Walford Gazette #19

Hold onto your hats, EastEnders fans, because Walford is about to get chaotic! This week’s spoilers are absolutely explosive, featuring everything from local politics gone wrong to dangerous criminal connections. If you thought the drama was at an all-time high, you haven’t seen anything yet.

First off, we have some announcements: we have some familiar faces returning soon for Nigel Bates‘ funeral – his daughter Clare and her step-brother, Julie‘s son Josh Saunders!

Josh was last seen on 30th April 1998 – as Nigel and Julie prepared for their new life in Scotland. He’s been mentioned as being abroad by Julie in recent weeks, and it’s lovely to know that he’ll be there for his mum and sister in their time of need.

Also, Clare has a bittersweet reunion with Grant, who she was always close to due to his friendship with Nigel. But will she come alone, or will her daughter and her husband accompany her?

Also, news has reached us that Max Murray is soon to return to Albert Square in the late summer, as Joel Marshall is released for his assault conviction against step-mum Vicki. Can the pair actually live together, and has Joel really learnt his lesson? We’ll find out soon.

Back to next week now, and, as we said, the fireworks are about to begin. First up, we have the fallout from the local election. Bea is ready to step up and be Walford’s first lady after getting Ian elected as councillor. Small problem, though: Ian is way too busy trying to calm down Linda and smooth things over with Elaine to notice. Talk about an ungrateful man.

But the real twist comes when Ian discovers that Bea helped fund his campaign… by paying for votes with a credit card she opened in Honey’s name! Oof, that’s going to leave a mark.

When Honey faces Ian about her identity being stolen, he insists that involving the police is a bad idea—mostly because he’s terrified of being kicked out of office just days after winning. A meeting in The Vic between Kathy, Ian, Linda, and Elaine follows, where Honey appears to be on the verge of forgiving Bea.

However, Billy is not a soft touch. He demands Bea leave immediately. Hell hath no fury like a Billy Mitchell scorned, apparently. Seeking revenge, Bea tampers with his ladder. Will she regret her actions when she sees the consequences unfold?

Over at Harry’s Barn, money troubles are leading to some very questionable decisions. This week, we find Nicola meeting secretly with Eddie’s prison officer. Intriguing, right?

Harry discovers her plan and forces her hand. Nicola must now come clean to George, insisting that letting his adoptive father move in with them is the right thing to do. She cleverly keeps quiet about the crucial detail: he’ll be paying for the privilege. George, seemingly oblivious to the real reason, agrees that his ‘dad’ can live in the basement flat.

But when Eddie arrives, he immediately shows his true colours. He makes it clear to Nicola that he won’t be handing over any of that much-needed cash unless he gets to live in the main house with the rest of the family. The audacity!

Harry urges Nicola to abandon the plan after a heart-to-heart with Gina, but she is adamant that this is the only way to save their struggling business. Cindy, of all people, also cautions against it. When you’re ignoring both Harry and Cindy, you know you’re playing a dangerous game. Will Eddie get his feet under the table, or will this blackmail attempt ruin them all?

It seems everyone in Walford is broke. But for Mark, it’s getting dangerous. He owes money to a gang and needs cash, fast.

Sam urges him to ask Grant for help, but that plan hits a snag. After seeing Grant flirting with Linda, Mark feels angry and decides against it. Instead, after a conversation with Lauren, Mark is encouraged to speak to his Uncle Phil. Phil agrees to the £30,000 loan, but of course, Grant finds out.

Determined to get involved, Grant tracks down Mark’s boss, which… yeah, that goes about as well as you’d expect. Mark is furious at Grant’s interference and tells him to get out of his life. Mark’s problems continue to mount as Lauren starts questioning the legitimacy of the cars. Sam, ever-observant, steps in with an idea to keep her on side.

But is Mark getting in deeper than he can handle?

All that and Patrick is back next week! But can he honestly forgive Jasmine and can they ever establish a relationship…?

Complicated times… Until next week… Keep safe!

The Curator