EastEnders fans believe they have uncovered the real reason newcomer Ned Hawkins is getting close to Ian Beale. Ian has been struggling after months in prison, returning home this week, and Ned has appeared interested in him since his release.
Fans noticed Ned seemed interested in Ian's empire before he suddenly introduced himself. Ned has been opening up to Ian and encouraging him to do the same, but viewers think he is actually targeting Ian, trying to get closer only to strike, perhaps targeting his businesses or wanting money from him.
Fans suspect Ned is a con man
Nothing is clear yet, and it could all be harmless chitchat and a new friendship. Fans are not sure though, thinking Ned might be a con man and that there are things about his past yet to be uncovered.
Taking to social media, one fan said: "I think Ned is a con man. He overheard that Ian has several business I think he is going to try to get some of the business of Ian by using Counselling on Ian for free make him the good guy but the twist is that later down the line that Ned will ask him for money."
Another fan posted: "To be honest I think Ned is gonna get Ian in trouble." A third fan agreed: "Ned has clearly set his sights on Ian."
Spoilers reveal Ned's next move
Spoilers for next week reveal Ned's next big plan. Ned makes a discovery after Lauren and Mark meet in secret and get caught red-handed, with their affair exposed. In exchange for his silence, Ned demands a favour from Mark. Later, Ned blackmails Mark with a shocking request, and a fearful Lauren tells him to do whatever Ned says.
Meanwhile, as the Hawkins celebrate the successful event at Harry's Barn, Ned continues to pressure Ryder to conform while he also reminds Mark of the consequences should his affair be exposed. Elsewhere, Amy Mitchell visits Denise in hospital where she's encouraged to focus on her studies, rather than her new boyfriend.
Amy's storyline continues
Amy soon finds it hard to ignore her feelings for Craig and he continues to demand attention. As Amy becomes distant with her friends, it causes drama. Amy invites Lily to Craig's flat but she's shocked when Ricky and others attend too. When Jack Branning finds out daughter Amy's skipping classes, he decides to speak with her about it.
After a heartfelt conversation, Jack thinks it's Denise's illness that has sparked Amy's recent behaviour. Amy is soon caught out by Craig though when he realises people have been in his flat. With Penny and Jack wanting answers from Amy about recent events and her mystery boyfriend, she remains tightlipped. Craig continues bombarding her with messages though and even more so when he finds Denzel's ID at the flat.
As demands to check Amy's phone he finds a shirtless photo of Denzel that was recently sent. Amy explains herself and Craig accepts this but his resentment towards Denzel deepens.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
