In a dramatic turn of events on January 2, 2026, the simmering feud within Albert Square has erupted into a full-blown crisis, masterminded by the vengeful Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington).
A Vengeful Plan is Set in Motion
The roots of this explosive storyline trace back to the torment inflicted by Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) on Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway). Ravi blackmailed the young mechanic into his drug operation, later imprisoning him in a lockup for weeks. The situation reached a tragic peak when a traumatised and addicted Harry accidentally stabbed Ravi's accomplice, Okie Okyere (Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu).
In a noble sacrifice, Harry's father Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) took the blame for the murder and was sent to prison. After returning from rehab and receiving stern advice from Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), Harry was poised to strike back at Ravi himself. However, his mother Nicola intervened, not to dissuade him, but to offer her own lethal assistance.
Nicola Takes Control with a Sinister Scheme
Nicola Mitchell is no stranger to dark deeds, having previously concealed an accidental murder and served time for grievous bodily harm. She assured her son she had a plan to ensure Ravi got his comeuppance. The perfect opportunity arose when the Panesar family left Ravi alone for an adoption interview with Suki (Balvinder Sopal) and Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace).
Later, in Harry's Barn, Nicola put her sinister strategy into action. She spiked Ravi's drink with drugs, and the potent substances took effect rapidly. A groggy Ravi was led outside by Harry towards the Mitchell arches, with Harry intent on finally delivering his revenge.
Chaos and Unforeseen Consequences
As Ravi began to hallucinate violently, Harry had his enemy at his mercy. The confrontation was abruptly interrupted by an oblivious Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), forcing Harry to flee and leave Ravi alone in his deteriorating state.
Meanwhile, Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) grew increasingly concerned by Ravi's disappearance, initiating a search with Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota) and Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury). In a drug-fuelled panic, Ravi managed to escape the arches but was now lost on the Square, his hallucinations growing more intense and frightening.
The episode concluded with Ravi, in a state of extreme distress, lashing out blindly. This reckless action is set to trigger terrible and catastrophic consequences, leaving the residents of Walford to deal with the fallout of Nicola's ill-fated revenge plot. The question now hangs over the Square: will Nicola finally achieve her vengeance, or has she unleashed a chain of events she can no longer control?
