It could well be EastEnders stalwart Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) final day in Albert Square before being sent down for causing injury by drink driving. He’s been through a lot in the last four decades, but this could well be his lowest ebb.
In a last-ditch attempt to secure a lesser sentence, he pleads with Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) to admit that she took her eye off son Jordan prior to his accident. Eventually, she decides to do the right thing and rushes to the courtroom. Will she get there in time?
Fortunately for Ian, even if the judge does find him guilty, a flash-forward episode that aired earlier this year revealed that he’s a free man come New Year.
Elsewhere, George Knight (Colin Salmon) begins to crumble under the pressure of keeping the circumstances of his vile, adoptive father Eddie’s (Christopher Fairbank) death secret. Plus, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) searches for answers after learning something new.
Here’s everything happening in the episodes of EastEnders airing in week commencing 27 July.
4 EastEnders spoilers for next week1. Ian Beale – guilty, or not guilty?
Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
Ian is well aware that it could be his final day of freedom, and his family rally around to show their support. Just as they prepare to head to court, his lawyer arrives with some good news.
This leaves Ian hopeful of a better outcome, and breaks his bail conditions to speak to Chelsea – asking her for help. She’s enraged by his audacity and orders him to leave, but later confesses her guilt to aunty Kim Fox (Tameka Empson).
Determined to do the right thing, she calls Ian and says she’s making her way to court to tell-all. However, en route, she’s delayed.
Harriet Thorpe as Elaine Peacock, Thomas Law as Peter Beale, Ross Boatman as Harvey Monroe and Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
The judge prepares to deliver their verdict, but will Chelsea get there on time?
2. Gray Atkins forms a plot after learning about Chelsea Fox’s negligence
Toby-Alexander Smith as Gray Atkins. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
Later in the week, Chelsea decides to come clean to Sheila Atkins (Sheila Ruskin) about her partial responsibility for son Jordan Fox (Jahsaiah Williams) being hit by Ian’s car.
Little does she realise, Sheila is being manipulated by Jordan’s murderous father Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith), and this information is taken right back to him. He has an unexpected reaction, and following a commotion at the prison, begins to form a plot.
What is he scheming?
Zaraah Abrahams and Jahsaiah Williams as Chelsea and Jordan Fox, and Sheila Ruskin as Sheila Atkins. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
Sheila confronts Chelsea and forces her into allowing her to see Jordan, and she eventually decides to tell Jordan about their familial connection.
Mum Denise Fox (Diane Parish) is still reluctant to allow Sheila into their lives, though there’s little she can do from her hospital bed. With support from Kim, Chelsea visits to admit her role in Jordan’s accident.
It’s safe to say that Denise is appalled.
3. Nicola Mitchell forces George Knight to confront his demons
Colin Salmon as George Knight. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
George meets with someone from his past, who questions whether he should’ve allowed Eddie to be buried with mum Gloria (Elizabeth Counsell).
He’s still having relationship issues with Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) too, and ex-wife Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) chimes in with some advice. Sadly, when he takes this back to her, a misunderstanding leads to the couple arguing instead!
Furious, Nicola crosses paths with enemies Suki (Balvinder Sopal) and Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace), and tensions begin to rise once again.
Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar-Unwin and Laura Doddington as Nicola Mitchell. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) attempts to act as mediator, but when Nicola refuses to engage with George, he rushes off to his mum’s grave. He’s still guilt-ridden over his father’s passing, and the weight of allowing him to die in front of his eyes is heavy.
Later, Eve and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) find him drunk on Arthur’s bench, and Eve sticks around to console him. The pair, following their earlier chat about adoption, continue to strike up a bond.
Nicola is worried about George. She asks son Harry (Elijah Holloway) to lure him to Harry’s Barn, where they attempt to find out why he’s so troubled. She opens up about her own worries, and they share an emotional heart to heart.
Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts and Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
In The Vic, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) have a catchup and gossip about Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) blossoming romance with Clive Masters (Jason Durr).
It’s clearly going well, as he later asks her on another date.
Following a meeting about saving the community centre from closure, Elaine makes a passing comment to Sharon about Linda that leaves her shocked to the core.
Seeking answers, she heads to speak to Phil.
What has Sharon found out?
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