EastEnders is set for a week of chaos and surprises as familiar faces return and relationships are put to the test. Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) makes a dramatic comeback to Walford, immediately stirring up drama with Zack Hudson (James Farrar). Upon discovering Zack’s absence, Bianca becomes protective of Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and seeks answers, potentially uncovering secrets that could disrupt their lives.
Whitney and Zack face a heart-wrenching moment when social services arrive to take Britney away. Another familiar face, Stevie Mitchell (Alan Ford), Billy’s (Perry Fenwick) estranged father, arrives seemingly with the intention of rekindling bonds with the family. However, Billy remains distrustful of his father. Stevie’s charm offensive fails to convince Phil (Steve McFadden), who remains wary of his motives. Billy’s wife, Honey (Emma Barton), encourages him to confront his past with Stevie, leading to an intense conversation that brings up unresolved childhood issues and ultimately ends with Billy ordering his father out of his life.
Meanwhile, Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) is surprised by Bianca’s return, and the surprises continue when Bianca meets Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman). However, Zack’s AWOL status distracts her, and she seeks answers from Whitney. Zack’s reluctance to explain his absence leads him to evade Bianca’s questioning. The situation escalates, and Zack leaves the Square. He seeks refuge at The Vic, where he and Whitney are interrupted by Wahida, a mother sharing her son’s experience with Usher Syndrome. A heart-to-heart conversation with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) prompts Bianca to confront Zack about his behavior.
Elsewhere, Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota) displays flyers announcing the reopening of the café, causing guilt in Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Linda. Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) tearfully observes, but Vinny’s invitation to enter the café is met with resistance. Bianca seizes the opportunity to assist Bernie and secures a job at the café. Later, Bianca encourages Bernie to return to work, recognizing her potential.
Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown) expresses annoyance towards her mother, Nadine Masood (Annie Wallace), upon learning that she has been evicted from her home. Lexi feigns illness to avoid school, but Billy agrees to look after her. Lexi reveals to Billy that she witnessed Nadine drinking, a claim that Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) dismisses. Billy attempts to address the issue with Jay but inadvertently suggests a DNA test, further straining their relationship. Nadine arranges a peace gathering at The Vic to win back the family’s support. Billy presents Honey with an engagement ring, but the moment is short-lived when Stevie arrives.
Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) overreacts to Levi Fox’s (Zack Lee) concerns about her absence from the prayer group, leaving Denise and Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) stunned. The Mitchells are shocked to see Stevie, and Billy and Phil make it clear that he is unwelcome. Stevie resorts to charm to gain favor, but Phil sees through his act. Honey attempts to persuade Billy to give Stevie a chance, but Billy remains adamant. Later, Lexi secretly enlists Stevie’s help with Jay, encouraging him to confront Nadine about the paternity issue. Stevie becomes suspicious of Nadine’s behavior.
Yolande’s plans for Jordan’s baptism are met with resistance from Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams), who asks her to stay out of her and her son’s life. Denise and Patrick persuade Chelsea to reconsider, and she later reconciles with Yolande. Chelsea informs Pastor Clayton (Barry Ansell) of the baptism, and he takes the lead in planning. Whitney is devastated about Britney’s situation, and Bianca and Zack collaborate to track down Keeley Slater (Judy Shekoni), Britney’s mother. Keeley meets them at Walford East, but the encounter takes a turn for the worse when Bianca criticizes Keeley’s parenting. Keeley expresses her belief that Britney would be better off elsewhere.
The family gathers at The Vic to meet an unexpected visitor who has come to see Johnny Carter (Ted Reilly). Yolande goes to No. 1 to discuss the baptism arrangements but is horrified to learn that Chelsea is with Pastor Clayton. Fearing for Chelsea’s safety, Yolande confronts Pastor Clayton and orders her to leave. Chelsea and Levi question Yolande, but she covers up her distress. Worried by her behavior, they encourage Patrick to schedule a doctor’s appointment for her.
Meanwhile, Anna Karen (Sabi Phagura) defies her family’s wishes and contacts Eddie Maguire (Leonard Fenton), discovering that Gloria Bennett’s (Joan Hotchkis) funeral took place the previous day. She faces the difficult task of breaking the news to her husband, George Barker (Paul Moriarty). Whitney’s world crumbles as Zack reveals he is not Britney’s father, a bombshell that leaves her reeling and desperate for answers.
