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EastEnders is no stranger to heartbreak, but the next chapter is set to tear Walford apart like never before. The shocking news is in—Jack Branning, one of the Square’s most enduring faces, will meet a devastating end in hospital after his feud with Ravi Gulati spirals far beyond control. Fans have been sensing tragedy in the air for weeks, and now, the whispers are about to become reality in a storyline that will change the Square forever.

Ravi and Jack’s Deadly Feud

Aaron Thiara, who has become one of the most talked-about actors on the show thanks to his gripping portrayal of Ravi Gulati, recently hinted that the walls are closing in on his character. In recent episodes, Ravi’s world has been collapsing under the weight of his double life. He’s still entangled in the drugs trade, haunted by the need to keep his empire alive while pretending to lead a normal life in Walford. Jack, who has been circling Ravi like a hawk for months, decided to step things up, setting the stage for an explosive showdown.

It all came to a head outside the Queen Vic. What started as a war of words between Jack and Ravi escalated into chaos when shots were fired. In the chaos, a stray bullet didn’t just graze the background—it tore through Zoe Slater, who had only recently returned to Albert Square after a jaw-dropping twenty-year absence. Her dramatic comeback was meant to rekindle old ties, but instead she became collateral damage in a feud that wasn’t hers. Rushed to hospital in critical condition, Zoe’s fate left Walford reeling. But Jack’s troubles were only just beginning.

Desperate to keep the truth buried, Jack pushed Ravi to dispose of the gun. It was a reckless decision, one that dragged both men even deeper into the mire. But Ravi, never one to back down, saw an opportunity to turn the tables. He began to pressure Jack, making it clear that their fates were tied together now.

Ravi’s Breaking Point

In an interview with ITV’s Lorraine, Aaron Thiara teased that Ravi’s desperation is about to reach new heights. “He’s been dragged into this spider’s web with the drugs trade,” Thiara explained. “It’s piling the pressure on him, and he’s going to act more desperately. There’s a big opportunity coming up between Ravi and Jack.”

Ravi may see himself as more than just a villain, but his actions speak louder than words. Viewers have watched him issue threats, lose money to Bernie Taylor, and make shady deals to keep his empire intact. For Ravi, survival always means someone else has to lose—and this time, that someone is Jack Branning.

Fans have been buzzing online, debating who will make it out alive. One Reddit user predicted, “Honestly, I think either Ravi or Jack will be dead by the new year.” Another argued, “If it comes down to one of them, it’ll be Ravi. Jack’s been part of the show for nearly 20 years. He’s a staple. Ravi isn’t.” But EastEnders has never been one to play safe. Instead, the soap is pushing boundaries, making it clear that not even the most established characters are safe.

Denise Caught in the Crossfire

While Jack and Ravi clashed on the streets of Walford, Denise Fox became the unwilling keeper of secrets. Ravi, in a rare moment of vulnerability, confessed his shady dealings to her. It sent shockwaves through Denise’s life, dragging her into a dangerous mess she never asked for. Moments later, Jack admitted his role in covering for Ravi, compounding her guilt and horror.

For Denise, this was more than a storyline—it was betrayal. Jack, the man she trusted, had crossed a line, aligning himself with a criminal in ways she could barely process. That betrayal added fuel to the fire, with Denise torn between protecting her family and exposing the truth.

Jack’s Last Stand

When Jack and Ravi faced off again, the gloves came off. Ravi, furious after Priya nearly walked out on him, snarled at Jack: “Your little visit earlier nearly cost me my relationship. Now it’s £100,000 in cash or I’ll make sure the gun reappears.” Jack fired back, warning, “If I go down for this, I’ll drag you with me, Ravi. Don’t push me.”

But Ravi, with the cold glint of someone who had already decided his path, shot back: “Don’t underestimate me, Jack. You’re the one who should be worried about prison. So, what’s it going to be?”

That chilling ultimatum marked the point of no return. Ravi was desperate, Jack was cornered, and Denise’s patience had run dry. All the threads of this story were converging into one inevitable, tragic outcome.

The Hospital Heartbreak

Viewers will soon see Jack rushed to hospital after a violent clash leaves him critically injured. The man who once stood tall as Walford’s detective, protector, and moral compass will find himself helpless under the sterile glow of hospital lights. Doctors will fight to save him, but the wounds—both physical and emotional—will prove too much.

In gut-wrenching scenes, Denise will be seen at his bedside, holding his hand and begging him to fight. Their fractured relationship will flash before her eyes as she pleads for one more chance, one more tomorrow. But Jack, worn down by years of battles, scandals, and betrayals, won’t make it. His death will send shockwaves through Walford, leaving his family shattered and his enemies unmoored.

For the Branning family, this is the end of an era. Jack’s death means more than the loss of a husband, father, and brother—it marks a turning point in EastEnders history.

Walford Reacts

The Square has seen its fair share of funerals, but Jack Branning’s will be one for the ages. Friends, family, and foes alike will gather to say goodbye, but the blame and bitterness won’t be far behind. Zoe Slater, if she recovers, will struggle with survivor’s guilt. Denise will grapple with the choices she and Jack made in those final days. Ravi, meanwhile, will find himself backed into a corner, his threats ringing hollow in the shadow of Jack’s death.

Beyond the Tragedy

While viewers brace themselves for Jack’s death, EastEnders also delivered some rare joy behind the scenes. At the National Television Awards, the soap scooped the prize for Best Serial Drama, beating Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks. Steve McFadden, beloved for his role as Phil Mitchell, finally claimed his long-overdue NTA win for Best Serial Drama Performance. His emotional speech left colleagues and fans in tears, and Ross Kemp, his on-screen brother Grant Mitchell, paid tribute with heartfelt words about their legacy.

It was a moment that reminded fans of EastEnders’ enduring power—not just to shock with its storylines, but to unite audiences in their love for characters who have shaped British television for decades.

A Future Without Jack

As EastEnders moves forward, the fallout from Jack Branning’s death will ripple across the Square. Denise will face impossible decisions. Zoe’s return will be forever tied to tragedy. Ravi will be hunted not just by the law, but by his own demons. And for fans, the loss of Jack is a reminder that no one, no matter how iconic, is safe in Walford.

One fan summed it up perfectly: “It doesn’t matter who lives or dies—EastEnders always finds a way to keep us on the edge of our seats. But losing Jack? That’s going to hurt.”

EastEnders continues to air Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on BBC One and iPlayer.