EastEnders viewers are convinced they have uncovered Russell Delaney's connection to Walford after spoilers revealed his identity as Mark Fowler Jr's mysterious boss. New details have emerged about the character, including his full name and appearance, ahead of his on-screen debut this week.
Russell Delaney's Role Revealed
Recent spoilers have confirmed that Russell Delaney is the boss of Mark Fowler Jr, and he will soon find himself at odds with the Mitchell family. Next week, Russell kidnaps Mark amid a growing debt crisis and a tense confrontation with Mark's father, Grant Mitchell. The storyline also hints at a past link between Russell and Mark's aunt, Sam Mitchell.
Fans Speculate on His Walford Ties
Taking to social media, fans have been quick to theorize about Russell's history in Walford. Many believe he is the elusive drug lord that Ravi Gulati was working for in recent months, a plot that also involved Harry Mitchell and Kojo Asare. One fan posted: "He's going to be the big drugs boss?" Another added: "He is because Ravi and Mark were working for the same dude."
Some viewers even think Russell has appeared on the show before. Comments included: "Was it not Sam's ex and he threw her out of the van when she got dumped back on the square?" and "He was in an episode years ago, he was running with the guy Kat was seeing." Another fan speculated: "Is it this guy that Phil threw a bar stall at a few years back?"
What Happens Next?
This week, Phil and Mark warn Grant not to get involved with Mark's boss, but Grant ignores them and confronts Russell. Their past differences resurface, leading to Russell breaking into Vicki Fowler's home and revealing the truth about Mark's debt. Vicki tells Mark, who is furious at Grant's interference.
Next week, Russell escalates by having Mark kidnapped by masked men and bundled into a van. Grant receives a call demanding full payment of the debt immediately. As Phil, Grant, Sam, and Billy launch a rescue mission, a tense standoff ensues when Russell overhears Sam talking, exposing their shared history.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
