Joel Marshall Returns to Walford
One of EastEnders' most controversial villains, Joel Marshall (Max Murray), makes a shocking return next week. Newlyweds Vicki and Ross Marshall (Alice Haig and Alex Walkinshaw) come home from their honeymoon to find Joel at their door, threatening their fledgling marriage. The reunion with Zack Hudson (James Farrar), with whom Vicki had a previous fling, seems minor compared to Joel's arrival.
Ian Beale's Legal Dilemma
Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) continues to fear for his freedom as he receives conflicting advice from his son Peter (Thomas Law) and his mother Kathy (Gillian Taylforth). After his lawyer advises him to plead guilty, the Beales are torn. Peter and Lauren encourage him to listen, while Kathy insists he should plead innocence. Ian seeks advice from Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) and approaches Chelsea (Zaraah Abrahams), but faces Denise's wrath. On Tuesday, Kathy tries to stay positive on the day of Ian's plea hearing, while Ian turns to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) for support.
Sharon Watts Returns and Confronts Zoe
The grande dame of Albert Square, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), is back and immediately sets about selling her half of the Boxing Den. Max Branning (Jake Wood) jumps on the opportunity. Later, Sharon confronts Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) over her lies about Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman). Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) and Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan) defend their mother, but Sharon finds no forgiveness when Zoe attempts to apologize.
Denise's Cancer Battle
Denise Fox (Diane Parish) is floored by the revelation that her chemotherapy hasn't worked as hoped. She tries to keep her family in the dark, but on Tuesday, she heads back to the hospital and is heartbroken to discover her friend has died. Back on the Square, she spots Jordan (Izaiah Hagan-Brown) with Sheila Atkins (Sheila Ruskin), forcing Libby (Belinda Owusu) to reveal that Sheila is Gray Atkins' (Toby-Alexander Smith) nan. Denise is incandescent and demands a meeting with Sheila, banishing Chelsea and Libby before beginning her interrogation. On Thursday, Denise finally tells Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) the truth but swears him to secrecy as she plans a leaving party for Libby.
Priya and Max's Intensifying Fling
Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) continues to play with fire as her fling with Max Branning intensifies. On Monday, she attempts to lure Max back into her arms, and by Tuesday, Max is unable to resist her advances.
Mark and Lauren's Car Scam
Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) continue to navigate their dodgy car scam. On Wednesday, they make a deal with Mark agreeing not to mix business with pleasure by skipping Ian's family BBQ. However, on Thursday, Lauren is taken aback when Mark goes back on his promise and arrives at the BBQ. Later, she's horrified to receive a call from him saying a car deal has gone badly wrong. As she rushes to help, she's furious to discover he was testing her loyalty.
Other Developments
On Wednesday, Vicki and Ross return from their honeymoon, and the presence of Zack causes tension. After seeking advice from Kathy, they announce their intention to move into No.31, but Zack volunteers to move out. Just as things settle, Joel and Cleo arrive at No.43. On Thursday, tension at No.43 is through the roof as Vicki declares she doesn't want Joel living with her. She heads to the cafe seeking Sharon but is confronted by Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) and Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), who are furious at Joel's re-emergence. Also, Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) and Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) desperately try to locate Penny Branning's (Kitty Castledine) stock that they've lost.
