EastEnders spoilers follow for Thursday’s episode (4 December), which is available to watch now on streaming service BBC iPlayer and hasn’t yet aired on TV.

EastEnders has aired the dramatic aftermath of Anthony Trueman exposing Howie Danes’ secret crimes. As the entire family are left reeling after discovering his lies, there are devastating consequences and Howie’s life comes crashing down…

Furious that Howie had told Kim about the restraining order his ex-wife has taken out against him, Anthony took revenge at the engagement party. He exposed not only that Howie stole the ring he proposed to Kim with, but that he blackmailed Oscar after Patrick’s attack.

Kim was horrified by her fiancé’s deception in today’s episode, and the rest of the family were disgusted that he had decided to profit from Patrick’s traumatic ordeal.

After Howie left the house in tears, Kim was frustrated by Anthony playing the hero – and took the opportunity to tell Patrick, Yolande and Denise about his restraining order.

Patrick raged at his son for keeping such a big secret from him and as his health took a turn for the worse, Yolande ordered Anthony to leave.

Meanwhile, Howie stormed over to confront Oscar over telling Anthony about his blackmail. But in the process, Zoe found out about Anthony’s restraining order, leaving her worried.

Howie then had a chat with Denzel, who was devastated by his dad’s actions, but urged him to go and talk to Kim and try and fix his mistakes.

Kim retreated to the salon to have a drink with Denise, and she made it clear that she still loved Howie despite his string of lies.

Howie was determined to fight for his family, and while he had another confrontation with Anthony, Denzel attempted to plead his case to Kim.

However, when Howie later called round to try and save his relationship, Kim explained that he had betrayed her trust, especially as he has a track record of not being honest.

After he argued that he did everything to give her a better life, Kim exclaimed: “I deserve a life with you, Howie! And you’ve thrown it away. I can’t trust you now. Denzel’s place is always here, but it’s over. I’m done.”

Is this really the end for Kim and Howie?