Walford is braced for an explosive week as a beloved legend makes a dramatic comeback, tearing open old wounds and threatening to shatter fragile alliances. The return of Kat Slater on Monday 19th January 2026 sets off a chain of events that leaves residents fighting for survival, with guilt and grief casting a long shadow over Albert Square.
Kat's Mission and Jasmine's Panic
Kat's emotional return sees her dive straight into unfinished business, taking Jasmine to visit Zoe in prison. Zoe reveals she plans to plead guilty to her charges, claiming self-defence. Horrified, Kat urges her to tell the truth about Chrissie Watts, but Zoe refuses, fearing it will implicate Jasmine. Back on the Square, Jasmine lies to Kat about speaking to the police and instead begins secretly plotting a clean break from Walford with Oscar and the children.
By Tuesday 20th, Jasmine is in full panic mode, insisting they must leave immediately. Oscar is unsure, leading Max to intervene. Jasmine's web of lies grows when she again deceives Kat, but Max sees through it and confronts her about her escape plan. Their furious row is overheard by Cindy, who warns Max that Jasmine is dangerously unpredictable. The tension culminates in a dramatic public showdown in The Vic, leaving Oscar torn and the entire Square watching.
Family Fractures and Feuds
The strain extends to other Walford families. At Ravi's, Priya insists Nugget moves in, but Ravi's guilt creates a tense atmosphere. Nugget misreads his father's distance, leading to a confrontation that ends with Nugget suffering a devastating panic attack after Ravi pushes him too hard. Meanwhile, Suki and Eve attempt to rally Priya and Ravi, unaware of the depth of Ravi's inner turmoil.
Elsewhere, Ian Beale's feud with Elaine Peacock reaches new heights. Furious at Elaine's bold new sign for the Peacock Palace, Ian lodges an official complaint with Councillor Barker. When Honey accidentally gives Elaine leverage over the councillor, Elaine strikes a deal to keep her sign, leaving Ian seething and vowing to fight fire with fire.
Health Fears and Hidden Agendas
In a poignant subplot, Sam Mitchell prepares for a lumpectomy. George finds a letter about the procedure and encourages her to be honest. She finally opens up to Ricky, who promises unwavering support. Ricky also organises a surprise birthday party for Phil, but the mood sours when he suspects Sam is planning to leave Walford again.
Phil, meanwhile, plans to take Nigel to Portugal after Sam's operation, a move Denise senses is a form of escape. In a careless moment, Sam mentions the plan to George, who informs Denise, raising fresh concerns about Phil's state of mind.
Decisions That Change Everything
The week's chaos reaches a peak on Thursday 22nd. When Oscar announces he and Jasmine are leaving Walford, Max finally puts his own plan into action. The revelation sends shockwaves through the family, promising devastating consequences for all involved.
With Harvey attempting to broker peace between Ian and Elaine, and George left deflated after his offer to buy Walford East is rejected, the stage is set for a week where loyalties are tested to the limit. As secrets slip through the cracks, the residents of Albert Square face decisions that could alter their lives forever.
