EastEnders is gearing up for a festive bonanza next week, but as usual in Albert Square, a heap of drama is on the horizon.
Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) takes the reins for Walford's Christmas lights switch-on and attempts to enlist his fiancee Cindy (Michelle Collins) for assistance. However, after an incident involving Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho), Cindy learns he's being roused from a coma.
This revelation follows a romantic encounter between Cindy and Junior (Micah Balfour) before she visits Kojo in the hospital.
In another twist, Ian finds himself in a medical predicament as he experiences chest pain, having taken on more than he can handle. Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) promptly calls an ambulance for her son.
The doctors advise Ian to relax, while Kathy points the finger at Cindy for causing his stress. Will Ian heed this advice?, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Cindy feels compelled to reveal to Junior about Kojo discovering their affair and pleads with him to help silence Kojo. A jittery Junior has a conversation with Kojo at the hospital, but will Kojo keep their secret?
Despite the threat of exposure by Kojo, the duo continue their illicit relationship. However, when Junior presents Cindy with a gift, Ian is shocked to find it in her coat pocket.
In other news, Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) is back from Brighton and swiftly reconciles with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), who urges her to reconnect with her ex-girlfriend Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal).
The former lovers soon find themselves embroiled in a heated confrontation, which ends with Eve storming out and leaving Suki devastated. Stacey steps in to offer some sage advice, leading Eve to make a daring choice.
Seemingly back on track and ready to tie the knot, Suki and Eve radiate joy as they hope for a smooth journey in their relationship. However, only time will reveal what lies ahead.
Stacey is pre-occupied with her mother Jean Slater's (Gillian Wright) ongoing scam saga. A concerned Stacey implores her to inform the police.
Jean initially struggles but is later relieved when a lawyer assures her that they can recover her money.
Despite this, Stacey remains worried and requests Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) to investigate the matter - but what will he uncover?
Meanwhile, there might be a budding romance within the Mitchell clan as Teddy (Roland Manookian) visits Sharon Watts' (Letitia Dean) home for an evening date, which unfortunately doesn't go as planned.
After Sharon ejects Teddy from her home, the possibility of a romantic spark between them seems to dwindle.
However, the blonde beauty invites him back to No. 43, much to Teddy's delight but his ex-wife Nicola (Laura Doddington) is seething.
In another part of town, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) continues her struggle with alcohol, causing Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) to worry about the pub landlady.
Meanwhile, Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) finds it hard to embrace the festive spirit and is shocked when she hears about Pastor Clayton's funeral.
EastEnders is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
