EastEnders is set to welcome back two familiar faces next week, but their family reunions might not be as smooth as expected with drama quickly unfolding.
On Monday, July 14, Lauren Branning (portrayed by Jacqueline Jossa) is taken aback when she receives an unexpected phone call. Soon enough, she’s face-to-face with her younger brother, Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier).
Oscar was last seen on the telly in 2017 when he popped in for a brief visit to see his dad, Max Branning (Jake Wood), on Father’s Day. However, the young lad is now a 17 year old teenager and is about to turn Lauren’s world upside down.
As the siblings catch up, Lauren soon uncovers what Oscar has been doing and why he can’t go back home.
He also reunites with his uncle Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and the rest of his family, before launching an emotional blackmail campaign to persuade Lauren to let him stay in Walford, reports Belfast Live.
As Peter Beale (Thomas Law) and his dad Ian (Adam Woodyatt) show up, Lauren eventually gives in to Oscar’s plea on one condition – he doesn’t stir up trouble. Meanwhile, Oscar receives a mysterious message confirming he isn’t the squeaky-clean lad he’s pretending to be.
Later in the week, Oscar begins to make a mark on the locals and confides in Jack about his strained relationship with his parents, Max and Tanya.
He also hatches a plan to con Ian out of money by staging a fall in the chippie and demanding compensation, much to the amusement of Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).
Oscar, the resident troublemaker, is given a chance to mend his ways with a job at the fruit and veg stall.
However, his first day on the job takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that his nephew Jimmy is blind.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday (July 15), Albert Square welcomes back Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) after a 27-year hiatus, who quickly finds herself at odds with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).
The week kicks off with Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) getting emotional over a wedding photo of him and his wife Julie.
Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) is taken aback when he learns why Nigel left his wife and decides to intervene.
The following day, Julie arrives in Albert Square demanding to know Nigel’s whereabouts, leaving Jay to break the news to her.
Nigel and Phil are taken by surprise when Julie confronts them, particularly as Nigel fails to recognise her and becomes overwhelmed.
An argument ensues between Phil and Julie, leading to an angry outburst from Nigel.
Later, Phil shows Julie a video Nigel made for her, explaining his decision to leave. However, Julie later informs Phil that she plans to take Nigel back home to Scotland.
As the week unfolds, Phil and Julie’s disagreements over Julie’s intention to depart Walford with Nigel escalate, leaving Phil wrestling with complex feelings, all while being comforted by Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).
Julie delves into the intricate bond between Phil and Nigel with Jay, uncovering more about their recent history.
However, during another heated dispute, Nigel pleads with Phil and Julie to cease their quarrel and dashes out. Will Julie and Nigel bid farewell to Walford and return to Scotland?
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
