In a week brimming with explosive moments, Oscar Branning commits a desperate act of violence that leaves beloved Patrick Trueman fighting for his life, while Joel Marshall spirals into dangerous territory, threatening the Slaters and revealing a darker side that has both Ross and Vicki reeling. Meanwhile, Eve Panesar-Unwin is caught between her loyalty to Suki and her instinct to protect pregnant teen Avani. Elsewhere, Callum’s forbidden romance with Johnny deepens—and Cindy Beale makes a jaw-dropping alliance with her former rival.

1. Joel Marshall Turns On the Slaters

Tensions run high when Ross Marshall brings Joel and young Tommy Moon to work at the timber yard—hoping a little hard labor might instill some discipline. But things take a troubling turn when Joel’s behavior begins to unravel after learning that his estranged mother is getting remarried.

Crushed and full of misplaced anger, Joel leads Tommy into trouble, sneaking into the Queen Vic and stealing alcohol. When Kat, Alfie, Ross, and Vicki catch them red-handed, Joel lashes out—directing cruel, sexist remarks at Kat that leave everyone stunned.

Ross’s attempts to rein in his son backfire after he finds disturbing content on Joel’s laptop. In a panic, he smashes the device—escalating tensions further and refusing to allow Joel back to work. But Joel isn’t done yet. He targets Stacey and eavesdrops on a vulnerable conversation between Vicki and Stacey in the Vic. Enraged, he takes a dark step that shocks the community—and raises even more questions about his mother’s identity and influence.

2. Oscar Branning Attacks Patrick in Violent Robbery

Meanwhile, Oscar Branning’s life is spiraling. Under pressure from dangerous criminal Mike, he’s given an ultimatum: pay £5,000 or watch his family suffer. After failing to rope Ian Beale into a dodgy business deal, Oscar makes a decision that will haunt him forever.

At the same time, Patrick Trueman and Howie Danes strike it lucky with a risky bet, winning a staggering £6,000. Despite Yolande’s stern warnings, the men celebrate—unknowing that Oscar has them in his sights.

Desperate for cash, Oscar breaks into Patrick’s house to steal the winnings. But things go terribly wrong. Patrick catches him in the act, and in the panic, Oscar shoves the elderly man to the ground—knocking him unconscious.

As Howie returns, Oscar hides in the shadows and narrowly escapes detection. When the family returns home and finds Patrick injured, panic spreads. Yolande, Denise, and Kim rush to the hospital, while the police begin a neighborhood-wide investigation. Lauren is suspicious of Oscar’s sudden concern and confronts him just as he attempts to flee Walford again. Will she protect her brother—or turn him in?

3. Eve Covers for Avani as Suki’s Secret Plan Unravels

Eve Panesar-Unwin is walking a tightrope of secrets. With young Avani Nandra-Hart now twelve weeks pregnant, Suki has concocted a plan for them to raise the baby themselves—one that Eve quietly opposes.

Eve urges Suki to speak to Vinny, who’s just returned, but when Avani’s mother Priya finds a hospital receipt, Eve and Avani are forced to lie. As the web of deception thickens, Eve begins to question how long they can keep this secret from Priya and Ravi—and whether keeping quiet is truly in Avani’s best interest.

4. Cindy and Elaine: The Unlikeliest Partnership Yet

In a stunning twist, Cindy Beale finds an unexpected partner behind the bar. With Elaine Knight struggling emotionally without her pub, a busy night at The Albert brings them together.

As Cindy wrestles with the chaos of running the bar alone, Elaine steps in—and Cindy surprises everyone by offering her the role of co-manager. Will Elaine accept help from the woman she once fought tooth and nail over George Knight? And is this alliance as sincere as it seems—or a ticking time bomb waiting to go off?

5. Callum Risks Everything for Johnny

Callum Highway is playing with fire—and it’s about to burn. Still married, Callum is keeping up a flirty text exchange with Johnny Carter, who’s away on a cruise. Trying to mask his guilt, he spends the day cheering up stepdaughter Lexi, who’s devastated after a call with Ben.

But when Jay catches a glimpse of the messages between Callum and Johnny, he sounds the alarm. Jay warns Callum to cut things off before someone—especially Ben—gets hurt. The question is: will Callum listen?