use some of his real-life photos – but he turned them down.

Speaking about the funeral, he said: ‘I’m not sure I want to watch my own cremation, if that’s what it turns out to be. I won’t record it. But I might catch it when it’s on.

‘If I’m honest, I’d find it a bit weird. The art department were asking for pictures of me to put in the order of service. But I said no. 

‘I don’t want real photographs of me at my funeral, with my real family cut out,’ he added to The Mirror. 

James has been married to wife Victoria since 2012 and they have four sons together – 10-year-old Edward, eight-year-old Louis, Hugo, 5, and one-year-old Rufus. 

James also discussed agreeing to have Martin killed off during the live episode for the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary after a meeting with then-boss Chris Clenshaw. 

‘I’m attracted to fear, so I agreed,’ he said. 

‘It just felt the right time and there were a lot of other things I wanted to do as an actor. It was sad to say goodbye and in an incredibly special live episode, something I’ll never get to do again in my life.’

James took over the role of Martin Fowler when the character returned to Walford after a seven-year absence in 2014. 

Child actor Jon Peyton-Price played him from his birth in 1985 to 1996, with James Alexandrou then taking over until his exit in 2007. 

Following his EastEnders exit, James will soon be treading the boards in a new production of Death Comes To Pemberley. 

He will take on the role of Mr Darcy from May 1 to June 28 at The Mill at Sonning from 1 May to 28 June, before then touring around the UK.

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This article contains spoilers about Monday’s EastEnders, which is already available to stream on BBC iPlayer. 

EastEnders’ Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) was forced to come clean about her liaison with Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) to his devastated brother Phil (Steve McFadden) on Monday. 

Last month, Sharon and Grant took a trip back to the 1990s when they hooked up as he supported his ex-wife through her grief for close friend Martin Fowler (James Bye). 

At the same time, Sharon’s other ex-husband, and Grant’s brother, Phil was spending time in a mental health facility following a devastating suicide attempt. 

Sharon was left concerned about the impact on Phil if he was to ever find out, but her secret has been a ticking timebomb ever since Teddy and Nicola Mitchell (Roland Manookian and Laura Doddington) uncovered the truth. 

With Phil having since been discharged, he has returned to Walford with a new lease of life, having also realised his residual feelings for Sharon. 

On Monday, words from Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) and Denise Fox (Diane Parish) finally gave him the courage to open up to Sharon about how he still loves her. 

As Sharon reciprocated, the pair had an emotional reunion and kissed, as Phil also shared candid details of his mental health struggle. 

However, Phil’s vulnerability led to heartbreak when Sharon sensed she needed to be honest with Phil about Grant if their relationship was to work this time around. 

Phil was devastated by the bombshell, but his tears soon turned to anger as he ordered Sharon out of his house, telling her she was not family. 

But Sharon was then hit with a further shock when a taxi pulled up on the Square with an unexpected visitor from her past inside…

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

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EastEnders’ Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) is completely broken as she says a heartbreaking goodbye to ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) this week. 

The beloved fruit and veg trader was killed in the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion last month when a steal beam fell from the ceiling and trapped him. 

As he and his other ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) confessed their love for one another, he later died with her by his side when the beam was lifted and toxins flooded his system. 

Sonia has also been through her own trauma of late, with her fiancé Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) let her take the fall for killing his comatose wife Debbie, before taking her sister Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) hostage when she uncovered the truth.

Sonia then gave birth to their child in the ruins of The Vic, just moments after Reiss was killed by a falling bathtub in the aftermath of the explosion. 

As Martin’s funeral approaches, Sonia and Bianca are cornered by a mysterious woman next week, who later turns out to be a journalist hoping to secure an interview. 

While Bianca is tempted to speak to her, Sonia tries to convince her it is a bad idea. But her attention is diverted elsewhere when her and Martin’s daughter Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield) arrives home for her dad’s funeral. 

Bex soon asks her mum to accompany her at the undertakers to say goodbye to Martin, but an overcome Sonia can’t bring herself to go.

The following day, Sonia finds the inner strength to go, and she and Bex are joined by Martin’s aunt Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth). 

At Martin’s coffin, Kathy and Bex share in their grief as they offer up their personal tributes to Martin, but an Sonia in unable to speak. 

But once alone, a heartbroken Sonia breaks down as she says her final goodbye…

There are set to be more emotional scenes next week when Martin’s loved ones gather for his funeral. 

Pictures from on-location filming have revealed many characters in tears as they bid their farewells, including the recast Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). 

EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 31 March at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

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Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) decides to take a chance on love in EastEnders next week as he opens up to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) about how he really feels about her.

The Walford legend, as viewers know, recently discharged himself from a mental health unit after a battle with depression, which saw him attempt to take his own life.

His return to the Square proved difficult, with the hard-man admitting that discussing his feelings with his loved ones has been one of the hardest parts of his recovery.

Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), however, were both understanding and encouraged him to tell Sharon how he feels about her.

In emotional scenes on Monday (March 31), Phil comes to realise just how much Sharon cares about him after she organises a special Mother’s Day get-together for him, with the mothers of all his kids in attendance.

This comes after Nigel, who has been diagnosed with dementia, gets confused and believes Phil has gone missing, which sparks momentary panic.

Phil covers for his friend and enjoys a special afternoon with loved ones, which leads him to open up to his beloved Sharon about how she is his one true love.

The news leaves Sharon in shock but, as confirmed in new pictures of the scene in question, the former flames share a warm moment together.

The question is: does Sharon still feel the same? Is she also keen for a reunion with her former beau?

The former Queen Vic landlady recently ended her relationship with Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) after spending the night with ex Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) – which Phil is still currently in the dark about.

Is she ready to embark on a new relationship with Phil? Or has their moment passed?

EastEnders airs these scenes Monday March 31 or stream first from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

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Former EastEnders star Danny Dyer has admitted one storyline in particular impacted his decision to leave the BBC One soap.

Danny played the character of Mick Carter until 2022. During his final scenes, Mick was involved in a showdown with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks).

Prior to this, Mick had been in a relationship with Janine, with the last part of his storyline ultimately focusing on her desperation to be with him, and Mick coming to the realisation Linda is his one true love.

Mick disappeared as a result of being swept out to sea. Afterwards, Janine was sent to prison, and eventually gave birth to his child behind bars.

Why did Danny Dyer leave EastEnders?

Reflecting on Mick’s relationship with Janine, star Danny Dyer recently admitted it was a ‘mad’ storyline.

In an episode of Rob Beckett’s Smart TV on Sky, he said: ‘Mick’s got a kid with Janine, how mad is that? That’s why I left, they f***ing put me with Janine, I thought I’ve got to f**k off.’

‘It’s the truth!’, he added as the audience laughed.

Last year, Danny joined a variety of famous faces in the Disney+ show Rivals.

Danny played a character called Freddie in the show, who ended up having a secret fling with Lizzie, played by Katherine Parkinson.

After a decade starring as Mick Carter on one of the UK’s biggest soaps, Danny is no stranger to criticism of his acting.

The influx of praise for his stint in Rivals hasn’t gone unnoticed, calling this ‘revelation’ that he can act ‘slightly insulting’.

‘I’m just riding the wave of it at the moment,’ the Marching Powder star shared with us, revealing his involvement with the Disney Plus show was a bit ‘last minute’.

Danny didn’t have much preparation time and ‘was reading [the script] as we were shooting, going “Oh my god, this is so clever”.’

He jokes it ‘could have gone two ways’, either people got it or it would just be ‘there’s Danny Dyer in a wig’ – thankfully it was a smash hit.

This article was originally published on March 7, 2025.

Arriving back in Walford for Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral next week, it soon becomes clear that Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) has an ulterior motive.

It’s been twenty years since she was last in the area, and a lot has changed in that time.

Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) gets a huge surprise when her half-sister shows up in a black cab, just moments after a heart to heart with ex-husband Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).

She’s immediately thrown to see her after so long, but has questions as to why she’s not joined by long-term partner Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker).

Instead, new man Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) is on her arm, and his teenage son Joel (Max Murray) is in tow.

Word soon spreads about Vicki’s return, and, under the belief that Spencer will be with her, his brother Alfie (Shane Richie) and his girlfriend Kat (Jessie Wallace) dart around to see them.

They’re shocked to learn that they have separated, and when Kat casts doubt over whether Vicki is telling the whole truth, she is forced to come clean with the whole story.

As the week goes on, Joel acquaints himself with the local youngsters, whilst Ross tries his best to get to know the Beale family.

Before that, he has a more pressing matter. Sitting down for a cuppa with Vicki, he asks her whether she’s found opportunity to ask Sharon for money yet.

She’s unsure whether it’s an appropriate time, after hearing from Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) about how much Sharon has struggled in the wake of Martin’s death.

Desperately needing a solution, she confronts her distant cousin Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and asks for a loan from him instead.

Why does Vicki need the cash?

Later, Sharon learns from Ian about Vicki’s big ask, and confronts her over the matter. Vicki quickly dismisses any concerns, and wriggles her way out of an awkward situation.

What is she hiding?

On whether Vicki can be trusted, Alice Haig told us: ‘You’re speaking to the wrong person because of course I think Vicki can be trusted.’

‘I think Vicki is one of those characters that is a good person who often gets herself into bad situations.

‘What I will say is that not everything is quite as it seems, and with Vicki in general, I would say she responds from quite an emotional place and over the course of the next few weeks.

‘That response is going to get her into some sticky situations.’

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Dan Osborne has made a sweet declaration for Jacqueline Jossa after announcing the end of their eight-year marriage.

The EastEnders actress, 32, and her former Towie star husband, 33, announced earlier this month that their relationship was over, after claims the pair were living separately.

Jacqueline, who shares daughters Ella, 10, and Mia, six, with Dan, received high praise from him this weekend as he posted a tribute on Mother’s Day.

Taking to his Instagram Story, the ex-Celebrity Big Brother housemate tagged her alongside a photo of her with their daughters.

‘Our girls are lucky to have you as their mummy’, he penned.

The snap showed Jacqueline sitting in their shared kitchen surrounded by various gifts, including a huge bouquet of flowers, a Gucci box, and chocolates.

Dan’s post comes after Jacqueline was pictured spending a ‘secret night’ at his new home, with reports claiming that the pair have an ‘open-door policy’ as they navigate the separation.

A source told The Sun: ‘Jacqueline and Dan still really care about each other and have a lot of history. They’ve been spending a lot of time together as they navigate co-parenting and looking after their kids.

‘Even though they have separate homes, they’ve got an open-door policy. They’ve been getting on really well and carrying on family life like normal.

‘There is no one else involved, and they’re working together as a team for the sake of their kids. They’ll be seen together a lot as they navigate the situation.’

The former couple have been forced to quash breakup rumours on numerous occasions over recent years, including on several occasions when he was accused of cheating.

However, after reports that their marriage was on the rocks, it was confirmed that Dan and Jacqueline were parting ways.

A statement confirmed: ‘Jacqueline and Dan are handling things privately, choosing to keep their lives and relationship out of the public eye.’

It added: ‘They kindly ask for respect and privacy as they navigate this together.

‘Their children remain their top priority, surrounded by love and care from both parents—something that will never change.

‘Above all, Jacqueline and Dan have each other’s and their children’s best interests at heart. There will be no further comment.’

Dan, who was reportedly already moved out of their family home, headed to West Sussex to play in Sellebrity Soccer at Bognor Regis Town FC, where he was named man of the match.

It was later claimed by MailOnline that the pair split after he bought a house in Essex last year, which, according to a source, left her feeling ‘betrayed’ as it had ‘reignited old trust issues’.

Dan has previously spoken out on their past scandals, after it was alleged that he was unfaithful during their marriage.

He candidly told The Sun: ‘I’ve made mistakes, yeah. I’ve done things I shouldn’t have done. Me and Jac have spoken about that, and she has forgiven me.

‘I know in the past I’ve denied things when they’re not true, then when something has been true, I probably just kept my mouth shut. I was a different person.

‘I take full responsibility for being c**p.’

Metro has contacted representatives for Jacqueline and Dan for further comment.

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Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) confesses his adoration for ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) in EastEnders next week.

It’s been 33 years since they first got together, and with them basically living on one another’s doorsteps, it’s no surprise that Phil is still harbouring feelings.

Ever since the Sharongate scandal that saw their initial affair exposed by Phil’s brother Grant (Ross Kemp) – who was married to Sharon at the time – viewers of the BBC soap have been torn between which brother she should choose.

They wed in 2014, but divorced six years later after Phil caused the boat crash that killed her son Denny.

Last year a reconciliation was teased when the pair locked lips following an emotionally charged conversation.

Over a glass of wine, Sharon confessed being part of Keanu Taylor’s (Danny Walters) Christmas Day murder.

Clasping her hand as she broke down, he assured her that he could’ve helped her and the other five women responsible if she’d come clean earlier.

Fearing that their son Albie would be left without both parents should the police become involved, she had declined to open up.

Sharon suggested they were soul mates, and Phil was quick to agree. Everything that had come before them was water under the bridge.

They then locked lips, but nothing more has been said about the romance since.

She moved on with Phil’s cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) – and although things were going swimmingly, she couldn’t resist jumping into bed with Grant when he made a grand return last month.

The pair reflected on their collective history, but the passion was too much to resist and they soon embraced one another.

She then became worried that Phil, who has been receiving mental health care in a psychiatric facility, would find out. In an attempt to make some damage control, she headed to confess all to Teddy.

Before she got the opportunity to admit her infidelity, his son Barney (Lewis Bridgeman) spilled instead.

Now, with Phil out of hospital, she faces the prospect of him finding out.

In upcoming scenes, Sharon is delighted to receive a Mother’s Day gift from Albie and her brother Zack Hudson (James Farrar), but her enjoyment is cut short by some troubling news.

Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) arrives and alerts her to the fact that Phil has gone missing.

A search party soon gathers, with Sharon, Nigel and Denise Fox (Diane Parish) reporting his disappearance – as a vulnerable person – to the police.

Soon, Phil arrives home and it becomes clear that Nigel has become confused as a result of his young-onset dementia.

Phil manages to cover for him, but Sharon is unconvinced and decides to enlist Denise and Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) to lift her ex’s spirits.

He’s thrown by the emotional gesture, and after a pep talk from Denise and Nigel, Phil decides to confess his true feelings to Sharon once they’re alone.

Unfortunately, their conversation is soon cut short by a returning Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) – dragging Sharon’s attention away.

Will she reciprocate Phil’s feelings?

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EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy has confirmed that the door is not totally closed on Sonia Fowler as she steps away from the beloved soap.

The 41-year-old actress announced her departure earlier this year, having starred as Sonia since she was a child.

Her character has had an absolute whirlwind after she was sent to prison to await trial for a murder she didn’t commit, before discovering that partner Reiss Colwell was the true culprit – and all while pregnant!

During the 40th-anniversary live episode, Sonia gave birth to daughter Julia in dramatic scenes.

Appearing on Saturday Kitchen today, Natalie spoke about her time on the show and the possibility of a return.

When asked if she was missing the show, the actress replied: ‘Not yet, it feels like I’m sort of on a break because I’ve only been gone about a month or so.’

Joking that she ‘wasn’t killed off’, Natalie shared: ‘I’m very, very grateful that the door’s been left open. I really am.

‘You never know. But it’s nice to rest characters as well.

Speaking of her extensive history with the soap, she continued: ‘Sonia’s been around since 1993. People have grown up with her, you know. It’s nice to have a rest.’

Fans will remember she previously took an eight-year break between two 12 year stints on EastEnders.

‘Who knows, maybe another eight years now,’ she teased.

For Natalie, fame was never something she sought after which is why she believes she is so ‘down to earth’.

‘I’ve never known any different. Can’t remember really not being recognised or being chatted to it just sort of is what it is,’ she explained.

She previously told Bella Magazine she was just ‘ready for a change’ and the show couldn’t ‘cater’ to her need to do other projects.

Over the years, Natalie has taken breaks from the show, having first appeared on the show at just 10 years old.

Outside of EastEnders, the icon has been releasing three different podcasts and recording a TV series.

Meanwhile, on the soap, Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and Sonia are only just starting to piece their lives back together following their ordeals.

EastEnders airs weeknights at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.

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EastEnders’ Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) may have left Walford to lick her wounds after the dramatic events of the 40th anniversary, but she continues to haunt her family next week. 

Last month, Cindy was stunned to learn that it was ex-mother-in-law Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) who had attacked her and left her for dead after her affair with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) was exposed at Christmas. 

In her bid for revenge, Cindy shot Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), before pushing him in front of Reiss Colwell’s car. This caused him to swerve and crash into the Queen Vic, sparking an explosion that resulted in Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) death. 

In the aftermath, Cindy eventually agreed not to shop Kathy to the police, and told the rest of the Knights and the Beales she was leaving to stay with her best friend Gita. 

However, she swore to Junior that she would return for revenge on her unwitting family.

There’s an ominous update on Cindy’s whereabouts next week as anticipation builds for her return. 

As the day of Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Peter Beale’s (Thomas Law) baby scan arrives, Peter is distracted taking a phone call. 

He’s concerned for Cindy when Gita informs him his mum has gone AWOL, and misses the scan as a result. 

This spells huge trouble for his relationship with Lauren, who is angry that Cindy continues to haunt their family. 

At Beales Eels, Kathy and Ian encourage Peter to make amends with Lauren, and he decides it’s time to propose. 

He’s devastated when Lauren then declines, as she later explains her reasons to a guilt-ridden Kathy. 

Will Lauren and Peter be able to get their relationship back on track – or is Cindy about to return and further derail things?

EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 31 March at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. 

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EastEnders star Ross Kemp has addressed the possibility of another return for Grant Mitchell as he praises co-star Steve McFadden.

Ross recently returned to our screens for the soap’s 40th anniversary as part of a big storyline for Steve’s character Phil Mitchell.

Phil had been battling depression for several months, and best friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) was concerned for his welfare.

Wanting to get to the root of the problem, Nigel called on Grant for support.

However, Grant proved to be of little help, as he brushed off Nigel’s concerns, until things reached a devastating breaking point when they found Phil attempting to take his own life.

The scenes marked the first time Steve and Ross had worked together in ten years, though Ross has revealed that, while they have always been friends, they are now more in touch with each other following his most recent return to the Square.

‘When the producers first asked me [to return] last year I thought, it will make people happy, it will make me happy and it will pay for Christmas!’ He told The Mirror.

‘Luckily Steve had the door open for me – he could have closed it. But we picked up where we left off. We had a couple of chats before I started filming.

‘My first day after not being on set for a number of years was screaming and shouting and crying and wrestling a gun off him as he was about to shoot himself in the head. It starts like that. And it was like that for the next month. 

‘When I finished, we said we’d keep in touch and we have. I mean, we are not phoning each other every day but I think we had a good ten years working virtually every day with each other and I think when you get older, that becomes more important than it was at the time.

He went on to explain that they focused more on their families than each other after working closely together for so long, but that he wouldn’t rule out going for dinner with the actor soon.

He went on to praise Steve’s work in the show, which has also resonated with fans in recent weeks.

‘Steve is a fine actor and I don’t think soap actors get recognised for how good they are. Acclaim and recognition is reserved for people doing films and big one off dramas but Steve is absolutely fantastic.

‘I have great respect for him, in terms of his ability to maintain that energy for 35 years.’

Addressing the possibility of another return to the show, Ross said: ‘It was really good working with Steve again, and I would love to work with him again.’

Could Grant be set to return to Walford? There is certainly unfinished business with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) after the pair shared a passionate moment.

But with Phil having realised that his feelings for Sharon are as strong as ever, could we be in for Sharongate round two?

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Emotions run high in a dramatic week for Walford, as EastEnders welcomes back a number of former faces, who stage their comeback in honour of the legendary Martin Fowler (James Bye).

Martin, as viewers will recall, met a tragic end during the BBC One soap’s 40th anniversary after he perished in the wake of the Queen Vic explosion – just hours after confessing his love for Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

The subsequent weeks have seen Walford in mourning, with the fruit and veg market trader considered a staple of the community.

Attention turns to his funeral next week as the sad day looms and it brings Vicki Fowler – now played by Alice Haig – home for the first time in almost two decades.

Vicki arrives back with new partner Ross – played by The Bill and Holby City’s Alex Walkinshaw – and his son Joel(Max Murray), and her comeback gets quite the response. Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), for one, is elated to see her half-sister, who confirms she’s separated from Spencer Moon.

But Vicki isn’t the only close relative of Martin’s back to say goodbye as Bex (Jasmine Armfield) stages her return later in the week, hugging mum Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) tightly.

Bex asks Sonia to accompany her to the undertakers to say goodbye to her dad – but Sonia struggles with the prospect of doing so.

Will she be able to say goodbye to her first love?

Elsewhere, Sharon is left worried when Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) informs her that Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) has gone missing. Phil, however, returns home soon afterwards and is confused as to why everyone was worried about his whereabouts.

Realising that Nigel’s dementia played a role in his belief that his friend was missing, Phil covers, offering a simple explanation for where he was.

In emotional scenes, Phil admits his feelings for Sharon. The question is: will she feel the same?

Peter Beale (Thomas Law), meanwhile, receives criticism from Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), who remains concerned about missing Cindy Beale – who has gone AWOL. In a bid to make things right, Peter pops the question at Beale’s Eels. Lauren, however, says she cannot accept!

EastEnders airs these scenes between Monday, March 31 and Thursday, April 3 at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

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The EastEnders are shocked to learn that Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) has split from long-term boyfriend Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker) next week.

Childhood sweethearts Vicki and Spencer first met when she (then played by Scarlett Alice Johnson) arrived from the US to live with her grandmother Pauline in 2003.

Pauline scorned the youngsters for spending so much time together, and ordered Spencer out of the house when he was invited for coffee.

The couple got off to a rocky start when she fell pregnant following a one night stand, with him adamant that he was ready to be a father.

Her half-sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) implored her to keep the child, offering her £10,000 in exchange for being able to raise it as her own.

Appalled by the idea, Vicki terminated her pregnancy and Spencer was left devastated. They reconciled on New Year’s Eve, when, following a breakdown in the Scottish moors, they made amends.

She later tried to set him up with Kelly Taylor (Brooke Kinsella), but their brief courtship ended when she left to be a holiday rep in Ibiza.

Spencer then landed himself in hot water when he was caught trying to retrieve drugs for Danny Moon (Jake Maskall) from the Fowler home, and was sent by brother Alfie (Shane Richie) to live in Australia.

The following year, Vicki left for America, but it was later revealed that she had reunited with Spencer in the land Down Under.

Ten years ago, Sharon said that the pair were exploring the option of opening a bar together.

It comes as a huge surprise to Sharon, Alfie and his girlfriend Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) next week when Vicki returns to the area – with a new man on her arm.

Alongside boyfriend Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and his son Joel (Max Murray), the trio are there to represent her mum Michelle at her uncle Martin’s (James Bye) funeral.

Emotions are running high through the Square as a result of his death, and Sharon has just had an emotional conversation with ex-husband Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) concerning his affection for her.

Sharon’s brother Zack Hudson (James Farrar) alerts Alfie and Kat to Vicki’s arrival, and they’re gobsmacked to see that Spencer is nowhere to be seen.

Vicki recalls the reason why they broke up, with Kat wondering whether she is being entirely truthful. Soon, the real reason is admitted.

It soon becomes clear that Vicki and Ross have an ulterior motive, and they haven’t just shown up for the funeral service.

He implores her to ask Sharon for some cash, though she’s riddled with guilt after learning of her sister’s recent turmoil.

With nowhere left to turn, she lies about her debt and asks first cousin, once removed Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) for a loan instead.

Later, tensions rise as Sharon begins to ask questions as to why Vicki is scouting for money.

Why are Vicki and Ross so desperate for financial security?

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EastEnders’ Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) are only just starting to piece their lives back together following their ordeals at the hands of Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) when they are targeted by a mysterious new character next week. 

Over the last year, fans of the BBC soap had seen Reiss smother his comatose wife Debbie to death and let Sonia take the fall for it, before then holding Bianca hostage after she found out the truth. 

He was then killed by a falling bathtub in the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion last month, shortly after his crimes had been exposed to his horrified fiancée Sonia. 

She finally got some closure when she attended Reiss’ funeral earlier this month, where she also encountered a journalist digging for a story. 

But another journalist goes undercover to try and get the inside scoop in forthcoming scenes. 

Bianca and Sonia head to Beales Eels for lunch where Bianca meets a woman calling herself Charlotte. 

The pair soon bond and head to Harry’s Barn for a drink, but it soon becomes clear Charlotte has a hidden agenda. 

Her true intentions come to light when Bianca discovers she is a journalist. 

While she instantly declines the offer of an interview about Reiss, her interest is definitely piqued. 

When Bianca later fills her sister in about the interview request, Sonia is insistent it is a bad idea and attention soon turns to her daughter Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield), who arrives ahead of her dad Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral.

But will Bianca listen to her sister or will she risk further upset by opening up to the journalist who could distort the truth?

EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 31 March at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.

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EastEnders has finally addressed a glaring ‘plot hole’ that has had fans asking questions for weeks.

Last month, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and her family were left homeless after the Queen Vic exploded in dramatic scenes.

Fortunately, Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) and Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) agreed to put them up while they wait for repairs to take place at the pub.

However, fans have since been baffled by the fact the pub’s occupants have been wearing the same clothes as before the explosion, with many questioning how their wardrobes survived the destruction.

‘Trying to work out how Linda and everyone else that lives in the Vic are still in their pre explosion clothes…’ One fan wrote on Twitter/X.

‘How have Linda and all the Knights got their clothes and make up when surely they only escaped the Vic with what they had on their back?’ Another asked.

How has EastEnders addressed the pothole?

In tonight’s episode, the issue was finally addressed when Linda went on her first date since Mick Carter’s death.

As she got to know her suitor, she explained that she’d had all her clothes dry cleaned to stop them smelling of smoke following the explosion.

This confirmed that her clothes made it out of the collapsed pub all in one piece, and will hopefully put fans’ minds at rest.

Unfortunately, her date didn’t go quite as successfully as the retrieval of her clothes, as she ended up running out halfway through.

Poor Linda became overwhelmed as she started talking about Mick, and realised that no one would be able to replace him.

Though she was left downhearted, a chat with Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) soon got her thinking.

After walking in on Johnny snogging Felix Baker (Matthew James Morrison), she was horrified to hear that he was set to head out on another date almost immediately.

Johnny was quick to explain that Felix was free to see other people, as their relationship was just casual.

He pointed out that dating isn’t all about meeting the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with – sometimes it can just be to have a bit of fun.

With this in mind, will Linda be more open to seeing other people in future?

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EastEnders fans made a baffling discovery about Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) phone contacts this week. 

Despite being sworn enemies with Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), it seems Linda didn’t immediately delete her number after she caused Mick Carter’s (Danny Dyer) ‘death’ back on Christmas Day 2022. 

In Wednesday’s episode, Linda was seen scrolling through her phone as she contacted son Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) while trying to set him up with Felix Baker (Matthew James Morrison). 

And who should be lurking in her phone book other than Janine!

‘Deeply obsessed with Linda still having Janine in her contacts list,’ one fan wrote on X. 

‘Why don’t they ever have nicknames for their contacts, I would have Janine under something very unsavoury if I was Linda …..’ said another. 

One fan also spotted two notable absences in Linda’s contacts posting: ‘So she has Janine’s number but not George or Gina’s?’

Linda and Janine have a complicated history, which began when Janine returned to Walford in 2021 and soon got her feet under the table at The Vic. 

She eventually got together with Linda’s husband Mick, after they’d struggled to get back on track after her affair with Max Branning (Jake Wood). 

Janine then framed alcoholic Linda as being responsible for a car accident involving Linda’s daughter Annie, further alienating her from her family. 

Mick and Janine married shortly afterwards, but the truth about Janine’s crimes came out on Christmas Day in 2022. 

As Mick and Linda reunited, Janine attempted to flee Walford, sparking a high-stakes car chase that ended up with her and Linda plunging over a cliff and into the sea. 

After Mick staged a rescue attempt, he has been missing and presumed dead ever since, while Janine was also arrested and jailed for framing Linda. 

Meanwhile, Linda’s life unravelled in the wake of Mick’s disappearance, suffering further alcohol relapses and also stabbing Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) to death in The Vic. 

However, after a spell in rehab, Linda has vowed to get her life back on track and recent scenes saw her agree to let Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) set her up on a date. 

As she meets a new fella called Jeff, will Linda finally be able to move on from her beloved Mick?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.

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Fans of BBC One soap EastEnders were given fresh hope about Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell (Samantha Womack and Rita Simons) while watching an episode that aired this week.

The iconic Mitchells were killed off on New Year’s Day in 2017, when both characters drowned in a swimming pool.

The audience still aren’t over the tragic deaths, and often find themselves hoping one day, a massive plot twist will air that either sees one or both of the sisters return.

Because if Cindy Beale can come back from the dead, anything is possible, right?

Recently in the show, Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) mentioned that she was going to Ibiza for two weeks…with her sister.

It was a tiny scene that more than likely didn’t hint at any foreshadowing, but because of Ronnie and Roxy’s previous connection to Ibiza, it’s left a few fans convinced Nicola is going to see one of them.

‘NEED Nicola’s sister to appear ASAP #EastEnders’, a user of X wrote in a post.

‘They loom!’,another simply said, referencing the siblings.

Despite the hope, plenty are aware that things would get awfully complicated and quite dark if Nicola ended up being a blood relative of Ronnie and Roxy, given she shares two children with Teddy (Roland Manookian), Billy’s (Perry Fenwick) brother.

Anyone else’s brain struggling while trying to work out the Mitchell family tree?

‘Nicola mentions she has a sister in ibiza and everyone automatically assumes it’s roxy..baring in mind nicola is only a mitchell through marriage so it’s impossible’, an audience member pointed out.

Since her arrival, Nicola has caused quite a stir in Walford.

This month, we learnt that she was responsible for killing Harry’s (Elijah Holloway) girlfriend, Shireen.

With Teddy in the dark about this, Nicola has desperately tried to talk him out of doing a business deal in Dartford, where the family used to live, worried it could lead him to her murderous secret. 

Actress Laura Doddington, who plays Nicola, said her character will be ‘pushed to the edge’ in the coming weeks. 

‘She’s tested on how far love, manipulation, and lying can get her,’ she said. 

‘One thing I’ve discovered playing the character recently is that carrying these secrets around and watching her son suffer as a consequence has been harder on her than she ever thought.’

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EastEnders legend Martin Kemp, 63, has recalled an incident that left him struggling for breath after being punched by a fan.

The Spandau Ballet icon played Walford bad boy Steve Owen from 1998 until 2002, and the character certainly ruffled feathers.

During his time on Albert Square, Steve made an enemy of the Mitchell brother’s, married Mel Owen and bludgeoned Saskia Duncan to death.

Steve’s (literally) explosive exit saw him lose his life after crashing his car during a dramatic car chase, with the vehicle bursting into flames with him trapped inside.

Speaking to son Roman on the FFS! My Dad is Martin Kemp podcast, Martin recalled an interaction with a fan of the BBC soap who wasn’t impressed by Steve’s dodgy behaviour.

‘I was punched in the chest once, really hard. Hard enough to stop me breathing, you know when you can’t breathe?’ He revealed.

‘I was walking down Tottenham Court Road thinking, Oh yeah, life’s good”, and I was Steve Owen in EastEnders.

‘Tottenham Court Road, on my own, and you know you don’t want people to recognise you so I’ve got my baseball cap on and my head’s down a little bit, so my eyes are not looking what’s in front of me and I’m looking down at the pavement.

‘I was walking to Groucho’s at the end of Tottenham Court Road and someone walked up to me, completely out of the blue, and said: “Steve Owen, I owe you this,” and punched me as hard as they could in the chest, in my ribcage. I could not breathe.’

He went on to explain how the altercation left him struggling for breath as he watched the culprit run off down the road, and that the people around him avoided the incident.

As well as starring in EastEnders, Martin has had roles in series like The Bill, Heartbeat and Waterloo Road.

He received critical acclaim for his role as Reggie Kray opposite brother Gary in the 1990 film The Krays, and has continued to appear in movies.

Most recently, he starred in A Gangster’s Kiss alongside fellow EastEnders stars Patsy Kensit and Michelle Collins.

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This article contains spoilers for tonight’s EastEnders, which has not yet aired on TV but is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.

Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) was horrified to hear the ordeal daughter Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) had suffered in recent EastEnders scenes – especially as he had had a similar experience.

This week, the teenager was taken in by police alongside friends Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) after drugs were found at their feet.

Viewers know that the girls were innocent, and the police were happy to let Amy and Lily go home when their respective guardians arrived to pick them up.

However, when no one arrived to collect Avani, police took her in to be strip searched, claiming it was due to her attitude and lack of cooperation.

The humiliating experience has had a devastating effect on Avani, who was found drunk and passed out in tonight’s episode, having not been home the previous night.

On seeing the state Avani was in, Ravi got the sense that his family were hiding something from him, and he was determined to get to the truth.

After confronting Amy and learning about the confrontation with police, Ravi headed home, where he finally got the full story from Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal).

Ravi’s rage was through the roof as he made it clear he wanted to seek revenge on the officers that had put Avani through the search, though Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) insisted that wouldn’t help.

As Priya worried that Avani would turn to drink or drugs again in future to numb her pain, Ravi decided to talk to her directly.

In emotional scenes, he revealed something he’d never told anything before – he was also strip searched the first time he was arrested.

He opened up about how he felt humiliated, and like he had no control over his body – something that clearly resonated with Avani.

Despite Ravi’s promise that he and Priya would be on the same team and put Avani first from now on, it was clear the teen was still battling her demons, as she met with a dealer to pick up some drugs.

Could Priya’s worst fears be set to come true?