EastEnders spoilers follow for Tuesday’s episode (2 December), which is available to watch now on streaming service BBC iPlayer and hasn’t yet aired on TV.

EastEnders has finally revealed Anthony Trueman’s disturbing secret, and what he has been hiding from his family. As Howie Danes learns the truth, both men now have incriminating evidence that could cause huge trouble…

Howie recently stole a ring that was being delivered to Penny, to generate some extra cash. But this week, Patrick caught him with the ring and assumed he was planning on proposing to Kim – and Howie later decided to pop the question for real.

Anthony continued to be suspicious of Howie, however, and when he did some digging, he realised that he must have stolen the expensive jewellery from Penny.

The family headed to Harry’s Barn in today’s episode to celebrate Kim and Howie’s engagement. Anthony pulled Howie to the side and revealed that he’s discovered his secret crime – and demanded that he tell Kim the truth, or he will.

kim fox, denzel, howie danes, eastenders

BBC

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Howie instead tried to make amends by getting the ring back from Kim, so he spun her a story about it being fake and just a placeholder for a more lavish one.

However, Kim was outraged at the idea of being left without a ring, so with Anthony watching from across the room, Howie was left stuck.

When Patrick brought up Anthony’s ex-wife Sophie, Howie had another idea and he asked for her number before making a mysterious call.

howie danes, patrick trueman, eastenders

BBC

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It was a rather enlightening chat, as Howie discovered that Sophie had taken out a restraining order on Anthony, which suggests that their separation was nowhere near as amicable as he has made out to the family.

Howie confronted Anthony about this revelation in the café, and while Anthony tried to say that Sophie was a liar, Howie accused him of being a danger to women.

Later that evening, Zoe called round to see Anthony after being asked to move out of the pub, and he offered her a place to stay.

anthony trueman, howie danes, eastenders

BBC

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Desperate to keep his sinister restraining order under wraps, Anthony decided to strike a deal with Howie to try and protect himself.

“You keep my secret,” he said, “and I’ll keep yours. Not a word.”

Will Howie agree to these terms, or will he expose Anthony’s sordid secret?

EastEnders airs on Mondays – Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.

Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage

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