EastEnders fans suspect Amy Mitchell's disappearance from Walford could last until next year, after spotting a possible clue in the January flashforward episode involving Jack and Max Branning.
Amy recently ran away with her older boyfriend, detective Craig, after being groomed and manipulated into what she believes is a normal relationship. Her dad Jack was unable to stop her leaving, and her uncle Max helped her access her inheritance money, which Amy and Craig now have.
In the latest episode, Amy tried to contact her family, but the attempt was missed, leaving fans wondering when she might return home and get away from Craig.
Flashforward clue points to New Year return
The speculation centres on the upcoming New Year's Day episode, which was teased in a flashforward. In that scene, Jack was furious with Max and could not forgive him for something, leading fans to think the source of Jack's anger is Amy going missing.
One fan said: "Amy won’t come back until next year I reckon, this is why Jack is fuming with Max still on NYE."
Sean Slater returns to help search
Spoilers for next week reveal Sean Slater is heading back to the show to help find Amy. Tensions rise between Sean and Jack as they continue the search, while Lily is annoyed with Sean for not checking in since his comeback.
Lily soon reveals Amy opened an online bank account using Charli's tablet, and the information is passed to the police. Meanwhile, Amy and Craig hide in a bedsit, where Amy appears nervous around Craig. When Amy's money is frozen, Craig hits her.
Sean suggests Denise records a plea for Amy to come home. Elsewhere, Cindy is angry at Max, and Linda continues to worry about Lee's drinking. Nancy tells Linda how overwhelmed she feels, and Lee gets drunk and causes a scene at a class. Elaine and Ian argue, and Ian interrupts her tirade with a kiss.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
