Spoilers for next week on EastEnders tease emotional scenes, a return and plenty of scheming.
Denise ignores calls from the hospital, determined to start treatment on her own terms. Jack confides in Phil who tries to get through to Denise, but she kicks him out.
Denise realises Kim and Howie are engaged, while Walford residents rally to support Chelsea and Jordan. At the pub, Denise decides to share her diagnosis with everyone, before she finally returns the hospital’s calls.
Chelsea calls Libby to tell her about their mum’s diagnosis, as Denise learns she’s facing a month on the ward as she agrees to have the treatment. Libby arrives, but there’s tension with Chelsea who admits Gray’s nan Sheila has been sending cheques for Jordan that she hasn’t cashed.
View 4 ImagesDenise ignores calls from the hospital, determined to start treatment on her own terms(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Chelsea becomes overwhelmed caring for Jordan and faces rising costs. Libby secretly attempts to contact Sheila for help, but she’s soon caught out by Chelsea.
As the sisters eventually make peace, Chelsea calls Sheila for help. When Sheila meets with Chelsea and Libby, she claims she has no contact with Gray.
Sheila offers financial help for Jordan, which Chelsea accepts. Max supports a struggling Jack. Honey is relieved that Bea has moved out to stay with Mo, and she and Billy enjoy a date.
View 4 ImagesDenise realises Kim and Howie are engaged(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Bea overhears Billy telling Alfie what happened with Honey after their date, and asks Honey to join her for a drink. Vinny feels sidelined at a birth‑plan appointment with Penny.
After opening up to Penny, he asks if they can move in together. Kathy tries to comfort Ian. Ian sacks Johnny over his lack of focus on his case, before turning to Kathy for money to hire a top solicitor.
View 4 ImagesVinny feels sidelined at a birth‑plan appointment with Penny(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
It comes as Libby actress Belinda Owusu confirmed her return to the show. She said: “I am beyond thrilled to be back on the Square. Getting the Foxes back together has been such a joy, full of fun and nostalgia!
“It’s been 20 years since I first joined, so coming back has been like returning home! It’s a really great team and I’ve been loving my time here. Libby is coming home to support her family during a difficult time, and it’s been so wonderful stepping back into her shoes and becoming a Fox again.”
Article continues below
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .