Walford Gazette [Vol. II] #30

All the latest updates and news down Walford way!

EDITORIAL

Tuesday 21st July 2026

Greeting EastEnders fans – is it warm enough for you? It’s certainly heating up on screen, if yesterday’s passion between Mark and Lauren is any judge… How far will this go? Just how much like her father is Lauren Beale?

We also, in an uncredited appearance from both, met Rita and Craig. Now we know nothing about either character yet, save they’ll be working on Jack‘s cases while Denise battles her illness. But why is Rita touching Jack’s knee in our pic, and what other stories does Craig have to tell? You’ll have fun this summer figuring this guy out, trust us…

**Craig** turned up in Monday’s episode…

But next week, it’s a big week for another member of the Beale family as Ian faces his day in court. Now he may not be the most likeable of people, but Ian Beale off the Square usually makes us feel strange, so we’re dreading his verdict this week!

Ian has one last chance: Chelsea. Chelsea hasn’t told the police that she shouted at Jordan before he ran off, and therefore it was her responsibility to keep an eye on her child. And when Chelsea tells Sheila the truth about the night of the accident, she agrees to speak in Ian’s defence. But as the trial continues without her, Ian starts to lose hope… Will Chelsea get to the court on time?

Elsewhere next week, George is lost in his world (as well as a bottle) as someone from his past questions why he doesn’t want to bury his dad Eddie with his wife Gloria. George has his reasons, but his bad attitude is spilling out in the family home, with Nicola herself rowing with George, until an unlikely ally steps in. Can Phil, of all people, get the pair back on track?

**Nicola** and Suki are at odds yet again!

And finally, Elaine realises she doesn’t need to play matchmaker with Linda and Clive next week when she finds them getting along fine without her! Indeed, even Kat and Sharon are surprised by Linda’s reaction. But a single sentence threatens to cause a riot when Elaine mentions Linda’s conquests over the last few months, including a fling with Sharon’s ex-husband…

Oh heck. That will be an interesting conversation…

Until next time…

The Curator

Week Commencing: 27th July – 30th July 2026

Directed by: Richard Lynn

Monday 27th July 2026
Written by: Daran Little

It’s the day of Ian’s court hearing and his lawyer arrives with some potential good news. Ian asks for help from Chelsea, but she orders him to leave. However, Chelsea admits to Kim that she feels guilty and soon promises Ian that she’ll help him in court after all.

Later, Chelsea and Kim are delayed on their way to the hearing. The judge prepares to deliver Ian’s sentence and it’s a race against time for Chelsea to get there. Will she turn up on time?

George is confronted by someone from his past, who questions his decision not to let Eddie be buried with Gloria. Jean makes a shocking discovery.

Tuesday 28th July 2026
Written by: Daran Little

Chelsea tells Sheila that she was partly to blame for Jordan’s accident.

The news surprises Sheila, as it’s the first time she’s heard the full details. Sheila later shares this information with Gray, who unsettles her with a reaction that she didn’t expect. Shortly afterwards, a prison commotion gives Gray an idea and he hatches a new plan…

As Kat and Sharon catch up, they notice Linda enjoying some lunch with Clive.

Elaine tries to support George as he’s having issues with Nicola. Later, tensions flare elsewhere too, when Nicola sees Suki and Eve.

Wednesday 29th July 2026
Written by: Charlotte Pattullo

Chelsea’s latest behaviour gives Sheila cause to question her.

This makes life even easier for Gray as he continues his attempts to manipulate Sheila.

Nicola refuses to speak to George, despite Phil’s attempts to play peacemaker between them.

After paying a guilty visit to Gloria’s grave, George is found drunk on a bench by Eve and Jean. Eve decides to stick around to support George.

Elsewhere on the Square, Linda agrees to another date with Clive. Elaine and Sharon watch them flirting, but a passing comment from Elaine leaves Sharon stunned.

Thursday 30th July 2026
Written by: Daran Little

Nicola and Harry team up to take George to the club because they’re worried about him. Nicola tries to find out why George is feeling so guilty. She also opens up about her own past, leading to an emotional moment between the couple.

Sharon seeks answers from Phil as she remains uneasy about Elaine’s comment.

During her latest visit to Denise, guilty Chelsea admits her role in causing Jordan’s accident. Denise is disgusted by the revelations.

Chelsea also realises that she needs to let Sheila see Jordan. She tells Jordan the truth about who Sheila is and agrees that they can spend more time together, even though her family remain concerned.