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EDITORIAL
Thursday 4th December 2025
Time moves very quickly in soap land. It’s hard to believe that nearly a whole year has passed since Nigel Bates returned to Albert Square in secret, with a diagnosis of dementia that would not only change his life and those of the people who cared for him, but ours as well.
It’s been heart-breaking watching these last few weeks as Nigel’s health and memory have deteriorated. We knew going into the story that it would have a finite ending, as the condition does and – over the next few weeks – it seems, Walford may be saying goodbye to one of it’s own.
So, when Shaun Williamson, aka Barry Evans, gave an interview to a newspaper about his return guest appearance, he shared a few more details about the episode: the pub will be empty, but Nigel will imagine the people of the past, like Pat and Barry – and according to Shaun – Nicola Duffet as Debbie Bates!
Debbie was killed in a hit and run accident in 1995 – and in one of EastEnders most touching scenes, Nigel broke the news to step-daughter Clare as Grant tearfully watched on. With Gemma Bissix currently in prison in one soap, does she have the time to return to our screens as her other famous Clare?
Time is also something Joel Marshall is looking at – and these sneak pics of location filming show a variety of Square characters hanging about outside the courts of justice. Will Joel go down for assaulting Vicki? And speaking of, she doesn’t seem to be among the spectators…
And then we come to the present. Smack back into Linda Carter‘s return to the Square! She’s been gone since July and doesn’t even know where her bed is yet – but she’s going to have more than one surprise when she observes the Peacock Palace…
There’s also a horrendous fire this week that will have disastrous consequences for the Beale family. But the question will be what caused the blaze. And, if it was deliberate, who was the target?
Was it Cindy, convinced the Fords are after her? Has Oscar wound the wrong fella up? Has Max made some enemies that will follow him home? Or was it Zoe, who’s staying there at Lauren’s behest?
Crikey. It may be cold outside, but Walford ain’t half heating up!
Regards,
The Curator
Week Commencing: 15th December – 19th December 2025
Directed by: Conor Morrissey
Monday 15th December 2025
Written by: Lisa Gifford
Lily continues to worry about Jean. When Kat and Alfie find No.31 in a mess, Lily is finally honest about how Jean isn’t coping.
Jean makes an admission regarding recent events and Kat promises to support her. Kat is also still trying to help Zoe, but her mission leads to a shocking discovery…
Meanwhile, Oscar arrives home with Jasmine, but Ian is unimpressed and calls the police – while Cindy flees. Jasmine faces police questioning and the truth about her connection to the Fords is finally revealed.
Elsewhere, Lauren and Peter make plans for Jimmy to be christened on New Year’s Day.
Also today, Linda returns to Walford on the day of the Peacock’s Palace opening and has an unexpected conversation with Sam. Phil also supports Sam at her hospital appointment.
Finally, Billy and Honey rally round for Nicola amid her difficult time.
Tuesday 16th December 2025
Written by: Gem Copping
Oscar is frustrated when Jasmine shuts him out, so he decides to end their relationship.
Kat deals with some unexpected news – and things only get worse when she finds out that Zoe is trapped in a fire at No.25.
Oscar rushes in to save Zoe, as other Walford locals watch on in shock. That’s not the only drama in store today, as the Albert Square residents are surprised to see Max Branning back again…
Meanwhile, Lauren’s worst fears are realised when Peter figures out that the charity money has been stolen.
Elsewhere, Sam confides in Zack about how she’s waiting for results from a biopsy.
Wednesday 17th December 2025
Written by: Jonny O’Neill
In the hospital, Oscar recovers from the fire and Max waits at his bedside. Max is unsettled to see Lauren and Ian so surprisingly close.
Linda panics over Max’s return and they head to The Albert together. With many secrets between the pair still undiscovered, how will Linda handle this situation?
Later, Max confides in Jack with his suspicions regarding Ian, then goes public by making a declaration at The Vic for everyone to hear.
Max also comes face-to-face with Zoe after what happened between them earlier in the year.
Meanwhile, Kat makes plans to host a community dinner at The Vic on Christmas Day.
Elsewhere, Phil withholds details about Nigel from the doctor.
Also today, Yolande, Patrick and Chelsea all notice that Anthony’s behaviour has changed. Will they figure out why?
Friday 19th December 2025 – DIFFERENT DAY
Written by: Jonny O’Neill
All eyes turn to Lauren amid the latest drama at the Queen Vic.
Wanting to be a better parent, Max is quick to step up in support of his daughter. Will he have any sway with anyone?
Meanwhile, Kat battles through with Christmas preparations, even though Zoe and Alfie are unenthusiastic.
Elsewhere, Jasmine tries to make amends with Oscar – then finds a surprising friend who gives her some advice.
Also today, after Nigel unintentionally knocks Julie, she suggests to Phil that they should discuss alternative care options. Phil refuses to have the conversation.
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*Images via IMO Images
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