An emotional farewell for Nigel takes a dramatic turn for the Mitchells in EastEnders

Will their crisis overshadow the day?

 16-22 MAY

When Max learns that some vintage cars from the car lot have been found burned in a quarry, he questions Lauren.

But when Lauren challenges Mark, he denies any involvement, and Sam provides a fake alibi, shifting suspicion onto Max.

Spurred on by Sam’s theory, Lauren accuses Max, who’s hurt, revealing he’d been ready to sign the partnership agreement. But Lauren remains adamant that she wants to earn the car lot, rather than be given it.

Meanwhile, Mark continues manipulating Lauren into considering dealing in illegitimate cars as her financial pressures grow. And when Peter tells her that Jimmy’s nursery has a place they can’t afford, she turns to Mark, demanding he call his contact about the stolen cars.

When Grant reveals that he has sold his bar in Portugal and will soon have the funds to help, Mark rejects the offer, determined to fix things alone. With too much at stake, Lauren presses Mark for details about their car scam, but he reassures her he’ll take the fall if anything goes wrong.

As the first car arrives, a sceptical Max asks Jack to investigate Mark, who uncovers his past dealings, but advises Max not to confront Lauren yet.

That evening, Mark receives a warning from the people he owes money to. Desperate, he asks Priya to help him and gains access to the car lot safe, but a message from Lauren triggers guilt, and he storms out, unknowingly dropping his keys to No.55.

Whilst considering turning to Grant for help, Mark is suddenly bundled into a van by masked men and driven off.

As Walford wakes on the day of Nigel’s funeral, Grant grows increasingly worried about Mark and leaves another voicemail. Concerned for her missing brother, Vicki approaches Phil and Grant, who had assumed Mark was with her.

Soon, Grant receives a call from Russell demanding full payment, and things escalate when he overhears Sam, with whom he has a history.

Determined not to derail Nigel’s funeral, Phil insists they deal with Russell afterwards, and the siblings reluctantly agree.

Still struggling with Nigel’s eulogy, Julie turns to those around her, who recall a memory that helps her.

Despite agreeing to go after the funeral, Phil, Grant, Sam and Billy decide to go and find Mark immediately, and a tense standoff breaks out, and the Mitchells return to Walford.

As everyone gathers at the church, Nigel’s loved ones deliver an emotional tribute, and later, Julie and Phil share a heartfelt moment before Sam barges in demanding Mitchell sibling time.

Later, Grant heads to The Vic alone, which leads to a heated clash with Harvey that ends with Kat throwing him out. And Julie finally opens Nigel’s letter.

Meanwhile, having sold enough cars, Lauren hands Max the money, sealing her win. Max congratulates her, but again questions where the cars came from, warning her to be careful. Max later finds Mark’s missing keys and pressures Priya for answers,

EastEnders continues Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One with first look episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer