EastEnders spoilers follow.
The Queen Vic officially changes hands next week, as Kat Moon and Ian Beale battle it out to become the next owner of the pub in a dramatic auction.
With Stacey unexpectedly coming into a large sum of money, she has suggested that Kat uses the cash to bid for The Vic. The Slaters are excited, but Ian and Yolande soon burst Kat’s bubble by questioning this surprise move.
Meanwhile, Jean takes a call from Alfie, who we know is secretly travelling around Spain looking for Zoe – hoping to bring her home to her mother, Kat. Alfie has news, but Jean gets distracted and forgets to pass on the important message to Stacey.
“The Slaters have tough competition for The Vic from the Beales,” says our source, “though it all threatens to kick off when Cindy finds out that Ian plans to sell Beale’s Eels to get his hands on the pub.
BBC
BBC
Related: Best streaming services
“But Jean then finally remembers to tell Stacey what Alfie said on the phone. Has there been a major development in his search for Zoe?”
As the week continues, Johnny, Elaine and Linda get ready for the auction. Meanwhile, everything is falling into place for Kat after she has a positive meeting with the bank.
But Kat’s dream is about to be shattered as, following an important call, Stacey tells her cousin that she can no longer lend her the money.
BBC
BBC
Related: 6 big clues that Shirley Carter wasn’t returning to EastEnders
With Kat left devastated, Stacey confides in Jean about the tricky situation she has found herself in. But Jean misunderstands, and jumps to the conclusion that Alfie is helping Hayley on his mysterious trip.
Regardless, Jean gives her daughter some advice – and it seems that her wise words have an effect, as Stacey decides to reconsider her generous loan offer.
“Stacey is stuck between a rock and a hard place,” our insider explains. “But Jean makes her realise that she should lend Kat the money after all. Stacey heads to share the good news; however, it might be too late – the auction has already started.”
BBC
BBC
Related: Why Jake Wood is coming back to EastEnders – fan favourite opens up on big return
At the pub, a fierce bidding war unfolds between the Beales and a rival developer. Kat isn’t even in the mix – so Jean, Freddie and Mo join forces to stall the auction until she can throw her hat into the ring.
Will the Slaters’ intervention be successful? And will Kat, Ian or someone else entirely take over The Vic?
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.
Digital Spy’s new print issue is here! Buy OASIS – live in ’25 in newsagents or online, now priced at just £8.99.
Deals that might interest you
Prime Day 2025 best dealsCredit: LEGO
Shop Sky TV, broadband and mobile deals
Prime Members’ Exclusive Deal
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming deviceCredit: Amazon
Richard Osman: We Solve MurdersCredit: Viking
Stranger Things Hellfire Club dice dangle charmCredit: Pandora
Prime Members’ Exclusive Deal
Apple AirPods Pro 2Credit: Apple
Shop PS5 consolesCredit: PlayStation
Shop Alison Hammond’s outfitsCredit: Mark Bourdillon
Apple TV+ 7-day free trialCredit: Apple TV+
Sign up for Disney+Credit: Chuck Zlotnick
The Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelCredit: Octopus Books
Death in Paradise: The Puzzle BookCredit: BBC Books