Suki Panesar-Unwin and Eve are at odds in EastEnders next week when a row over Jean Slater's mounting money problems escalates. Suki decides to confront Jean about the rent she still owes, but the conversation quickly spirals as Eve jumps to Jean's defence, leaving the couple clashing over how to handle the situation.
Jean's fears for Lily
Jean's worries deepen when she overhears a conversation between granddaughter Lily Slater and Ricky Mitchell about Joel Marshall's recent attack. The pair fall silent when Jean walks in, making her suspicious they're hiding something. Her fears grow when she shares her concerns with Kat Moon, and Eve later reveals she spotted Lily heading into No.43 to speak to Joel. Jean drags Lily back home, but new cop Craig Ingram arrives to question Lily as the investigation continues. Encouraged by Jean to tell the truth, Lily finally opens up about what she witnessed.
Ria's birthday heartbreak
Meanwhile, Suki and Eve throw a birthday party for Ria Virdi, but the celebrations are overshadowed when Ria's biological mum fails to show up. Ria shuts herself away, and Eve, with encouragement from Nicola Mitchell, steps in to comfort her. The emotional situation leads to an unexpected heart-to-heart between Eve and Nicola, who bond over their complicated relationships with their parents. The conversation is cut short when Harry Mitchell arrives, and Nicola quickly changes the subject.
Nicola's gesture for Kojo
Later, Nicola organises a birthday celebration for Kojo Asare on the anniversary of her father's death. While her gesture comes from a good place, the rest of the family quietly worry she's taking on more than she can cope with.
