Next week on EastEnders, chaos takes over Walford once again as shocking revelations, emotional reunions, and long-awaited returns send shockwaves through the Square. From Zoe Slater’s devastating lies coming undone to Eve’s turbulent reunion with her estranged mother Norma, the drama intensifies in ways no one could have predicted.

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💥 Eve’s Emotional Reunion with Norma

For years, fans have heard whispers about Eve’s troubled past and her fractured relationship with her mother, Norma. Now, the woman herself finally steps foot in Walford—marking one of the most emotional and highly anticipated returns of the year.

Eve and her wife, Suki Panesar, have been taking steps toward adoption, their dream of starting a family growing stronger with each passing day. But their plans hit a heartbreaking snag when the adoption agency insists Eve must provide a reference from someone who knew her before she had a criminal record—meaning only her estranged mother can fill that role.

Eve is filled with dread. The idea of facing Norma again brings back painful memories of rejection and loss—especially after the tragic death of Eve’s twin sister and her parents’ disapproval of her sexuality. Despite the anxiety, Eve and Suki invite Norma to Albert Square, hoping she’ll understand their dream of becoming parents.

When Norma arrives at number 55, her presence immediately shifts the mood. Actress Heather Peace describes her as “rigid and narcissistic,” someone who “dominates the atmosphere and controls every room she enters.” Norma wastes no time asserting herself, making subtle digs and questioning Eve and Suki’s relationship. Her cold demeanor makes it clear—she doesn’t approve of them being together.

Trying to stay civil, Eve and Suki attempt to win her over. But their polite efforts quickly crumble as long-buried emotions resurface. Norma questions whether Eve is capable of motherhood, and those words cut deep. Eve spirals into self-doubt, eventually breaking down and telling Suki she no longer wants to continue with the adoption process.

Suki, heartbroken but determined, turns to Lily Slater for emotional support. As the couple faces this painful setback, Heather Peace hints that Eve’s struggle may ultimately make her stronger and more compassionate—a better parent someday. “She’s brilliant with Stacy’s kids and others on the Square,” Heather notes. “Eve would be an incredible mom—this experience might just make her even more empathetic.”

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😱 Zoe’s Shocking Lies Exposed

Meanwhile, over at The Vic, Zoe Slater finds her world crumbling as her shocking secret is finally laid bare. Fans will remember that Zoe returned to Albert Square earlier this year after twenty long years away—haunted by the son she gave up long ago.

She had claimed that Sharon Watts’ late husband, Dennis Rickman, was the father of her twins—a claim that recently fell apart when DNA results proved otherwise. The truth spread like wildfire across Walford, turning Zoe into the center of scandal once again.

To make matters worse, Zoe, Kat, and Alfie are stunned when they discover their family photos have been vandalized, and Zoe’s beloved cat goes missing. The vandalism adds insult to injury, symbolizing the chaos tearing through the Slater household.

But things truly explode in The Vic when Cat confronts Zoe about her lies. In a heated showdown, Cat exposes the truth in front of Vicki Fowler and a shocked crowd, revealing that Zoe fabricated her entire story. Furious and humiliated, Zoe lashes out, shoving Cat and screaming that she’s ruined her life. “You always destroy everything! I’ve just lost my son because of you!” Zoe cries, her anger masking her heartbreak.

Vicki, disgusted, demands answers. “How could you lie about something so serious?” she snaps. Cat, done with her daughter’s manipulations, cuts ties entirely—telling Zoe to stay away from her family for good.

Longtime viewers will recall that Zoe gave birth to twins in 2006—a boy and a girl. The girl was said to have died, while the boy’s whereabouts remain a mystery. Flashbacks reveal that during her years away, Zoe had a brief affair with Max Branning, which led her into even darker territory. When a corrupt private investigator attacked her, Zoe fought back in self-defense before fleeing town—leaving Max behind. Their paths crossed again in Walford, but the damage had already been done.

Now, with her lies exposed and her family against her, Zoe is more isolated than ever. Could this be her breaking point—or the beginning of her redemption?

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🔥 Phil’s Return and the Streets of Walford Boil Over

Adding to the mayhem, Phil Mitchell makes his long-awaited return from Portugal. He doesn’t waste time diving into trouble—furious to discover Nigel’s hit-and-run scandal. He immediately calls his trusted solicitor, Richie, to help clean up the mess. Fans are thrilled to see Richie back on the scene after previously defending Zoe during her assault charges.

Phil’s return stirs even more tension with George, who’s under immense pressure after Gina’s hospital discharge and ongoing fears for Kojo’s safety. Things go from bad to worse when Phil learns Kojo and Harry took time off without his permission, sparking yet another confrontation.

Meanwhile, Kojo proves his loyalty when he helps Harry escape captivity—unfastening his restraints even as Harry insists he should save himself. This emotional moment showcases Kojo’s bravery and deep friendship, though danger still lurks nearby.

Elsewhere, Nicola Mitchell reappears after a mysterious absence, just as her world begins to fall apart. Her growing connection with George collapses when he ends things abruptly, leaving her heartbroken. To make matters worse, Nicola uncovers something shocking—a secret that could change everything in Walford. While details remain under wraps, the revelation promises to shake the community to its core.

And as if that weren’t enough, Dr. Anthony makes a suspicious phone call, raising questions about his true motives. Kim and Patrick are already wary of his strange behavior, and now it seems Anthony’s here to stay after securing a permanent role at the surgery. What exactly is he hiding—and who’s he working with?

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💣 The Week Ahead in Walford

The upcoming week in EastEnders promises heartbreak, betrayal, and explosive confrontations. Eve faces emotional turmoil as she reconnects with her manipulative mother, while Zoe’s lies rip her family apart in spectacular fashion. Phil’s return stirs up more conflict, and secrets simmer beneath the surface as new players step into the chaos.

From vandalized family portraits to bitter confrontations, from rekindled pain to shocking reunions—Albert Square is about to erupt with the kind of high-stakes drama that has made EastEnders a soap legend.

Will Eve and Suki’s love survive Norma’s toxic interference? Can Zoe ever rebuild her life after losing everything again? And what other secrets are waiting to explode under the flickering lights of The Vic?

Brace yourself, because next week in EastEnders, Walford isn’t just heating up—it’s about to catch fire.