One of EastEnders' most controversial villains returns next week when Joel Marshall (Max Murray) arrives in Walford. Newlyweds Vicki and Ross Marshall (Alice Haig and Alex Walkinshaw) return from their honeymoon, and their reunion with Zack Hudson (James Farrar) seems calm until Joel appears at their door, threatening their marriage.
Ian Beale faces a tough decision
Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) continues to fear for his freedom as he receives conflicting advice from his son Peter (Thomas Law) and mother Kathy (Gillian Taylforth). His lawyer advises him to plead guilty, but Kathy insists he should plead innocent. Ian seeks advice from Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) and approaches Chelsea (Zaraah Abrahams), but faces Denise's wrath. On Tuesday, July 14, Ian heads to his plea hearing, seeking support from Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).
Sharon Watts returns and confronts Zoe Slater
Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) is back and immediately sets about selling her half of the Boxing Den. Max Branning (Jake Wood) jumps on the opportunity. Old rivalries bubble up when she confronts Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) over lies about Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman). Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) and Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan) defend their mother, but Sharon finds no forgiveness.
Denise Fox's chemotherapy fails
Denise Fox (Diane Parish) is floored by the revelation that her chemo hasn't worked as hoped. She tries to keep her family in the dark, but on Tuesday, she heads back to the hospital and is heartbroken to discover her friend has died. Later, she spots Jordan (Izaiah Hagan-Brown) with Sheila Atkins (Sheila Ruskin), forcing Libby (Belinda Owusu) to reveal that Sheila is Gray Atkins' nan. Denise demands a meeting and interrogates Sheila. On Thursday, she finally tells Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) the truth but swears him to secrecy as she plans a leaving party for Libby.
Priya Nandra-Hart plays with fire
Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) continues her fling with Max Branning, intensifying her attempts to lure him back. On Tuesday, Max is unable to resist her advances.
Mark Fowler Jr and Lauren Branning's car scam
Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) navigate their dodgy car scam. On Wednesday, they make a deal: Mark agrees not to mix business with pleasure by skipping Ian's family BBQ. But on Thursday, Mark goes back on his promise and arrives at the BBQ. Lauren is horrified to receive a call from him about a car deal gone wrong, only to discover he was testing her loyalty.
Vicki and Ross face Joel's return
Vicki and Ross' return from honeymoon is marred by Zack's presence. After seeking advice from Kathy, they announce their intention to move into No.31, but Zack volunteers to move out. On Wednesday, Joel and Cleo arrive at No.43, shattering the peace. Vicki declares she doesn't want Joel living with her. On Thursday, she seeks out Sharon at the cafe but is confronted by Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) and Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), who are furious at Joel's re-emergence.
Harry Mitchell and Gina Knight search for lost stock
Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) and Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) desperately try to locate Penny Branning's (Kitty Castledine) stock that they've lost.
