EastEnders spoilers for next week confirm Craig's behaviour escalates, as does his grip on Amy Mitchell, while Ned Hawkins makes a discovery that leads to blackmail.
Ned's discovery and blackmail plot
Ned Hawkins rallies the community together to celebrate him becoming the co-owner of Harry's Barn, amid drama with Nicola. Nicola senses tension between Ned and his son Ryder, and offers Ryder some support.
Nicola also learns about the struggles faced by one of Ryder's former football teammates, after he came out, and so she understands Ned's reluctance. Nicola encourages Ryder to be honest with those close to him.
He decides to have a conversation with his mum. Meanwhile, Ned makes a discovery after Lauren and Mark meet in secret and get caught red-handed.
Craig's grip on Amy tightens
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.
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 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.
Jack confronts Amy
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.
Kat's grief spiral
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.
Elsewhere, Nancy Carter frustrated with mum Linda, before she runs into Zack. Following their reconciliation, Nancy and Zack agree to meet for a drink.
Finally, Kat continues to struggle in the aftermath of Zoe's death. Jean attempts to lift her spirits but it does not work. As Kat is consumed by grief, she pushes her loved ones away and hits the booze. After suffering a breakdown, Kat's relationship with Alfie hangs in the balance.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
