As residents of the Square gather round a bedridden Pat, which faces from her past and present will make an appearance, and what will they have to say? Janine reveals a big secret.
It is a dark day in Walford, and the whole Square is in shock as they come to terms with the loss of one of their own. The Mitchells anxiously wait for news about Phil.
Denise takes a stand against Phil with a very public campaign, but what will Phil say when he finds out? Ricky stumbles across a letter that could have dire consequences.
Denise takes matters into her own hands, but how far is she prepared to go? It seems there is still a spark between Carol and David, but could another resident get in their way?
Derek tries to rekindle an old feud by taunting David about Pat's death - before threatening to make him suffer as well. Syed pleads with Christian to give him another chance to prove his love, and asks Qadim to help persuade Amira to agree to a divorce. Patrick is distraught to learn Kim cannot get compensation because of his actions, and Heather feels let down after Andrew chooses to work rather then spend the night with her
Carol rediscovers what first attracted her to David, but their renewed romance runs into trouble when she considers asking Max to help pay the bill for Pat's funeral. Whitney decides to get in touch with Ray, Morgan's biological father, after her stepbrother asks Bianca some awkward questions, while Patrick tries to cajole Zainab into working with Denise again
David's attempt to persuade Derek to end their feud fails - so Michael offers to help get rid of their mutual enemy. Whitney meets Ray and discovers Bianca has been keeping a big secret from him, while Fat Boy gives Tyler a warning and Lauren feels neglected
David contemplates fleeing Walford again after Michael's scheme to plant stolen goods in Derek's flat goes awry - but his decision leaves Carol with a huge dilemma. Mandy tells Ricky a shocking secret about their past, Ian's problems mount when Lucy returns to the Square, and Tyler is unsure what to do when a distraught Whitney seeks his support
Pat's relatives struggle to keep their emotions under control as the residents of Albert Square gather for her funeral. Kat and Jack pay an emotional visit to the grave where baby James is buried, and Ian tells Bianca about Mandy and Ricky's secret - leading her to question the future of her marriage. Meanwhile, Tanya and Max are forced to take action after Lauren's behaviour gets out of control
Bianca fears she cannot trust Ricky any more, and Carol insists she needs to end their relationship for good. Max and Tanya try to tackle Lauren's self-destructive behaviour, Lucy plots to destroy Ian's faith in Mandy, and Tamwar is released from hospital - but refuses to forgive Afia
DCI Marsden brings back disturbing memories for Ben when she asks him about Phil's behaviour in the moments before Stella died. Jane gets an unexpected job opportunity when her former cookery teacher shows up at the Vic, Derek tries to make amends with his family and Mandy panics after her pills go missing
Ben is filled with pride after Phil compliments his work on the demolition derby car - but his hatred soon resurfaces following a humiliating incident in the Square. Bianca angrily warns Ray to leave Morgan alone, Tamwar's friends try to cheer him up and Tanya resolves not to let Jane miss her big opportunity
Zainab tries to save Tamwar's marriage, searching for a way to break his silence, and urging Afia to make amends with him. Whitney criticises Liam for not doing enough to help his family, Abi discovers who the mystery love letter is for, and Tanya is upset to learn Jane may have to move away
Ben is delighted with himself following Phil's arrest, but starts to panic when confronted by his family, and pretends he did not tell the police anything. Tanya and Max struggle to maintain a united front as they try to deal with Lauren, while Zainab makes another attempt to reconcile Afia and Tamwar at a family lunch, though Anthony's presence is an unwelcome distraction. At the cafe, Ian tests Jane's ability to work under pressure
Derek tries to take advantage of the discord among the Mitchells, and his poisonous words leave Shirley, Jay and Ben feeling increasingly distant from each other. He also sneaks into the Arches to look at the accounts - before heading to the prison for a showdown with Phil. Bianca angrily tells Ray that she and her family do not need him in their lives, Alfie receives worrying news from Kat about Charlie, and Tanya mistakenly believes Jane has changed her mind
Jane worries about the effect her departure will have on her family and friends - and begins to have second thoughts about leaving Walford. However, Tanya still refuses to make amends with her. Fat Boy gets a job at the Emporium, but struggles to contain his jealousy as he notices the chemistry between Tyler and Whitney
Anthony panics as he realises he and Tyler do not have the money they owe Derek. However, his plan to make up the shortfall runs into trouble once Amira gets involved. Tyler throws a party, but the night only serves to inflame the tension between him, Fat Boy and Whitney - and Lucy tries to create more conflict. Andrew surprises Kim and Heather with his dance moves, while Patrick feels humiliated by his financial worries
Derek forces Anthony and Tyler to help him steal copper cable after they fail to meet his deadline, and a guilt-ridden Patrick reluctantly agrees to help. However, when Michael discovers what is going on, he decides to intervene. Andrew opens up to Heather about his health concerns - before shocking her by proposing. Meanwhile, Dot tries to reconcile Fat Boy and Whitney, but finds they are unwilling to forgive each other
A furious Derek doubles the amount Tyler and Anthony owe him - but Michael refuses to let Janine pay off their debt. Shirley tries taking a gentler approach with Ben, hoping he will withdraw his statement if he feels more like a part of the family. Roxy is outraged when Whitney suggests her feud with Jack is affecting Amy's behaviour, while Heather is upstaged by Ian and Mandy
Shirley tries to persuade Ben to visit Phil in prison, but he dismisses the idea - until Derek offers him some advice. Mandy is irritated when Ian decides to spend time with Lucy, while Whitney is shocked to find herself in trouble at work after Roxy makes a complaint
Roxy criticises Jack after Amy hurts herself playing on the swings, and a bitter argument ensues between the former lovers, with each accusing the other of being an unfit parent. Mandy is furious when Lucy ruins her wedding dress, and grows increasingly convinced she is bent on destroying her relationship with Ian. Heather stands up to Rose, while Michael is pleased to discover Tanya dislikes Derek
Michael spots Roxy and Jack together at the cafe, and worries they may be about to resolve their differences - until he makes a discovery at the gym that could drive them apart for good. Kim hastily arranges a date with another man in a bid to hide her attraction to Ray, Lucy is worried when Mandy tries to open up to her, and Derek asks Max to take a car off his hands
The Mitchells and Brannings prepare for the custody hearing - but Jack is appalled when Roxy's lawyer tries to attack his character by bringing up unsavoury incidents from his past. Lucy is intrigued by an unusual text on Mandy's phone, Ian tries to make Heather and Andrew change the date of their wedding, and Cora suggests Patrick and Fat Boy swap rooms
The outcome of Roxy and Jack's custody hearing is revealed - but while one family is overjoyed at the news, another is left heartbroken. Bianca is forced to ask Ray for help as her financial difficulties become increasingly serious, while the feud between the Mitchells and Brannings threatens to drive Abi and Jay apart
Heather tells Andrew she is planning to have a night out with Shirley, but is shocked by his angry reaction. Tanya and Max both worry about how her illness has changed their relationship. Fat Boy tries to persuade Janine to let him DJ at R&R, and Carol discovers Tiffany is upset at the prospect of Ray becoming Bianca's new boyfriend
Alfie confronts Derek after discovering he has been storing stolen goods at the Vic - but is stunned when the ex-convict asks him to take part in a new scam. Whitney feels suffocated as Fat Boy showers her with affection on Valentine's Day, and things get more awkward when Tyler decides to declare his feelings for her. Heather and Shirley make a scene at R&R, a mix-up ruins Max's plans for a romantic evening with Tanya, and Dot joins Cora, Rose and Patrick for a toast to absent friends
Whitney dismisses Tyler's attempts to make amends - but is left speechless when he kisses her. Andrew softens toward Heather after she makes a moving speech at the launderette, while an extravagant gesture from Rose leaves Dot feeling unwanted. Lola hopes to reconcile Jay and Ben by inviting them to her latest ultrasound scan, and a panicked Alfie tries to back out of his deal with Derek
Shirley's attempt to defuse the tension between herself and Andrew backfires, leaving Heather feeling torn between her best friend and her fiance. Tamwar finally summons the courage to show Afia his scars following some words of wisdom from Fat Boy, while Janine is irritated when she receives an unwanted gift from Michael
Derek is left feeling humiliated following an argument with Roxy - and as his anger grows, he starts to plot her downfall. Whitney tries to make amends with a heartbroken Fat Boy, but her efforts only wound his pride further, while Syed is furious when Amira hires Anthony to help out on their market stall
Jack discovers a more vulnerable side to Derek when his elder brother reveals a sorrowful secret. Meanwhile, Roxy plans to intercept one of Derek's contraband alcohol shipments, but Alfie worries she is getting in over her head. Amira is not impressed when Anthony invites her to the Moons' family home, and Dot and Cora try to find out who is sending love letters to Rose
Derek instructs Andy, the hitman he has hired, to intimidate Roxy without hurting her - but when he discovers what happened to his alcohol shipment, his plans become far more extreme. Tyler criticises Anthony for spoiling Amira, Dot enlists Fat Boy's help to put a stop to Rose's romance, and Abi tries to avoid talking to her parents about getting the HPV vaccination.
Jack violently confronts Derek after discovering his plot to exact revenge on Roxy - but his brother refuses to apologise for his actions. Max and Tanya argue about the future of their relationship, Anthony comes up with a new plan to impress Amira, and Heather fears her wedding is set to be a disaster
Max struggles to fight his attraction to Roxy when he takes part in a poker game at Alfie's. He is joined at the table by his brothers - and while Derek sets about intimidating the other players, Jack remains upset at being kept apart from Amy. Michael tries to figure out where he stands with Janine, and Marsden's taunts leave Shirley more concerned than ever about Ben's statement
Lucy digs deeper into Mandy's suspicious behaviour and enlists Lauren's help to find evidence that will prove she only wants Ian's money. Cora clashes with Janine about the mess left behind following R&R's latest club night, while Ray realises how much Bianca's financial problems are hurting her family. Elsewhere, Billy tries to make a deal with Lola
Michael grows frustrated with Janine's lax attitude during a pregnancy class and angrily accuses her of forcing him out of their baby's life. Lucy is shocked when she discovers who Mandy has been sending money to, Max becomes jealous of Tanya and Jack's friendship, and Zainab receives a letter summoning her to discuss Yusef's will
Janine fears she has driven Michael away for good, but is distracted from her worries by news of a meeting with a potential business partner. However, she discovers Michael waiting for her instead - and receives a shock when he proposes to her. Mandy feels uncomfortable as Lorraine starts making herself at home, Lucy and Whitney realise how serious Lauren's drinking problem has become, and Zainab gets some good news - but cannot bring herself to feel happy about it
An increasingly bitter and resentful Lauren drinks herself into a stupor on a night out, and ends the evening lying in a gutter. Her friends retrieve her and take her to safety - but the incident brings back horrifying memories for Whitney. Max and Tanya try to rekindle their relationship by having a meal together at the Argee Bhajee, while Michael contemplates his future with Janine. Tamwar angrily refuses to take Yusef's money, and Mandy becomes more unsettled by Lorraine's presence in the Square
Zainab accidentally offends Kim and Denise, but faces a bigger problem when Fat Boy discovers a note suggesting Tamwar is about to leave Afia - and Walford - for good. She races to the Tube station to plead with him to stay, and discovers just how badly hurt he was by his ordeal at Christmas. Mandy catches Lorraine stealing money from Ian, a Branning family argument leads Lauren to declare she wants to move out, and Christian suggests he and Syed should buy Amira out of the business
Zainab tries to reveal what happened on the night of the fire - but Afia is in an unforgiving mood and forces her to look at Tamwar's scars. Distraught, Zainab fears she has ruined her family's lives, but comfort comes from an unlikely source. At the Moons' house, Amira confesses to Anthony that she is just pretending to be happy, while Kim and Denise get a surprise in the post
Mandy confronts Lorraine after discovering she has started drinking again, but her mother viciously belittles her. Ian then arrives and, sensing the tension, suggests a family meal at the Argee Bhajee. However, Lorraine's cruel words finally prompt Mandy to lash out. Shirley tries to force herself into Heather and Andrew's wedding plans, Masood arranges for Afia and Tamwar to have some time to themselves, and Lauren realises she needs to find a new source of income
Shirley discovers how much Phil is suffering in prison, and visits Ian to ask him to speak to Ben. However, he turns her away - but she reacts by smashing her way into his house, and makes it clear that she will not take no for an answer. Tanya nervously visits the hospital for her MRI scan, accompanied by Max, while Rose is suspicious when she hears Dot telephoning the bank
Tanya fears the worst as she awaits the results of her scan, while Max struggles to keep his composure - forcing Cora to intervene. Ian tries to make Ben see sense by taking him to visit Phil in prison, Dot realises Heather is unhappy with her second-hand wedding dress, and Roxy is horrified to discover she has nits
The Brannings discover the results of Tanya's scan, and Lauren tries to help her think positively about the future - while Derek feels shut out by his brothers. Andrew admits his dark secret to Heather, and Ian offers to help Phil, but is frustrated when he disowns Ben as his son
Heather feels uneasy as she goes on her hen night, and Shirley urges her not to marry Andrew. Things get more awkward at R&R when Rose accuses the bride-to-be of stealing her son, before Dot toasts the happy couple - but only leaves Heather more unsure about whether she can go through with the wedding. Meanwhile, Ian wrestles with his conscience as he considers revealing what Ben told him, and turns to Patrick for advice
Heather is heartbroken when Shirley refuses to forgive her - and after discovering Rose has ruined her wedding dress, she decides to get away from the stresses of the Square and elope with Andrew. Ben starts to panic when Marsden asks to discuss his statement, while Shirley visits Phil in prison and pledges her loyalty to him
Phil furiously confronts a terrified Ben, determined to make him pay for lying to the police - but is faced with a terrible dilemma when he realises his son could be in serious trouble. Meanwhile, Shirley prepares to welcome Phil back home, and a traumatised Jay struggles to deal with the things he has seen
A distraught Shirley returns from Heather's flat with George in her arms - giving Phil, Ben and Jay the excuse they need to visit the crime scene. However, the police soon arrive to start their investigation, and take all of them to the station. Meanwhile, Andrew, Rose, Patrick and Roxy are horrified to discover what has happened
Police officers question Ben and Jay separately, and Phil hopes their alibis will hold up - but as the evening unfolds, DS Crisp and his officers identify their chief suspect. Meanwhile, as news of Heather's death spreads, the rest of the Square's residents struggle to come to terms with what has happened
The Mitchells' home life becomes increasingly fractured, as a grief-stricken Shirley cannot stand to be around Ben, while Phil despairs about what kind of person his son has turned into. Andrew hopes Dot will confirm his alibi - but is unaware Patrick and Shirley have given her reason to doubt his innocence. Ian wonders if Mandy is hiding something from him, and Bianca struggles to pay her rent
Jay struggles to cope with his guilty conscience when George comes to stay with the Mitchells. He leaves the house in an attempt to clear his head - but receives a chilling reminder of how much trouble Andrew could be in. Patrick calls the police after making a discovery at the allotments, and Dot, Cora and Rose break into R&R to search for Andrew's missing jumper. Meanwhile, Ben tells Roxy that he is sorry about what he did to Heather
Jay summons the courage to talk to the police. Lauren realises her 18th birthday might not be a happy one, when she discovers Whitney cannot afford a big night out. Alfie considers firing Jean to save money, Rose and Dot argue about Andrew's innocence and Ian helps Bobby make a family tree - but Mandy is annoyed that she is not on it
Jean throws an 1980s-themed night at the Vic to pay tribute to Heather - but Shirley is disgusted, and accuses everyone of mocking her friend's memory. Tanya tries to cheer Lauren up by preparing a special birthday lunch, only for her daughter to ruin it by turning up drunk, and Mandy is furious when Ian finally reveals what Lorraine told him
Jean panics when Roxy begins to question the missing money from the Vic accounts, and asks Michael for her investment back. Denise is left unimpressed by Kim's efforts at the B&B's opening, while Derek decides to go straight and work at the car lot, stirring up some brotherly rivalry with Jack in the process.
Jean is horrified to discover from Jack that the gym's investment scheme does not exist and, with the Vic low on stock, Roxy soon becomes suspicious. Michael and Janine return to the Square after a weekend away - but can Michael keep his bride-to-be away from an increasingly panicked Jean? Zainab's suspicions are aroused by Masood's mysterious behaviour.
Michael is forced to go to extreme lengths to discredit Jean - but will his devious plan pay off? A suspicious Roxy decides to break into the boxing gym to uncover the truth about the investment scheme, while Lola feels Janine's wrath after a spate of thefts at local properties. Meanwhile, Zainab is convinced she has the answer to Tam and Afia's marital difficulties, and Whitney finds life under the same roof as Tyler less idyllic than she imagined. Derek spots an opportunity when he sees Lucy struggling to manage Ian's businesses.
Tamwar and Afia are forced to confront the problems in their marriage, but do they have the strength to overcome them? Derek offers to help Lucy with supplies for the cafe, but her gratitude soon fades as she discovers that his nice guy routine is all an act. Roxy finds herself out of her depth as Jean hits rock bottom and business at the Vic reaches crisis point.
A newly-returned Kat reasserts her authority by kicking Roxy out of the Vic and vowing to uncover the reason for Jean's meltdown. A fearful Michael keeps his distance when he discovers that Kat and Alfie have returned home, while Lucy sets her sights on an unsuspecting Alice in her determination to hit Derek where it hurts.
Tanya reveals she’s accepted Abi’s Eco-scholarship place. Abi refuses to go and wants the summer with Jay. Tanya spots Abi crying after arguing with Jay. Assuming Abi’s told Jay about the scholarship, Tanya pleads with him to let Abi go. Max gives Jay relationship advice.
A marquee’s been erected in the Square for Janine and Michael’s wedding. Kat panics when Tommy disappears, but Jean’s just taken him for a walk. Eddie’s wedding invitation is returned to Michael torn in half. Kat advises Jean to lie low. Janine’s highly stressed; everything’s behind schedule.
Wedding bells are ringing for Michael and the heavily pregnant Janine as their big day dawns, but will everything run smoothly for the wickedest couple in Walford? A desperate Jay presents Abi with an ultimatum to prevent her from leaving the Square, while Max stuns Tanya with a surprising declaration. Derek is rocked by the unexpected arrival of his son Joey - but is he Alice's knight in shining armour, or the devil in disguise?
Janine panics when things take a turn for the worse at the hospital, while Jean offers some words of comfort to a guilty Michael. An angry Lola lashes out when Lucy fires her, while Kim's attempts to bond with Sasha take a disastrous turn, creating another bump in the road for her relationship with Ray.
Phil's determined to put the Vic back on the map, but his moment in the limelight does not go to plan - especially when the party is interrupted by a surprise arrival. When the Branning brothers arrange a triple date, Jack promises to set up Derek with someone from his little black book. Derek is over the moon when he sets eyes on his date, but is less impressed when he feels that he is being looked down on.
Kat and Alfie return from their time away, but will their splintered relationship survive a return to normality? When a face from Lola's past turns up on the Square, she is tempted to fall back into her old ways. She tries her best to stay out of trouble - but will she succeed? Cora challenges Tanya about her relationship with Derek, but is shocked when Tanya reveals an awful truth.
Resigned, Alfie scans adverts for a new pub lease. Kat appeals to Phil to let them stay and pawns a ring to pay their rent plus £100 compensation. Phil accepts the money but still won’t re-hire them. Desperate, Kat admits they left because she had an affair and pleads this is her last chance to keep her family. Phil allows them to stay. Alfie suspects Kat got the money from Michael; he’s stunned to learn Kat pawned her mum’s ring. Kat ignores a call from Michael, insisting she’d do anything for her family.
Lola is ecstatic to finally get her tag off, but her happiness is short-lived when she is forced to confront her worst nightmare. A broken Michael makes a shocking decision about Scarlett; Kat and Alfie come to the rescue, but is it too late?
Galvanised by Cora's tough love, Lola is determined to win Lexi back and enlists Billy's help. After Alice's make-over ends in disaster, Derek is determined to make Tanya pay. Syed continues to hide his debt problem from his family, and he looks to handsome stranger Danny to turn his luck around.
Lola, distraught at losing Lexi, lashes out at those closest to her. Abi's 16th birthday doesn't go as planned when Derek makes a shocking announcement. Under pressure, Syed desperately tries to find money; will he be forced to call on Danny again?
Sharon's secret is out, and she struggles to keep her old demons at bay. As Derek continues his vendetta against Tanya, Alice is forced to reveal some home truths; will he see the error of his ways? Saying goodbye to Lexi at the end of her visit proves harder than Lola could have ever imagined.
Can Sharon face telling Dennis the truth about his father? Worried for Lola, Billy swallows his pride and seeks help from Phil. Syed feels the pressure mounting from both his debts and his upcoming wedding; temptation is only a phone call away.
It is the day of Christian and Syed's stag do. Christian is looking forward to it, but Syed's mind is on other things. During the celebrations, someone catches Fat Boy's eye, and he starts seeing a old face in a new light.
On the day of their civil partnership ceremony, Syed finally owns up to Christian about the mess he has got the family into. But is he ready to reveal all his secrets? Fat Boy cannot quite believe what happened the night before, and finds an excuse to slip away from the ceremony to search for his mystery woman.
The Masoods realise the full extent of their financial problems, and Masood desperately tries to get to the bottom of what has happened before it is too late. Fat Boy plucks up the courage to approach his lover, but will he be able to turn the charm back on?
Masood and Zainab's relationship is pushed to breaking point as the truth about Syed's deceit emerges. Will they be able to salvage their relationship and business? Meanwhile, Fat Boy is over the moon and cannot believe his luck after spending another saucy afternoon in bed...
The Masoods adjust to life without Zainab. Will AJ be able to stop fooling around and pitch in with the rest of the family? Billy worries that Lola does not fully understand what Phil has planned, and tries to manage her expectations.
Phil, worried about his residency case, tries to dodge immigration officers. An old friend comes to Phil's rescue, giving him an idea that stuns Sharon. Preoccupied with their financial troubles, can the Masoods regroup without Zainab to celebrate with Tamwar?
Phil receives news about Ben's sentencing, and makes an impulsive decision that panics Lola. Cora is terrified about what she will find when she enlists Jack's help to track Rainie down.
With question marks over Lexi's residency case, is Ian Phil's last resort? Lauren, Whitney and Lucy decide that today's the day to make Joey pay, but can they hold their nerve?
Carol arrives home to discover Derek's been up to his old tricks. Can Derek charm his way out of the hole he's in? Sharon is furious with Phil can he convince her to go along with his plans? Lucy and Whitney are annoyed that Lauren caved but can she ignore the spark and keep Joey at arm's length?
Christian takes matters into his own hands when Danny arrives back on the Square. But Danny has a revelation that rocks Christian to the core. Annoyed about the measures Phil has gone to to secure Lexi's residency, Lola summons up the courage to confront Phil. Amidst all the Halloween fun, Fat Boy puts his heart on the line.
Lola's left devastated as her hopes for Lexi's return evaporate. Will anyone step up to help? Syed is worried about Christian when he refuses to go to the police. Can Syed get through to his husband? Lauren makes a surprising move after one too many drinks in R&R.
Syed is shocked to discover the truth about Christian's attack and does all he can to protect him. But with Danny determined to make him pay, is he too late? Carol tries to build bridges between her brothers. Lauren, awkward around Joey, struggles to deal with her growing feelings.
Masood, AJ and Tamwar pull together to give Bonfire Night a bit of sparkle, but there is one final firework that none of them were expecting. Lucy persuades Christian not to give up on Syed, but will it be enough to save their marriage? Jack struggles to keep composed when he discovers Phil's latest ploy to keep Sharon close.
Lola and Billy wait anxiously to hear whether Phil and Sharon can convince Social Services that they are the perfect couple to foster Lexi. Syed's life with Christian and Yasmin is threatened further when a knock at the door brings devastating news, and a broken cooker and fridge are the least of Kim's problems when Ian spots her suspicious behaviour.
Zainab resolves to change her ways in an attempt to win back her family's trust, while Syed is left alone to make one of the toughest decisions of his life. Kim desperately tries to keep up appearances as an environmental health inspector comes knocking.
Kat pulls out all the stops to enjoy a romantic evening with Alfie, but is shocked when she makes an unexpected discovery on their return home. Syed has some heartbreaking news for Christian, while Roxy is taken aback by Michael's surprise offer.
Stunned by Cora's revelation, Patrick tries his best to get her to open up - but things don't go to plan, leaving Cora's day to go from bad to worse. Thinking he's doing the best for Derek, Max tracks down a face from the past but will the meeting go the way he hopes? Syed is optimistic that he and Christian can put the past behind them until Masood delivers some heartbreaking news.
Billy tries to make Alexa see sense and drop the case against Lola, but his attempts backfire leaving Lola worrying that he may have jeopardised her case. With neither Syed nor Christian willing to resolve things between them, Zainab and Lucy take matters into their own hands with unexpected results. Tanya frets about Cora's erratic behaviour, but as she delves deeper into the root of the problem, she is stunned by what she discovers.
Tanya spends the night searching for information about Ava after last week's bombshell, but how will Cora react to her meddling with her deepest secret? Lauren and Joey are drawn closer together when Derek attempts to bribe Max into throwing Joey out of his house, leading to a shocking moment. When Phil finds out the assault charges have been dropped against Lola, he manipulates the situation to his advantage.
Patrick reluctantly agrees to accompany Tanya to meet the sister she never knew she had - but will she live to regret digging up the past? Joey and Lauren struggle to deal with their feelings for one another and, fearing trouble, Lauren tells Joey to leave Walford. Meanwhile, Poppy is thrown by some unexpected family news.
Reeling from yesterday's events, Tanya plans to spend the day bonding with Cora - however, their afternoon takes an unexpected turn. Lauren and Alice are horrified when Derek and Joey come to blows at the boxing gym, while Poppy is overwhelmed by the lengths Fatboy goes to in order to protect her.
Cora is forced to confront her demons and explain herself to Ava, but will she forgive her mother as they rake up the past? A terrified Tanya seeks out Max as the truth of her recent actions emerges, while Lauren and Joey are forced to make a desperate decision when they realise that Derek has discovered their secret.
Derek races to Joey and Lauren's assistance after hearing about their accident from Alice. Meanwhile, a panicked Joey attempts to free Lauren from the wreckage as flames appear from beneath the car bonnet - but will he be able to release her in time? Tanya is left distraught when Cora lashes out, leaving their relationship in ruins.
Tanya is determined to protect Lauren at whatever cost, but Derek forces her into an impossible situation. Bianca returns home after her release from prison and is determined to build a better life for her family. Outraged at council cutbacks, Alfie steps up to make sure Walford does not miss out on Christmas, while Kat is left frustrated that her lover is not getting the message.
Alfie's big plan to save Christmas gathers support but Kat worries her lover has an ulterior motive for sending Alfie away. A desperate Lauren decides to come clean to the police about the accident, believing it to be her only way of reuniting with Joey. A nervous Bianca frets about her salon trial - is she really ready to make a fresh start in Walford?
As Alfie leaves for Cologne, Kat's lover piles on the pressure for her to go to him - but can she resist? With Jay dreading his court hearing, Abi is determined to show him that she will always be there for him. Derek is displeased to discover that Joey is staying at Cora's.
Shirley is determined to stop Phil from getting his way, but can Sharon, Jay and Lola convince her he is a changed man? Desperate to discover why Lauren is so upset, Abi is shocked to discover Cora's secret. Determined to provide for her kids, Bianca continues to work for tips at Booty. However, she is left out of pocket when she puts her foot in it with one of her clients.
Panicked by a sudden visit from Social Services, Phil is left wondering just who grassed him up. Alfie discovers more reasons not to trust Kat when he receives some conflicting information. Denise tries to think of ways to get business booming; will Ian regret giving her some of his top tips?
Still desperately craving Joey's attention, Lauren is distraught when Joey makes a play for an old flame. Alfie feels guilty for not trusting Kat but he soon makes a shocking discovery, sending his paranoia into overdrive. Determined not to let Phil get his own way in gaining custody of Lexi, Shirley has some strong advice for Lola.
Still struggling to contain his suspicions about Kat following his shock discovery last week, Alfie decides to confront his fears head on. Phil and Sharon are thrown into a panic when they realise Lola has disappeared ahead of their visit from social services. Lauren is given renewed hope about Joey after an unexpected admission from Lucy.
It is Alfie's big night as he prepares to switch on Walford's Christmas lights. Yet with his paranoia about Kat escalating, he turns to Michael for advice - only for Michael to drop a bombshell about Kat's affair. Derek does his best to manipulate Tanya to get what he wants, knowing that she needs to keep him onside for Lauren's sake. Meanwhile, Sharon struggles with her demons the day before Lexi's court hearing.
Lola and Phil brace themselves for their day in court as Lexi's fate hangs in the balance. When Derek lets slip Sharon's secret, the pressure mounts on Phil as he worries it could jeopardise the whole case. Bianca's dedication to her job is tested when she has to face up to an old enemy.
Convinced he now knows the truth about Kat, Alfie summons Michael to the Vic for a showdown with his cousin. Derek continues to throw his weight around about Tanya and Max's wedding until Max decides enough is enough. Abi attempts to heal the rift between Cora and Tanya - but as Cora finally begins to open up to Abi, she is shocked when a familiar face walks through the door.
Alfie is still plagued with doubts of Kat's infidelity and, in an attempt to push them aside, he pulls out all the stops to turn the Queen Vic and Albert Square into a Christmas extravaganza. Derek becomes the fall guy for Max as they try and protect his secret - but can the pair continue to meet 'their' demands? Bianca takes her frustrations out on Lola as she worries about her finances over Christmas, and Zainab is thrown by the arrival of an unexpected guest.
After last night's shocking discovery, a heartbroken Alfie realises that there is only one option left for him. Max wonders if he should come clean to Tanya about his secret, but Derek warns him it is a bad idea, offering to put an end to Max's problem instead. The Brannings' stag and hen parties go off with a bang, but Lauren is left devastated by Joey's revelation.
In a web of lies and betrayal, deep secrets begin to unravel. Alfie's world is torn asunder and, as the truth dramatically unfolds, his heart is ripped apart. With her feelings bottled up for too long, Lauren goes back to her old ways and, out of control, she lets out a huge secret which has major consequences for the entire family.
Max is livid when he hears the full extent of Derek's manipulation of Tanya, and sets to put his brother in his place. However, being the head of the family, Derek does not heed Max's warning and sets to blow the Brannings' world apart! Alfie desperately tries to hold things together for the sake of Tommy, but with his heart broken will he be able to?
The Brannings pull out all the stops for a wonderful Christmas, but one member of the family sets out to do everything they can to destroy the day. As deep family secrets get exposed, the Brannings' world is turned upside down, with one member of the family making their last Christmas speech.
News spreads around Walford of the eventful Branning Christmas, but can the family survive or will the recent events tear them apart forever? Kim wakes up ready to celebrate Christmas, only to discover she slept through the whole day while suffering from the effects of Mo's punch.
Tensions continue to run high in the Branning household following the Christmas bombshell, and Tanya demands answers. Lola gets excited about planning Lexi's christening, but when she hears what Phil is planning she worries that her daughter is slipping away from her. Bianca puts all her effort into spending some quality time with the kids, but she is shocked when she realises what Liam has been up to.
With the help of AJ's meddling, the Masoods' New Year's Eve party goes off with a bang and Ayesha is left worse for wear when she takes a liking to the fruit punch. Bianca is uneasy about the dodgy situation Derek has left behind, and she makes Liam promise he will not follow in his uncle's footsteps.
