Explosive drama rocks EastEnders next week as two familiar faces make their return to Walford. But their presence only deepens secrets and intensifies heartbreak. From Ben Mitchell’s shocking reappearance to Joel Marshall’s violent act, the Square is about to face tension, betrayal, and life-changing choices.

1. Ben Mitchell returns – but will Callum confess his affair?

It’s Jonno Highway’s funeral, and Kathy Cotton rallies the Mitchells to support Callum. But behind closed doors, Callum is hiding the ultimate betrayal: his affair with Johnny Carter.

When Kathy catches Callum and Johnny sharing a kiss, she confronts him and Phil gathers the family. Callum admits he wants Johnny at the funeral, but agrees to confess everything to Ben afterwards.

Only, Ben arrives unannounced – on day release from prison after turning informant. The Mitchells are thrilled to see him, unaware of the storm about to erupt.

As Callum prepares to come clean, Johnny and Stuart try to keep the secret buried. But with Ben standing by his husband at the graveside, Callum must decide: tell the truth and risk losing everything, or live a lie that could tear the Mitchells apart anyway.

2. Joel Marshall and Tommy Moon spark toxic masculinity incident

Joel’s dangerous views finally boil over when he clashes with Tommy Moon at school. The fallout forces parents and children to confront toxic masculinity, harmful online content, and the generational divide in how they view it.

Ross and Vicki struggle to rein Joel in, while Kat and Alfie step in to discipline Tommy. But matters take a devastating turn when Joel lashes out at home – hitting Vicki in a shocking act of violence.

This powerful episode sets up a wider discussion, with a follow-up documentary, EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere, airing Thursday 9th October on BBC Three and iPlayer.

With Joel’s behaviour now exposed, can anyone stop him before it gets worse?

3. Eve Panesar-Unwin stuns Suki with baby proposition

After Ravi and his family move back into Suki’s house, tensions rise. But Avani encourages Suki to reconnect with Eve, leading the wives to share drinks at The Albert.

Amid their fragile reconciliation, Eve drops a bombshell – she wants them to adopt a baby together. Suki is taken aback, especially when her family later brand her an unfit mother.

Despite their judgement, Suki can’t shake the idea. Will she and Eve take the leap toward parenthood, or will Suki’s past mistakes keep her from a second chance at family life?

4. Teddy Mitchell plots to stop Ravi as Kojo collapses

Harry and Gina return to Walford, but their joy is short-lived when Kojo collapses at The Arches. Harry is horrified to realise Ravi and Okie are still exploiting Kojo, and George’s heavy-handed concern only drives Kojo further away.

Determined to help, Harry turns to Teddy, who vows to protect Kojo from Ravi. But when Teddy tries to intervene, Ravi warns him off – and Teddy is forced to hide in Kojo’s flat as danger looms.

Meanwhile, Harry is shaken to learn that Okie plans to take Kojo away under the guise of a car show, a front for another shady job. With time running out, can Teddy and Harry save Kojo before Ravi drags him in deeper?