The fallout from Friday's dramatic visit to Albert Square continues next week, with Craig Ingram's secret contact with Amy Mitchell at risk of being exposed, while the Hawkins family makes an unexpectedly swift return.
Friday's episode saw Craig (Matthew James Bailey) tell Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) about Amy Mitchell's (Ellie Dadd) role in Joel Marshall's (Max Murray) attack. Jack had caught Amy texting Craig and confronted his colleague, but Craig's revelation about Amy's involvement left Jack reeling. Jack ultimately showed gratitude, offering to give Craig a character reference amid his disciplinary.
The episode ended with Craig and Amy deciding to keep their contact a secret, sharing another kiss. The question remains whether Jack will find out the truth.
Priya's pregnancy secret deepens
Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) was floored to discover that the father of her unborn baby is Max Branning (Jake Wood), who she'd been sleeping with since June. Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), who reconnected with Priya earlier this month, has no idea his fiancée is pregnant.
Elsewhere, Priya is pressured by Ravi to tell the kids about their engagement but, still reeling from her pregnancy secret, struggles to keep a grip on everything. Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) bribes Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) and Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) to help with her wedding when she sees them planning Kim's (Tameka Empson), with Priya getting roped in too. Priya, however, is overcome with nausea soon afterwards and steps outside, where Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) spots her. Priya reveals her pregnancy but urges Penny to keep quiet.
Hawkins clan returns to the Square
Much of Monday's episode revolves around the Hawkins clan, who make a swift return following their brief visit earlier this month. Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) is at a loss for words when sisters Gemma (Patricia Potter) and Jodie (Anna Constable) rock up – this time with Nicola's son Ryder (Felix Uff) in tow.
The siblings urge Nicola to let them stay and, despite her initial reluctance, Nicola agrees – but only if mum Rose (Marian McLoughlin) stays away. It seems Nicola gets what she wants until Gemma's hubby Ned (Jamie Bamber) subsequently arrives with Rose.
Nicola refuses to let them stay under her roof, with Gemma and Ned tasked with finding alternative arrangements. Harry (Elijah Holloway) offers Ryder and Jodie somewhere to stay, urging his mum to make peace with Rose. Ned heads over to speak to Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) but is taken aback to see old mate Alfie (Shane Richie).
It proves to be quite a day for Nicola, and just as she thinks she's got her head around everything, she arrives at the Vic to find her extended family all gathered – with Alfie having offered Gemma and Ned a place to stay.
Denise Fox (Diane Parish) was also overwhelmed when new brother Darnell Larson Jr (Christopher Colquhoun) agreed to get tested for a stem cell transplant.
EastEnders airs these scenes Monday August 31 at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
