It’s a week of emotional revelations in EastEnders as Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace) finally reunites with her estranged mother, Norma (Jessica Turner), in a tense family storyline that threatens to shatter her future with Suki (Balvinder Sopal). What begins as a hopeful step in their adoption journey quickly unravels into heartache, manipulation, and self-doubt.

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Norma Arrives in Walford — and Trouble Follows

Eve is visibly on edge when her mother turns up in Albert Square. Desperate to make a good impression, she and Suki put on a united front, proudly sharing their dream of adopting a child together.

They explain that they need a personal reference from Norma to move forward with the process — a request that fills Eve with anxiety. The adoption assessor specifically asked for a reference from someone who knew Eve before her criminal record, and while she could seek out alternatives, Eve believes her mum’s approval is crucial.

To her relief, Norma initially agrees. But it doesn’t take long for old wounds and toxic patterns to resurface.

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A Cruel Twist of the Knife

As the week progresses, Norma’s polished politeness gives way to cold judgment. During an uncomfortable family dinner, she makes a cutting remark about Eve’s ability to be a mother, leaving her daughter devastated.

Actress Heather Peace describes Norma as “uptight” and “a bit of a narcissist,” noting that her character hides behind charm before revealing a cruel streak. “When she first arrives, it’s all pleasantries and politeness,” Peace explains. “But that’s just surface stuff. As soon as anyone touches on anything deeper, it all starts to unravel.”

The encounter destroys Eve’s confidence, and by the end of the week, she tells Suki she no longer wants to continue with the adoption.

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Suki Turns to Lily for Help

Suki, heartbroken by Eve’s decision, refuses to give up. Knowing how close Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) is to Eve, she reaches out to the teen for help. Lily, who shares a genuine bond with both women, becomes an unexpected voice of reason — but even her encouragement might not be enough to undo the damage Norma has caused.

Can Suki and Lily help Eve rediscover her self-belief? Or has Norma’s arrival permanently derailed their dream of becoming parents?

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A Painful, Powerful Family Story

Eve’s storyline marks the arrival of EastEnders newcomer Jessica Turner as Norma — a complex character whose arrival exposes old wounds and forces Eve to confront her past. While Suki and Eve’s relationship has survived more than its share of obstacles, Norma’s cruelty may prove to be their most personal challenge yet.