Next week on EastEnders, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) finds himself in a perilous alliance with serial killer Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith). Gray offers Ian protection in prison in exchange for luring Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) into a visit. Initially, Ian refuses, but a violent incident behind bars changes his mind. Meanwhile, Gray's grandmother Sheila (Sheila Ruskin) is on the prowl, and Chelsea's worst fears seem about to materialize.
Teenagers in turmoil
The brutal attack on Joel Marshall (Max Murray) continues to weigh on Walford's teens. DC Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey) becomes a pillar of support for Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), but the group remains on edge. As they gather secretly to discuss Joel, Craig rumbles their meeting and zeroes in on Amy. Later, Jack breaks up a chat between Amy and Craig, who claims he was just checking on her.
Gray's sinister plan unfolds
Gray's scheme escalates as he pressures Ian to bring Chelsea to the prison. Despite Kim and Jack's concerns, Chelsea commits to visiting Ian. With Jordan left alone with Kim and Pearl, Sheila strikes, snatching Jordan. Ian, sickened by the full extent of Gray's plan, tries to force Chelsea to leave, but it's too late.
Family panic and teen confrontations
The Fox-Trueman family panics when they realize Sheila has Jordan. Kim and Denise sneak out of the hospital, while Chelsea remains trapped at the prison. Meanwhile, Joel confronts Amy, Avani, Denzel, and Lily, leading Jean and Priya to intervene. Jean reveals what Lily told Craig, and more truth about the attack comes to light.
Ria's birthday heartbreak and Nicola's bond
Suki and Eve throw a birthday party for foster daughter Ria (Aaria Sharma), but she's wounded when her biological mum fails to show. Eve receives encouragement from Nicola (Laura Doddington) and supports Ria. Nicola and Eve bond over their broken relationships with parents, and Nicola offers to throw Kojo a birthday party, despite Harry's worries.
Secrets and danger at the prison
As teens clash, Amy heads home but clashes with Jack. With Kat's advice in her ears, Amy is waylaid by Craig, who comforts her, and she reveals a further secret. At the prison, Ian finds himself in danger, and Kathy and Peter panic when news reaches them.
