EastEnders has started 2023 on a note of high drama, as Albert Square was rocked by the bombshell of Kat Slater’s kidnapping and Lily Slater’s underage pregnancy.
Fans learned the shocking News Years revelation that 12-year-old Lily is pregnant, with the teenager initially reluctant to tell mum Stacey who the father is.
However, fans at home finally learned the truth of the twist, after many clues pointed in the direction of Ricky Mitchell, Sam's son with Jack Branning.
Elsewhere in Walford, Kat ( Jessie Wallace ) and Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) were bundled into the back of a van amid the nefarious dealings between Keeble, Phil and Keanu.
Here is everything coming on EastEnders next week…
Zack faces his past in bombshell
Zack is to be dealt a huge bombshell as a face from his past, a man called Brett, arrives in Walford and causes quite a stir as he drops news for Zack.
The story begins after Zack is offered a cruise ship job and checks with Whitney that she's ok if he takes it. She isn't keen, but thinking it's what he wants, she feigns excitement for him and urges him to give it a go.
Later, Chelsea collars Zack and tells him Whitney doesn't want him to leave. Angry, he is annoyed at Chelsea for pressuring him as his main motive to take the job was to make money to support the baby.
He eventually decides to turn the opportunity down and Whitney is very happy with his decision. However, his happiness is short-lived when he sees old acquaintance Brett.
He is less than happy to see Brett but things get even worse when he sees Sharon interviewing Brett for a local job at the gym. Zack warns her he's not the right person for the job and he tries to warn him away from Walford.
Brett drops a bombshell that will change Zack's world forever – but what is it and why has it caused him so much pain?
Dealt the news, a broken Zack heads to the club and drowns his sorrows. He ends up in a drunken row with Whitney, as the pair face off in a big argument. Clearly at breaking point, Zack smashes a glass in a fit of rage and fear, cutting his hand.
Kat struggles to adjust after kidnapping
Elsewhere on EastEnders, traumatised Kat is trying to get back to normality.
However, Alfie and Phil are united in wanting Kat to slow down.
Phil is desperate to help Tommy cope, and Ricky gives him some sage parenting advice. Back at No.55, Phil and Tommy share a heart-to-heart, which Kat is delighted to witness.
Lola makes a big announcement
Lola invites the family for a meal, where Billy, Ben and Callum brace themselves for a terrible update.
However, amid fears of more bad news on Lola’s health, the happy couple take great delight in announcing their plans – the wedding is in two weeks.
In scenes later however, Honey notices Billy is seriously down and gives him a pep talk about acting brave in front of Lola.
The Slater family crisis
Stacey heads to work and rants at Eve about the Panesar’s putting their rent up.
Things get worse when the bap van breaks down, and Stacey worries at the expense.
Later, Lily overhears Stacey telling Jean that she’s not sure how they’ll get through this.
But later in the week, it’s Jean's 60th birthday but she doesn't want a party since the Slater family is skint.
However, Jean's man Harvey might have an unexpected solution to their money troubles…
Ricky Jr angry with Jack
Ricky Jr argues with his dad, Jack, and accuses him of only being interested in teenage sister, Amy and her problems.
All the family drama continues to affect Jack and Denise's marriage…
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One
Got any theories or thoughts on the storyline? Let us know in the comments section below.
