George Knight’s world may have crumbled in EastEnders — but in true Walford fashion, passion has quickly taken its place. In a steamy, fast-moving twist aired early on BBC iPlayer, George (Colin Salmon) finds himself tangled in an unexpected new romance with none other than Nicola (Laura Doddington), the mother of troubled teen Harry Mitchell.

Fans barely had time to catch their breath before clothes were flying and loyalties were left in tatters.

To understand just how explosive this is, we need to rewind a bit. George had already hit rock bottom. His marriage to Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) imploded after an emotional minefield of betrayal, ex-wives, and one very complicated Christmas. When Elaine learned George had shared a kiss with former wife Sabrina, she reached her limit. But it wasn’t just that. Her decision to sleep with a stranger and then confess it to George shattered any hope of reconciliation.

Since then, George has lost everything. The Queen Vic? Gone — now in the hands of Kat Moon. His job? Lost. His home? Sold. The only roof over his head now is that of his brother Kojo (Dayo Koleosho), and even that refuge is riddled with danger.

Why? Because Kojo’s flat is now doubling as Ravi Gulati’s latest drug stash house — and thanks to Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway), George is unknowingly living above a growing criminal operation.

In today’s episode, George came dangerously close to discovering everything. As Ravi’s associate Okie was due to arrive, Harry scrambled for a distraction. Quick on his feet, he lied and told George his mum Nicola was holding bar manager interviews at her nightclub and suggested George go down and apply.

George, unsure but curious, took the bait.

But what he walked into wasn’t a job opportunity. It was a setup for seduction.

Nicola, ever the smooth operator, knew exactly what she was doing. There were no interviews. No vacancies. Just a quiet bar, a bottle of something strong, and a man who looked like he needed someone — or something — to forget.

And that’s exactly what happened.

After sharing a drink and a heart-to-heart over their mutual messes, the pair gave into temptation. George, still nursing a bruised heart from Elaine’s betrayal, couldn’t resist Nicola’s forward charm. And Nicola? She knew what she wanted — and wasted no time going for it.

Within moments, the pair were in each other’s arms. Clothes hit the floor, inhibitions dissolved, and EastEnders delivered one of its most unexpected steamy scenes of the year.

The fallout, however, is guaranteed to be volcanic.

First, there’s Elaine, whose marriage to George may have ended in betrayal, but who’s unlikely to take his new flame lying down. Their split was messy, emotional, and recent — and she may not have moved on as cleanly as she pretends.

Then there’s Harry, who just manipulated the entire situation to cover his own tracks in Ravi’s drug scheme. Watching his mum hook up with George — while he juggles criminal pressure and his own secrets — could be the breaking point. Especially since George nearly stumbled onto the truth today.

And let’s not forget Phil Mitchell, George’s best mate, who was supposed to be George’s next housemate. How will he react when he finds out George’s new fling is with Harry’s mum, all while things are spiraling in Kojo’s flat under Phil’s nose?

Meanwhile, Nicola’s motivations remain murky. Was the seduction purely spontaneous? Or was she also trying to buy Harry more time before the walls close in?

One thing is for sure — EastEnders isn’t slowing down.

Fans online are already buzzing about the surprise pairing. Some are cheering George on, saying he “deserves a win” after the hell he’s been through. Others are more cautious, wondering whether Nicola has deeper connections to the criminal chaos happening right under George’s feet.

The timing of this romance couldn’t be messier — which, of course, makes it perfect for Walford.

As George stands at the crossroads of betrayal, desire, and possible danger, the coming weeks promise high-stakes drama. Will he uncover Harry’s involvement with Ravi before it’s too late? Can he trust Nicola — or has he just fallen into yet another trap?

And with Elaine still simmering on the edges of the story, will this new romance spark more than just passion?