Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) feels he has no choice but to comply with Ned Hawkins’ (Jamie Bamber) demands in EastEnders – but the extent of what the newcomer asks of him is utterly shocking. Ned, as audiences know, is determined to prevent son Ryder (Felix Uff) from coming out and will seemingly stop at nothing to get him to conform to how he thinks he should be living his life.
Ned's blackmail
Ryder sought guidance from supportive auntie Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), who urged him to open up to mum Gemma (Patricia Potter) about his sexuality. The advice left him determined to do just that as he set in motion a plan to speak to Gem later that day, much to the chagrin of Ned.
Mark, meanwhile, enjoyed some alone time with Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), who stole the keys to No.31 so that she could spend the afternoon with the former gangster. The mood was soured, however, when someone walked in on them, leaving Lauren worried sick that her affair would be exposed.
Later, Mark headed to Harry’s Barn for the big night celebrating Ned taking over as co-owner – and Ned introduced himself, asking Mark for a favour. Confused, Mark declined the invitation to his office, which prompted Ned to show his true colours as he revealed that he was the one who caught him in bed with Lauren. Mark was reeling as Ned proceeded to use his discovery as leverage in the hopes of getting Mark to do what he wants.
What happens next
Elsewhere, Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey) attempted to talk Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) out of prioritising her school work and Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughn) checked in on grieving Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace).
With Ned’s threat looming large, Mark relents and agrees to speak with him in private. Once alone in the office, Ned delivers an utterly shocking ‘request’. The question is: will Mark comply? It’s certainly a dilemma for him and, as Ned reiterates what will happen if he doesn’t, Mark shares the truth with a horrified Lauren, who urges him to do whatever it takes to protect their secret.
Ned, meanwhile, pressures Ryder once again, urging him to conform. Later, Mark carries out Ned’s orders, with shock scenes set to follow.
Amy's secret exposed
Elsewhere, Amy’s distance from her friendship group leaves her mates worried. Amy invites Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) over to Craig’s flat, unaware that she told Ricky (Frankie Day) where she was – with all the teens set to arrive soon after!
Jack (Scott Maslen) learns that Amy has been skipping class and, armed with advice from Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), he decides to speak to her about it. The copper sits down with Amy to share his concerns and he’s left thinking that Denise Fox’s (Diane Parish) diagnosis is behind his daughter’s behaviour.
Later, Amy is left worried when Craig uncovers evidence that her friends have been in his flat. The question is: just what will he do? And is Amy in imminent danger?
Also in the Square tomorrow, Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) meets Zack Hudson (James Farrar) for a drink while Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) turns her attention to Kat by bringing her flowers that remind her of Zoe (Michelle Ryan).
EastEnders airs these scenes Tuesday October 13 at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
