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There are some major developments coming to Albert Square next week as Nancy Carter makes a surprise return, Linda finally tells her family about Max and Ian Beale comes home from prison.

EastEnders has another dramatic week ahead, with secrets, family tensions and some difficult conversations set to take centre stage.

Nancy Carter is back in Walford, but she has a very specific reason for returning — and she’s determined to keep her arrival hidden from her mum Linda.

Meanwhile, Linda’s relationship with Max Branning becomes much harder to keep under wraps, while Ian Beale faces the reality of life back on the Square after his time behind bars.

Here’s what’s coming up in EastEnders from Monday 5 October to Thursday 8 October 2026.

Monday 5 October

Nicola Mitchell continues to struggle with the difficult situation involving Ned Hawkins, who is making his presence increasingly difficult for her.

Meanwhile, Linda receives a shock as problems surrounding her family and Max begin to close in.

Harvey is also determined to support Kathy as she prepares for Ian’s return, although he soon finds himself pulled in different directions.

Tuesday 6 October

Linda decides it’s finally time to tell her family about her relationship with Max.

However, the reaction may not be quite as straightforward as she hopes. With several Walford residents keeping secrets of their own, Linda begins to realise that there could be more going on than she’s been told.

Elsewhere, Ned deliberately tries to get under Nicola’s skin.

And with Kat continuing to struggle following Zoe’s death, Alfie desperately wants to find a way to get through to his wife.

Wednesday 7 October

Ian Beale is finally back in Walford.

After spending time in prison, Ian’s return isn’t the happy homecoming his loved ones had hoped for. His experiences have clearly affected him, and settling back into everyday life proves difficult.

Ian also finds himself struggling with the memories of what happened before he went to prison.

Elsewhere, Linda becomes increasingly concerned that the people closest to her aren’t being completely honest.

Nicola also continues trying to support Ryder, who appears to have something important on his mind.

Thursday 8 October

Nicola and Ryder’s relationship continues to develop as she tries to understand exactly what is troubling her nephew.

Ryder eventually asks Nicola for a private conversation — but what exactly does he want to tell her?

Meanwhile, Ned attempts to help Ian open up about what he’s been through.

With Ian struggling to readjust to life outside prison, could Ned’s intervention help him finally confront some of the experiences he’s been trying to bury?

And there’s more drama coming…

The Hawkins family remain at the centre of plenty of tension, while Linda’s relationship with Max looks set to cause further complications.

And with Nancy now back in Walford, questions remain about why she has really returned — and what she’s keeping from Linda.

Could Nancy’s return eventually bring mother and daughter back together, or is it about to cause even more trouble for the Carter family?

EastEnders airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.