Hold onto your hats, Walford fans! Next week, October 20-23, 2025, is shaping up to be absolutely unmissable with huge revelations, terrifying accidents, and secrets spilling all over Albert Square.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Next Week's Walford Chaos

  • Zoe Slater drops a massive bombshell on Kat, but not before causing a whole lot of trouble trying to find her long-lost son.
  • Nigel Bates faces big consequences after a terrifying car crash, even as his wife Julie tries to cover for him.
  • Mysterious newcomer Jasmine gets suspiciously deep into Cindy Beale's past, leading to a worrying night out.
Zoe Slater's Desperate Hunt for Her Son Takes a Troubling Turn

We all know Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) is back with a bang, and her main mission has been to track down her long-lost son, supposedly fathered by Dennis Rickman. This quest is hitting a fever pitch next week, and it’s dragging poor Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) right into the middle of it.

Initially, Kat tries to put the brakes on Zoe’s search for a private investigator, reminding her that Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) – who's promised to foot the bill – is out of town. But Zoe’s not one to wait, and her desperation leads her down a very thorny path.

A Kick in the Teeth for Kat and Alfie Moon

In a shocking move, Kat discovers Zoe has actually stolen money from The Queen Vic till! Naturally, Kat is furious. Our insider sources couldn’t agree more, telling Digital Spy:

"Kat is understandably livid. On the same day that she gives Zoe her word that she'll help find her son, she goes and breaks her trust by nicking cash from The Vic.

It's a kick in the teeth for Kat and Alfie — but Zoe must be full of despair if she's prepared to stoop that low and do her own flesh and blood dirty."

Despite the betrayal, Kat, being Kat, tries to support her daughter, even following Zoe to a clandestine meeting with the private investigator. But when Zoe outright lies to the PI, Kat’s suspicions skyrocket. Things get even more tense when Zoe overhears Kat telling Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) that she’ll have to leave if she doesn’t start setting a good example.

A momentary truce is called when a stray cat gets trapped in the pub, bringing Kat and Zoe together for a brief moment of bonding. But don't expect the peace to last! When Kat pushes Zoe for the real truth, Zoe drops a colossal bombshell. What could it be? And is it connected to her earlier claims about her children’s father?

Nigel Bates' Reckless Drive Ends in a Shocking Car Crash

Walford's Wild Week: Zoe's Shocking Bombshell, Nigel's Crash & More Explosive EastEnders Drama! image 3

It’s been a heartbreaking journey watching Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) battle his dementia, and next week sees his storyline take a dramatic and potentially tragic turn. He’s preparing to sell his beloved car to fund a trip to India with Julie (Karen Henthorn), but he just wants one last spin.

After a heated argument with Julie, Nigel sneaks off for that final drive. But when Julie calls him, he becomes overwhelmed and distracted, leading to a terrifying car crash! The accident plays heavily on his mind as the week progresses.

Julie's Cover-Up Attempts and Nigel's Quest for Honesty

In the aftermath, Julie desperately tries to protect Nigel, claiming she was the one driving. However, Nigel isn't convinced and is adamant that the truth must come out. He decides to turn himself in to none other than Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), who accompanies him to the police station.

The big question is: will Nigel face prison time? Or will his dementia be taken into account by the detectives? This heartbreaking storyline highlights the devastating impact of his condition and is sure to have fans on the edge of their seats.

Interestingly, Phil Mitchell – who’s been deeply involved in Nigel’s struggles – is currently away in Portugal. We can only imagine how this latest development will impact his dynamic with Julie and Nigel upon his return.

Jasmine's Mysterious Interest in Cindy Beale Takes a Worrying Turn

Walford's Wild Week: Zoe's Shocking Bombshell, Nigel's Crash & More Explosive EastEnders Drama! image 4

Remember Jasmine (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness), the new face seemingly everywhere? Well, her intentions are starting to look a bit suspicious, especially when it comes to Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).

While trying to support Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) at The Albert, Jasmine quickly steers the conversation towards Cindy, fishing for gossip. Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) interrupts, trying to impress Jasmine after having his ankle tag removed, but she snaps at him. After Oscar storms off, Gina and Jasmine head out for another drink, but their girls’ night takes a troubling turn. What exactly happens, and why is Jasmine so fixated on Cindy? We're certainly keen to find out!

Tobias "Okie" Okyere Threatens Harry Mitchell as Kojo Returns

Walford's Wild Week: Zoe's Shocking Bombshell, Nigel's Crash & More Explosive EastEnders Drama! image 5

Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) is still caught in a dangerous web with Tobias "Okie" Okyere (Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu). Okie orders Harry to call Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho), but Harry bravely tells Kojo – who's also trapped working for Okie and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) – to make a run for it!

Meanwhile, Harry's half-brother Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) gets a suspicious text from Harry's phone and confides in Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick). Fuming at Harry's defiance, Okie threatens him when he refuses to order Kojo back to the handlers.

Teddy, still worried sick, decides to head to Cardiff to find Harry. But in a twist that will chill Harry to the bone, Kojo unexpectedly returns to the flat. Will Harry and Kojo ever escape Okie's clutches?

Callum Highway's Concerns for Johnny Carter Amid Lexi Pearce Conflict

Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) is trying to smooth things over with a cold Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown), while Callum Highway (Tony Clay) and Elaine Knight (Harriet Thorpe) encourage him to pursue a new business opportunity with an old client, Tim.

Tim makes quite the impression on Elaine during their meeting, but when Callum arrives, he's surprised by Tim's demeanor. Callum later voices his concerns to Johnny about Tim's possible motives, but Johnny goes ahead and makes Tim his business partner anyway!

Adding to Callum's woes, the focus soon shifts back to Lexi. Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) is unhappy that Johnny is trying to buy Lexi’s affection with gifts, and he orders Callum to put a stop to it. But when Johnny excites Lexi with an offer to take her to a concert, Callum finds himself in a moral dilemma. What's the right thing to do here?

Your Burning EastEnders Questions Answered!

When can I catch these dramatic EastEnders episodes?

You can tune in for all this Walford drama from Monday, October 20th to Thursday, October 23rd, 2025.

Where can I watch EastEnders?

EastEnders airs Monday through Thursday at 7:30 PM on BBC One. If you can't wait, most episodes drop early at 6 AM on BBC iPlayer before their TV broadcast!

Will there be any major cliffhangers this week?

Absolutely! With Zoe's bombshell, Nigel's confession, and Jasmine's mysterious intentions, expect plenty of unanswered questions leading into the following week.

Sources
  • Radio Times
  • Digital Spy
  • Daily Mirror