Tragedy strikes Walford this week as one of EastEnders’ most beloved characters, Patrick Trueman, is left fighting for his life following a vicious home invasion—and the culprit is someone shockingly close to the Branning family.

In scenes set to air this week, fans will witness the devastating moment that shatters the peace of Albert Square once again. Patrick Trueman, a long-standing pillar of the Walford community, becomes the victim of a violent robbery gone wrong at the hands of desperate teen Oscar Branning.

The tension begins to rise when Oscar, already spiraling due to pressure from the menacing Fat Mike, receives a chilling ultimatum—pay £5,000 or risk the safety of the entire Branning family. Trapped, with nowhere to turn and his previous schemes collapsing, Oscar becomes increasingly frantic. After failing to secure a deal with Ian Beale, his desperation peaks—and he makes a choice that will change his life, and Patrick’s, forever.

Patrick and Howie Danes, meanwhile, have found themselves on a bit of a lucky streak. Despite Yolande Trueman’s firm disapproval, they place a risky bet and strike gold—winning £6,000. But what should have been a moment of celebration quickly spirals into a nightmare.

Oscar breaks into the Trueman-Fox home under the cover of night, searching for the winnings. But as fate would have it, Patrick walks in and catches Oscar red-handed. What follows is a split-second decision that could have deadly consequences. In a panic, Oscar pushes Patrick, sending the older man crashing to the floor. Unmoving. Unconscious.

Oscar doesn’t wait to see the damage. With Howie returning home moments later, the teen hides in the shadows before making a run for it. Howie doesn’t catch sight of him—but the damage is already done.

The family returns from The Vic to a horrifying scene—Patrick, lying injured and unconscious on the floor. Panic erupts. Paramedics are called. Yolande, stunned and heartbroken, rushes to the hospital with Denise and Kim at her side, praying for any sign of hope. Patrick, the warm soul of the Square, has always been resilient—but can he survive this?

As word of the attack spreads, suspicion begins to swirl. Lauren Branning grows increasingly unsettled by Oscar’s erratic behavior and forced concern. The pieces fall into place quickly, and when she confronts her brother, she discovers the unthinkable truth: he’s the one who attacked Patrick. He’s the one who betrayed everything.

Oscar is on the verge of fleeing Walford when Lauren corners him, demanding answers—and accountability. But will she turn him in? Or will her loyalty to family overpower her moral compass?

Meanwhile, the police begin their investigation. Howie gives his statement, but without a suspect, the Trueman-Fox family is left in agonizing limbo. Patrick remains hospitalized, his condition uncertain. Yolande, Denise, and Kim wait, hearts in their throats, fearing the worst while clinging to hope.

Behind the scenes, guilt begins to gnaw at Oscar. This wasn’t just a robbery. This was a betrayal. Patrick has always been a cornerstone of the community—a man who’s lived with dignity, grace, and love. And now, his life hangs in the balance because of a moment of fear and recklessness.

What comes next could fracture Walford forever.

Will Lauren report her brother to the police?
Will Patrick recover from the brutal assault?
And can the Branning family survive the shame of what one of their own has done?

One thing is certain: the fallout will be explosive. And in Albert Square, no secret stays buried for long.