We're about to see a whole new side to Ned Hawkins (Jamie Bamber) in EastEnders, as he orchestrates a blackmail plot against Lauren Beale (Jacqueline Jossa) and Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple).
Fearing exposure, Mark agrees to do whatever it takes to keep him from spilling about their affair.
Meanwhile, Ryder Hawkins (Felix Uff) also faces a difficult moment with his dad, Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) reconnects with Zack Hudson (James Farrar), and Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) spirals in the wake of daughter Zoe Slater's (Michelle Ryan) death.
Plus, when Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) invites her mates to Craig Ingram's (Matthew James-Bailey) flat without permission, he begins to wonder whether she's harbouring feelings for ex-boyfriend Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega).
Here's everything happening in the episodes of EastEnders airing between Monday 12 and Thursday 15 October.
5 EastEnders spoilers for next week
1. Lauren Beale and Mark Fowler are blackmailed by Ned Hawkins
Mark and Lauren risk everything when they secretly meet at an empty No. 31 Albert Square, only for their rendezvous to take an unsettling turn when they realise they may not have been alone in the house.
Later, at Harry’s Barn, Lauren attempts to put his mind at rest, suggesting that they were probably overheard by a handyman. But Mark’s fears are confirmed when Ned reveals that he was actually inside the house – and he’s now demanding a favour.
With Ned holding their secret over him, Mark agrees to meet him privately. However, he’s stunned when he reveals exactly what he wants. Ned wastes no time turning the screw, reminding Mark that their affair could be exposed if he refuses to cooperate.
Desperate to keep the truth from coming out, Mark takes Lauren’s advice and agrees to do whatever is necessary to protect them and carry out their blackmailer's demands.
2. Ryder Hawkins struggles to come out amid pressure from dad Ned
Ned throws himself into celebrating his new position as co-owner of Harry’s Barn, but Ryder is facing a very different kind of pressure.
With an old football coach encouraging him to return to the sport, Ryder finds himself increasingly pushed by his dad. Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) begins to understand her nephew's reservations when she learns about the difficulties one of his former teammates experienced after coming out.
Later, Ryder opens up to Nicola about the man he’s been seeing, as well as his growing concerns about Ned's influence over his life. Nicola encourages him to be honest with the people closest to him, prompting him to decide that it’s finally time to have an important conversation with his mum.
What Ryder doesn’t realise that Ned has overheard him asking to speak to Gemma Hawkins (Patricia Potter) that evening.
Later in the week, after a successful event at the nightclub, Ned remains determined to pressure Ryder into conforming to his expectations.
3. Questions are raised by Amy Mitchell's recent behaviour
Amy visits step-mum Denise Fox (Diane Parish) in hospital, and is told to put her education first instead of allowing her relationship to distract her. But despite Denise’s warnings, the teen finds it increasingly difficult to distance herself from Craig, particularly as he continues to demand her attention.
Her behaviour is also putting further strain on her friendships. Amy invites Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) to Craig’s flat, unaware that she's already told Ricky where she is – leaving the rest of their friendship group to the property.
Meanwhile, Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) discovers that his daughter has been missing classes. With Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) encouraging him to intervene, he decides that a serious conversation is needed.
Following an emotional heart-to-heart at home, Jack reaches the conclusion that Denise’s illness must be responsible for Amy’s recent behaviour. But while he believes he has an explanation, her increasingly complicated web of lies is beginning to unravel.
Craig soon discovers evidence suggesting that other people have been inside his flat, leaving Amy with questions to answer.
Later in the week, after Jack tasks Penny with getting to the bottom of what is going on, Amy refuses to open up to her sister.
Things take an even more troubling turn when Craig finds Denzel’s ID in his flat. Suspicious, he confronts Amy and demands that she prove where her loyalties lie by handing over her phone. Craig then discovers a shirtless picture Denzel recently sent to her.
Although she manages to convince Craig of her explanation, the discovery leaves him with an even deeper resentment towards Denzel.
4. Nancy Carter and Zack Hudson make amends
Nancy is still struggling to cope with mum Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) interference into her pregnancy, but her mood takes an unexpected turn when she bumps into Zack.
Following their reconciliation, the pair agree to put their differences behind them and meet for a drink at The Vic. Could their romance be reignited?
5. Kat Moon lashes out at husband Alfie amid her grief for Zoe Slater
Kat continues to be overwhelmed by grief following Zoe’s death. Hoping to bring her some comfort, Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) gives her flowers that remind her of the deceased, but the gesture only highlights just how much Kat is struggling.
As her sadness takes an increasingly destructive hold, Kat begins shutting out those closest to her and turns to alcohol for solace. She then suffers a devastating breakdown, with Phil stepping in to offer support.
However, her downward spiral continues when she returns to The Vic. Before long, Kat and Alfie’s marriage is left hanging by a thread as their latest argument continues to escalate, with neither willing to back down as emotions reach breaking point.
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