EastEnders‘ Elaine Peacock is met with a roadblock in her plans for new hotel venture Peacock Palace next week, so swiftly concocts a scheme to overcome it. The glamourous businesswoman is throwing everything she has into the launch of her swanky boutique hotel. All is well until business rival Ian Beale raises his concerns about government permissions for the guesthouse…

“If Elaine doesn’t have the correct permissions from the council, this could be the end of her hotelier dream!” points out our source. “Her big opening is approaching quickly, so she best sort things out before cruel Ian dobs her in!”

Determined not to give up her new venture, Elaine ropes Johnny Carter and Callum Highway into a dinner date with Johnny’s business partner, Tim Walton, in an attempt to pull some strings on the inside.

Tim first appeared in Walford back in October as Johnny’s wealthy ex-client who was hoping to go into business with the former lawyer. After winning over Elaine, Tim went into business with her grandson.

“Elaine knows that Tim has influence within the council, so she decides to use that to her advantage,” explains our mole.

“She won’t give up on Peacock Palace easily, so fingers crossed that being wined and dined is enough to bribe Tim into having a word on Elaine’s behalf!”

With Elaine’s daughter Linda Carter set to return to the Square after an extended break this Christmas time, EastEnders spoilers have teased that she’ll be “in for a shock when she returns” – could this be linked to her mum’s hotel plans?

Will Elaine’s plan to save Peacock Palace prevail? Or is it back to the drawing board for the enchanting entrepreneur?