Next week on EastEnders, Sheila Atkins continues her manipulation of Chelsea Fox, following the sinister orders of her serial killer grandson Gray Atkins. With the Fox-Trueman family preoccupied by Denise Fox's cancer battle and Patrick Trueman's return, Sheila sees an opportunity to twist young Jordan Fox. Meanwhile, Lauren Branning faces a devastating choice as her two worlds collide when Peter Beale begins to suspect something between her and Mark Fowler Jr. The Beale-Branning family spirals out of control. Elsewhere, the hunt for Joel Marshall's attacker intensifies as Ross Marshall and Vicki Fowler clash with Kat and Alfie Moon and other parents.
Barney Confesses, Vicki and Ross Investigate
On Monday August 3, Barney Mitchell turns to Zack Hudson for help, confessing he saw Nugget Gulati acting suspiciously on the night of Joel's attack. Vicki's suspicions are piqued when she receives interesting news, and alongside Ross, they confront Kat and Alfie. Discovering they knew more than they let on, Ross is furious and determines to go to the police. Despite trying to act indifferent, Lauren is rattled when Mark tries to make her jealous. Peter grows suspicious and finds something on her phone. Later, Mark admits his feelings to Lauren just as Peter arrives. Meanwhile, Eve Panesar-Unwin is concerned for Jean Slater when she falls behind on her rent.
Patrick Returns, Sheila Tests Jordan
Tuesday August 4 brings a deeply emotional reunion as Patrick comes home and sees Denise for the first time in a while, attempting to ease the pressure between Chelsea and Denise. Later, Chelsea allows Sheila to spend time alone with Jordan. Tensions explode as Vicki and Ross join a parents' gathering organised by Kat and Alfie, while Jack Branning pleads with DC Craig Ingram for a favour to protect Amy Mitchell and Ricky Branning. Barney makes a statement, and Joel makes a surprising request. With no other option, Lauren reveals the stolen car racket to Peter, then is forced to tell Max Branning, leading him to clash with Cindy Beale. Ravi continues trying to discover Priya Nandra-Hart's mystery man.
Lauren Spirals, Sheila's Scheme Works
On Wednesday August 5, as Lauren spirals, Jack steps in to give Max brotherly advice over Cindy. Penny Branning encourages Lauren to be honest about her feelings for Mark, but Lauren remains torn. When Mark comes looking for her, she asks for a big gesture to prove his feelings are true. Sheila is left with Jordan while Chelsea visits Diane, and begins testing his ability to keep secrets with sinister games. Despite a close call, Sheila's scheme pays off, and she reports back to Gray. Amy tries to glean information from Craig, while Jean takes a job cleaning Max's flat.
Mark Confesses, Chelsea Suspicious
Thursday August 6: Cindy and Max's reconciliation is interrupted when Mark arrives and argues with Max about Lauren. Mark is eaten up with guilt when Louie Beale turns to him heartbroken over his parents' situation. Later, Peter summons Lauren, and her stomach drops when Peter reveals Mark has told him the truth about everything. Meanwhile, Sheila continues scheming, but Chelsea's suspicions are raised by Jordan's choice words and a knock at the door brings further unease. Sheila turns back to Gray for help.
Poll and Further Spoilers
Metro's poll asks readers which story they're most excited about: Who hurt Joel? Lauren and Mark exposed? Sheila's scheming? Patrick's return? For more, see the Soaps Newsletter for daily spoilers and gossip in your inbox every morning.
