Christmas cheer turns to heartbreak when lies and loyalty collide at Harry’s Barn

A Proposal Wrapped in Deception

Next week on EastEnders, the Square braces for one of its most dramatic engagement parties yet—but for Kim Fox, the celebration could end in heartbreak. What starts as a picture-perfect moment with Howie Danes popping the question at the Christmas lights switch-on quickly spirals into chaos, lies, and explosive fallout.

Unbeknownst to Kim, Howie has been living a dangerous double life. Behind the postman uniform and romantic gestures lies a man consumed by secrets—gambling, theft, blackmail, and a desperate attempt to keep it all hidden.

And someone is about to expose him.

Anthony Trueman Enters the Ring

As Kim is swept up in the euphoria of the proposal, Anthony Trueman—never one to ignore a red flag—begins to suspect something is off. Armed with evidence of Howie’s shady finances, Anthony confronts him during the engagement bash at Harry’s Barn.

Tension crackles between the two men. Howie tries to deflect. But Anthony is relentless.

And then—just when it looks like Howie is backed into a corner—he flips the script. He reminds Anthony that his own closet is far from skeleton-free. The two reach a tense stalemate, agreeing to stay quiet… for now.

But secrets, as Kim knows too well, never stay buried in Walford.

Kim’s World Is About to Collapse

Tameka Empson, who plays Kim, teased just how devastating the truth will be for her character.

“Kim will be more upset about the lies than the crimes themselves. It’s about trust—something that took her a long time to give,” she explained.

Kim fought hard to build this relationship. She brought Howie into her family. And now she may have to face the possibility that he was the one behind the house burglary that left Patrick traumatised.

If that’s true, the betrayal won’t just be romantic. It’ll be deeply personal.

“Patrick is family. When someone hurts your family, it cuts deep,” Empson added. “Kim will feel responsible. She vouched for Howie. She trusted him. And now she’s paying the price.”

A Party to Remember—for All the Wrong Reasons

As the engagement party goes off the rails, viewers are left wondering: What happens when Kim finds out the truth? Will she stand by Howie for the sake of family? Or will this be the final betrayal that pushes her over the edge?

And if Patrick’s trauma ties directly back to Howie’s crimes… will there even be a future left to salvage?