And she'll play Linda's old acquaintance from school! EastEnders has today announced that Ronni Ancona will be heading to Walford in the New Year for a stint to play Linda Carter’s acquaintance from school, Bea. In scenes set to air in the New Year, Linda and Bea come face-to-face at their high school reunion, but it quickly becomes apparent that they both have different accounts of their time at school. As Bea settles into Walford, she soon finds herself in the heart of the

But will Phil be open to it? 13-19 DECEMBER With filming for Nigel’s film underway, Julie books him a GP appointment to discuss his updated symptoms, but it’s clear Phil isn’t happy about it, and purposely withholds details from the doctor. Later, Nigel frets when he makes a discovery. And when Nigel loses his cufflinks, Julie and Phil help him, but things soon take an upsetting turn when a confused Nigel unintentionally knocks Julie in the process. As Julie attempts to spea

What will happen when she sees Max? 13-19 DECEMBER Peacock Palace’s opening gets off to a grand start, but the plans are derailed by an unexpected arrival as Linda returns to Walford. Later, Linda is left with food for thought after an unexpected conversation with Sam and is horrified to see Max. Having not seen each other in five years, and with many secrets between the pair yet to be uncovered, the pair head to The Albert for a drink. EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursd

And Jasmine finally comes clean about her connection to the Fords. 13-19 DECEMBER As Lauren and Peter excitedly plan Jimmy’s New Year’s Day christening, Zoe, who is staying at No.25, steps in to help Lauren when Cindy and Kathy disagree over the plans. When Oscar arrives home with Jasmine in tow, the family questions him on his judgment, and Ian takes matters into his own hands by calling the police. As Cindy flees, Jasmine is pulled in for questioning, where the truth about

But what about Zoe? 13-19 DECEMBER As Jean continues to shut herself away, Lily struggles at home, and Kat and Alfie grow suspicious following a conversation with Lily. And they're shocked to discover No.31 in a mess as Lily reveals Jean is not coping. Stunned by Jean's admission about recent events, Kat vows to support her, before making an unlikely ally in her quest to help Zoe, which leads to a shocking discovery. But as Kat reels from this unexpected news, she's soon hor

Can Nicola save her son? 6-12 DECEMBER When Harry asks her for money to buy drugs, Nicola worries about him and refuses, before deciding to withhold information about Teddy’s trial to avoid upsetting him further. But when George checks in on Harry, he accidentally reveals that Teddy is pleading guilty, causing Harry to spiral and reveal that he killed Okie. As George convinces Harry to turn himself in to the police, Nicola arrives and in an attempt to stop Harry, tells Georg

But will her plan to pull some strings work? 6-12 DECEMBER After Ian raises concerns about the Peacock Palace permissions, Elaine worries and sets Johnny, Callum and Tim up on a dinner date to ask Tim to pull some strings at the council. EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One with first look episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer

What exactly is Sam playing at? 6-12 DECEMBER Sam Mitchell is back in Walford, and it doesn’t take her long to cause trouble as she heads to No.55 to steal money from Phil’s safe, and Nigel lets her, having mistaken her identity for Clare. Soon, Zoe seeks out Sam in the Square to confront her ex-accomplice, accusing her of being responsible for her taunting, but Sam denies it. Realising the funds are missing, and following Nigel’s description, Phil heads to Harry’s Barn to a

But can Zoe stay away from Anthony? 6-12 DECEMBER As Kat worries about Zoe, she warns Anthony away from her daughter after learning the truth behind Anthony’s marriage breakup. Later, having discovered that Patrick has spoken to his ex-wife Sophie, Anthony riles at him before Zoe heads to The Vic to speak to Kat, who warns her to stay away from Anthony. EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One with first look episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer

Can Lauren help her brother move on? 6-12 DECEMBER Lauren rallies the family for Oscar’s 18th birthday, with plans set for a party in The Albert. But as Oscar celebrates his 18th, it’s clear he is distracted by his recent heartache with Jasmine. EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One with first look episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer