EastEnders has unveiled a shocking plot twist involving Reiss Colwell, who is contemplating murdering his wife Debbie. The character, portrayed by Johnny Freeman, has been grappling with financial stress in recent episodes.
After initiating a relationship with Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), Reiss began using his comatose wife Debbie's savings to finance their IVF treatment.
However, as the money dwindles, Reiss is being pressured to pay for Debbie's care fees or face her eviction from the facility.
Debbie, who suffered a stroke, requires constant care, a responsibility that both Reiss and Sonia have committed to. Earlier this week, Sonia announced her pregnancy, but Reiss' initial happiness quickly faded as he fretted over supporting a family and Debbie amidst mounting debts.
In a desperate bid to raise funds, he started defrauding Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), alleging she owed over £13k in tax so he could cover the care fees.
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But on Wednesday's visit to the Square (July 24), Reiss took a sinister turn.
After assuring Sonia that he expects funds in his account to cover Debbie's fees, the pregnant Sonia felt more hopeful. While at the market, she paused to vent to ex-husband Martin (James Bye) about the crippling cost of Debbie's care home.
"If she slipped away it wouldn't be a bad thing", she confessed. "The care home fees are crippling us."
Martin watched uncomfortably as Sonia realised the insensitivity of her comments about Debbie's health, prompting her to visit Debbie out of guilt.
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Later in the episode, Sonia made the decision to sell the house she inherited from Dot Cotton to alleviate her and Reiss' financial woes.
Meanwhile, after another visit from Sharon and a confrontation with Phil (Steve McFadden), a stressed Reiss decided to visit Debbie once more.
Reiss broke down, expressing his overwhelming debt and his wish for Debbie to communicate with him rather than living a 'pitiful, pointless half life'.
In an attempt to assuage his guilt, Reiss told Debbie that if she were to pass away, he could start afresh.
Determined not to lose Sonia and their newborn, Reiss moved a pillow from behind Debbie's head, kissed her forehead, and prepared to smother her. Will he go through with it? Or will his conscience intervene?
Given Sonia's earlier conversation with Martin where she wished Debbie dead, could she be implicated in the potential murder?
EastEnders will continue on Thursday, at 7:30pm on BBC One.
