Lauren Branning’s theft of the charity money was exposed in EastEnders tonight (Wednesday, December 17) as she was forced to come clean to Peter and her family. Viewers will remember that a desperate Lauren stole the cash to fund a medical procedure to help baby Jimmy… a procedure which turned out to be a scam.
With Peter aware that the money’s gone missing, a suspicious Max soon begins sniffing around. And, after noticing how close Ian and Lauren have grown in his absence, soon theorises that Ian stole it – and started the fire – as an insurance scheme.
Backed into a corner, Lauren was forced to admit the truth. But what happens next?
It wasn’t long before Max was causing a scene again (Credit: BBC)
Max confronted Ian over the fire
As his return to Walford continued, Max waited at Oscar’s side as he recovered in hospital from the fire. He soon grew suspicious over recent events – namely, the missing charity money, and Laurena and Ian suddenly becoming inseparable.
Returning to Albert Square with Oscar and the family, Max headed across the street to pay a visit to his old flame Linda. Oblivious to Annie (and her shock of red hair), he asked Linda for a room at the newly-established Peacock Palace.
The pair then headed to The Albert, where she filled him in on everything (well, not everything) that had happened over the past five years. He revealed that he planned to stick around, even revealing that he hoped to bring Abi Jr. (currently staying with ex-wife Tanya) back to Walford when he was all set up.
Afterwards, still suspicious about the fire, Max headed back to the scene of the fire, where he confided in Jack that something was amiss. He was convinced that Ian had started the fire as some kind of insurance scam.
And, at The Vic, an ugly confrontation took place. Max accused Ian of stealing the charity money and starting the fire.
And, as he began throttling his former rival, Lauren was forced to admit that she’d stolen the money.
Lauren blurted out the truth (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders spoilers for tomorrow: All the fallout as Lauren admits she stole the charity money
As the soap continues tomorrow (Thursday, December 18), the Beales and the Brannings reel in shock from Lauren’s admission. Max, still set on being there for his children, steps up in support of Lauren.
But how will Peter and the family react to news that she stole the money? Will Max ignore another crime on the behalf of his family? And can Ian and Max settle their differences?
Whatever happens, it seems as though the families attempt to move forward in time for Christmas – with next week’s spoilers revealing that an awkward Christmas dinner between Max, Ian and his children is on the cards.
Next week in EastEnders spoilers, drama is set to erupt in Walford as Max Branning makes a surprise appearance at Peter and Lauren’s wedding, threatening to ruin their big day.
Meanwhile, Stacey is preparing for a dramatic departure from the Square, but will she get away without a hitch?
1. Will Lauren agree to marry Peter in EastEnders spoilers?
Peter’s plans for a surprise wedding hit a stumbling block when Lauren Branning refuses to go to the spa day he had planned instead of work. Although unaware of Peter’s plans, Penny intervenes and takes Lauren for drinks.
As they chat, Penny’s comments leave Lauren doubting the future of her relationship. Afterwards, Lauren goes to The Vic with Penny to see Peter, but is shocked to find the pub decked out for their wedding.
She’s stunned as Peter asks her to marry him. But will she accept?
2. Max Branning is back!
Shocked, but going along with it, Lauren gets ready for her impromptu wedding. But her insistence to Penny she is fine doesn’t wash when Lauren tries to flee.
Later, Peter and Lauren prepare to tie the knot in front of their family and friends. However, the ceremony is disrupted by the sudden arrival of Max Branning…
3. Zoe and Stacey react to Max’s return in EastEnders spoilers
Stacey and Zoe Slater look on stunned at Max’s arrival. As Max turns his attention to Lauren and Peter, Kat warns Zoe to stay away from Max.
It soon becomes clear that Max is fixated on Stacey, and he follows her home. Later, Oscar tries to get his dad’s attention, but Max is more interested in Zoe.
Lauren and Max row and she orders Max to leave Walford.
Meanwhile, Peter grows concerned about Max’s arrival, afraid of how Cindy will react to seeing him. Cindy is indeed shocked when Jasmine tells her that Max Branning is back in town.
Determined to face the man who killed her son, she storms over to The Vic.
4. Stacey prepares to leave Walford
Stacey tries to convince Lily Slater to move to Brazil, but her daughter is adamant that she’s staying. Jean and Zoe both try to convince Stacey to stay, while supportive Eve is behind the big move.
Later, Stacey reveals that she has decided to stay in Walford. She tries to put on a brave front, but Lily worries that her mum has made the wrong choice.
Zoe and Lily convince Stacey to move to Brazil after all. When she relents, Stacey and Mo try to get a hold of Jean – who is stuck on the tube with Priya. Both unaware of what’s going on back on Albert Square, Priya tries to calm Jean as she suffers a panic attack.
5. Okie is attacked in EastEnders spoilers
Okie and Ravi worry that Kojo’s flat has become compromised following a run-in with another gang. Later, Harry notices a gang watching the flat, and keeps quiet in the hope that a raid will scare Ravi and Okie away from the flat.
He panics when Kojo returns home, but is distracted by Gina Knight. Meanwhile, Kojo is shocked when he discovers that Okie has been attacked.
6. Nicola intervenes as Harry and Gina get away
Harry helps clean up in the aftermath of Okie’s attack, but earns Gina’s rage when he fails to show up before the wedding. Later, he calls Nicola to help get him out of Ravi’s debt.
Nicola threatens to call Ravi’s bosses if he doesn’t let Harry go, but Ravi soon makes it clear to Okie that Kojo and the flat remain vital to their operation.
Meanwhile, Harry heads to The Vic where he reconciles with Gina. Looking to the future, the loved-up pair decide to book a last-minute weekend away,
7. Jasmine makes an enemy in EastEnders spoilers
The Slaters are fuming with newcomer Jasmine when she demands that they pay for their drinks upfront.
EastEnders usually airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
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EastEnders spoilers for next week have revealed huge drama for the Beale family, a new venture for Lauren, and trauma for unsuspecting Anna.
Here’s what’s coming up in EastEnders spoilers for next week.
Cindy is sure Ian is up to something! (Credit: BBC)
1. Ian’s keeping a secret from Cindy!
Ian’s been up to something and Cindy is on his case! She’s absolutely convinced her fella is cheating on her. And when Ian announces he’s off to a leadership course, she’s sure he’s lying.
Cindy is spying on Ian but what will she find out? (Credit: BBC)
When she sees what she’s got in his suitcase, her suspicions are piqued further. Determined to get to the bottom of things she confronts Kathy, but she doesn’t know anything. Cindy, though, thinks she’s lying to cover for whatever Ian’s up to.
Cindy gets George involved in her subterfuge! (Credit: BBC)
So she goes straight to Ian and demands to know if he’s having an affair. He says he isn’t, but later, Cindy makes another discovery that makes her think he’s still lying.
She corners George and talks him into driving her to a mysterious address. What will they discover?
Anna’s been teasing Bobby (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders spoilers: 2. Anna teases Bobby
After Bobby goes to puppy training with Tyson, Anna’s worried her boyfriend is a bit of a pushover. She and Freddie playfully tease him and encourage him to be more assertive.
Will Bobby follow Anna’s advice?
Bobby begs Peter to tell him what’s going on (Credit: BBC)
3. Peter’s on the case!
Peter doesn’t trust his dad either, and he knows there’s something up. So he hatches a plan to get to the bottom of Ian’s lies. Meanwhile, Anna and Freddie are teasing Bobby and encouraging him to be more assertive.
Bobby wants to know what Peter is planning (Credit: BBC)
When Peter refuses to tell his brother what he’s up to, Bobby channels his new assertive personality.
Peter borrows Martin’s van (Credit: BBC)
As Peter borrows Martin’s van and heads off to follow his dad, Bobby sneaks into the back and goes too!
Bobby sneaks into the back of the van (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders spoilers: 4. Lauren has a lot on her plate
Lauren’s got a job interview but she’s fretting about it, and things are made even worse when the bailiffs show up, demanding payment for an old credit card debt.
Everyone’s playing football in the Square (Credit: BBC)
Feeling antsy anyway, Lauren’s surprised and a bit ruffled when she finds Louie playing football in the Square with Junior, Alfie and Tommy.
Lauren’s feathers are ruffled by Junior (Credit: BBC)
She’s even more prickly when Junior questions Louie’s academic skills and put out, Lauren leaves.
Junior’s got some questions for Louie (Credit: BBC)
What is Junior suggesting about little Louie?
Lauren isn’t happy with Junior (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders spoilers: 5. Surprise!
Cindy confronts Ian (Credit: BBC)
After tracking Ian down to a mysterious cottage, Cindy decides it’s time to confront her lying fella!
Will Ian admit what he’s doing there? And who with?! (Credit: BBC)
She and George go to the door of the cottage and find Ian inside.
Does Ian have something to confess? (Credit: BBC)
But what is Ian up to? And who has been sending him the mysterious messages?
Cindy is shocked (Credit: BBC)
6. Spiking horror
Gina and Anna are off on a night out, with Gina convinced there’s a spark between her sister and Freddie Slater.
Everyone’s enjoying the night out! (Credit: BBC)
Gina is determined to get to the bottom of how her sister is feeling but Anna insists Bobby is the man for her.
Felix and Gina are having a great night (Credit: BBC)
The group are worried about Anna though when they realise her odd behaviour means she could have had her drink spiked.
Anna starts behaving oddly and Freddie is worried (Credit: BBC)
As the realisation sinks in that Anna might not just be drunk, Gina and the others are frantic with worry. They try to find Anna but she is nowhere to be seen.
The drinks are flowing but what’s in Anna’s? (Credit: BBC)
Can they find Anna before anything really sinister happens?
Anna is spiked (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders spoilers: 7. Who’s responsible?
Anna wakes up in hospital after her drink spiking experience and she’s shocked to realise what has happened to her.
Gina is at her sister’s bedside (Credit: BBC)
Anna’s upset about everything that’s happened and doesn’t want to report it to the police.
Gina tries to persuade Anna to report her drink spiking (Credit: BBC)
Gina tries to talk her sister into going to the police, but Anna won’t budge.
Anna won’t listen to Gina’s pleas (Credit: BBC)
8. Can Freddie work his magic?
When Anna gets discharged, she’s still not keen on taking matters further. Gina is overwhelmed by the whole thing and she’s grateful when Freddie shows up to support her sister.
Freddie supports Anna (Credit: BBC)
Can Freddie talk his friend into going to the police?
Can Freddie change Anna’s mind? (Credit: BBC)
9. Family ties?
Lauren’s still stressed out – worried about Louie’s struggles at school and upset that she thinks no one is taking her concerns seriously.
Lauren worries about Louie (Credit: BBC)
Plus she’s got her trial shift at the car lot today. Can she charm enough customers to convince Jay to give her a job?
Lauren’s cross with Peter (Credit: BBC)
With the worries playing on her mind, Lauren isn’t impressed when Peter shows up. He tries to prove he’s there for Lauren and Louie but she storms off when he accidentally offends her.
Lauren is frosty with Junior – at first (Credit: BBC)
In the mood to smooth things over, Peter first of all catches up with Junior and the pair share a pint and make amends.
Peter watches as Lauren talks to Junior (Credit: BBC)
Then Peter goes to collect Louie from school.
Later in the cafe, he asks Lauren to move in with him, and apologises for not being around.
Lauren asks for time to think. Can they make it work as a family?
Lauren’s got a trial shift at the car lot (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders usually airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One
EastEnders usually airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One
Whitney Dean left EastEnders tonight in an emotional farewell after 16 years. Actress Shona McGarty bowed out of the soap as her character left to move to Wakefield.
She left behind stepmum Bianca, former fiancé Zack and ex best friend Lauren as she and her girls got the bus out of the Square.
But while some fans thought it was ‘perfect’, others declared it the ‘worst exit ever’. So where do you stand?
Britney and Dolly went with Whitney (Credit: BBC)
Whitney Dean leaves EastEnders
After making up her mind last night (Wednesday May 22) that she was leaving Walford for good, Whitney turned things around pretty darn quick. By tonight’s episode (Thursday May 23) she had sorted somewhere to stay (with brother Ryan), got a school placement for Britney and a whole new social services plan already in place.
Bianca soon announced she was going to move with her. But that all came crashing down when upset Zack revealed Bianca had known about him and Lauren the whole time.
Whitney confronted her stepmum and told her she was no longer welcome to Wakefield. Bianca sobbed and begged for another chance, but Whit remained firm.
Sonia also encouraged her to talk to Lauren before she left. Whit did, but was still not forgiving. She cut all ties, telling her: “You lost a mate.”
Tearful Lauren told her: “Good luck with your new life.” But Whit simply retorted: “Don’t need it.”
Whitney then met with Zack by Peach’s tree. She told him they had never really loved each other enough – that their love and grief for Peach kept them together when it shouldn’t have done. She told him she’d never regret their time together, though, as it gave them Dolly.
Whitney also promised she wouldn’t make it hard for him to see Dolly (because moving to Wakefield isn’t hard!) as she knew he would be a brilliant dad.
Zack bid a tearful goodbye to his daughter and allowed Whitney to leave without a fight, knowing it was what she needed.
After a send-off in The Vic, Whitney, Britney and Dolly walked through the market to rounds of applause from the market traders.
Then they boarded a bus to King’s Cross as Britney asked: “Will we be all right?” Whitney told her: “We’ll figure something, we always do.” Before smiling to herself.
Whit’s final scene was a happy one (Credit: BBC)
Fans react to Whitney’s exit
Some fans watching the goodbye scenes felt the whole episode was brilliant.
“Just watched Whitney’s final scene. So poignant and emotional to watch. The perfect way to close what has been an incredible 16 years in Walford for Whitney Dean. Shona McGarty, you were one of the best actors on the show and will be missed hugely,” said one.
Another added: “I’m so emotional. I love Whitney so much. Going to miss her on my screens. I can’t believe I’m tearing up.”
“Whitney’s exit is a brilliant one! Loved every scene (especially with Callum), and the acting felt so real coming from the actors/actresses,” agreed a third.
A fourth said: “Watched tonight’s episode of EastEnders and I got emotional. Thank you Shona for Whitney Dean she will always be the best character in EastEnders. That exit was perfection.”
“Honestly didn’t expect to get so emotional watching tonight’s episode. It really does feel like the end of an era seeing Whitney leave though. Such a nice send off for her, especially loved Britney wearing the same cap Whitney wore when she first arrived,” noted one more.
Bianca was cut out and left behind (Credit: BBC)
‘Worst exit ever’?
However there were plenty of other EastEnders fans who hated the goodbye.
“I absolutely hate everything about Whitney’s exit except the slideshow and Stacey’s appearance. Shona will be very sorely missed though,” said one.
Another agreed: “I honestly think Whitney’s exit might be right up there with the worst I’ve seen for this show (poor Krushed Kush aside). Meta, cringeworthy and really unjust – why does one selfish woman get hero worshipped whilst the other selfish people who betrayed her get shunned?”
“Worst exit story ever, Whitney deserved better after all the trauma they put her through on this show. Logging out until Christmas, what a disappointment,” said a third.
A fourth added: “Whitney’s ending was so dead. Shona deserved so much better than that!”
Yesterday’s episode of EastEnders (Monday, May 20) saw Zack and Whitney’s wedding ceremony take place despite the event being initially cancelled.
However, as Whitney said her vows to her husband-to-be, Britney revealed Zack’s cheating to everyone.
EastEnders fans have now slammed Britney for the bad timing of her huge announcement.
Britney exposed Zack and Lauren! (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders: Britney dropped a huge bombshell at the wedding
Last night in Walford, Whitney and Zack enjoyed spending time with baby Dolly as Britney returned home with Bianca.
Zack then begged Britney not to ruin things by mentioning his cheating…
It wasn’t long before Zack and Whitney realised that nobody knew that the wedding had been cancelled, deciding to put the event back on.
After Britney listened to Lily talk about Whitney’s previous heartbreaks, Whitney walked down the aisle with baby Dolly.
She then started saying her vows to Zack but Britney couldn’t help but interrupt things, revealing that Zack had slept with Lauren!
Britney waited until Whitney was at the alter (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders fans unhappy with timing of Britney revelation
Britney knew about Zack’s cheating as soon as Whitney gave birth to Dolly but chose not to say anything.
Fans have now slammed her for waiting until the actual wedding ceremony to break Whitney’s heart.
One fan said: “Britney… girl. Like? Whitney is up there in a WHITE wedding gown 10 mins after delivering a 5 month old grown baby. BLEEDING and probably stitched up. And like? You waited until right /THEN/ to tell her. Mmmk.”
