Week commencing 4 July 2011
History repeating itself?
Do our eyes deceive us? Why is a worried-looking Ronnie with baby Tommy on the day of her trial? And do Kat and Alfie know where their son is? There's only one way to find out...
Kitchen sink drama
Kat and Alfie engage in a breakfast battle. He's looking defensive - we hope she's not suggesting that he's all washed up...
This is your chance to share your thoughts on the drama unfolding in Albert Square. Check out this week's episode guide below and join the discussion!
*Please be warned, the episode guides contain spoilers.*
Monday 27th June
Eddie finally makes a breakthrough with Michael, only to have their reconciliation scuppered by a surprise visitor.
Carol and Ian are aghast when Shirley lays down the law as the cafe's new owner, while Billy's attempt to defend Julie leaves him humiliated.
Tam and Afia resolve to legalise their marriage alone, much to Yusef's displeasure and Zainab's devastation.
Tuesday 28th June
Tyler's lively antics bring chaos to the Vic, while Michael's renewed anxiety about his family manifests itself in an unexpected way.
Ronnie is left unsettled by Jack's methods to save her from a custodial sentence, and Shirley plays dirty in order to rid herself of Rainie.
Janine receives evidence that she hopes will prove her innocence over Lydia's death.
Thursday 30th June
A conniving Michael manipulates Jack in order to spend time alone with Ronnie, while Kat grows increasingly paranoid as Ronnie's sentencing draws closer.
Tyler's attempt to flirt with Whitney backfires, and a desperate Janine turns to Ian in her hour of need.
Friday 1st July
A vengeful Kat refines her victim statement ahead of Ronnie's sentencing, while Roxy is left disturbed by Michael's actions.
Elsewhere, Max and Tanya have a near miss when their passion boils over at the car lot, and Lauren finds herself developing an unexpected crush.
Ahead of our regular Tuesday selection of preview pics (this time for week commencing 4 July) , let's take our first peek at what's ahead in Walford.
On the ropes
Looks like Michael has been taking the, er, Michael - and Jack's not going to stand for it. Go easy on him Jack, we don't think the last of the bruises have healed yet!
We'll be adding lots more spoiler pics to the blog on Tuesday 28 June, so don't forget to check back!
What a better way to spend Friday afternoon, than to enjoy the full uncut Mehndi dance performed by Tamwar, Syed, Fatboy, Darren, Afia, Lauren, Mercy and Jodie last Tuesday?
Who do you think should be appearing on the next series of Strictly Come Dancing with their moves? And who should hang their head in shame? Don't forget to share your thoughts below.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
Good news for fans of EastEnders' award-winning spin-off E20. Filming of series 3, in which newcomers Faith, Donnie and Ava crash into the world of Walford, has recently wrapped - and we couldn't resist celebrating with a selection of exclusive behind-the-scenes snaps and an introductory video.
Market forces
Samuell Benta and Modupe Adeyeye strike a pose in Bridge Street, as Donnie and Faith prepare to shake up Walford.
Hostel environment
They say there's no place like home... and this is certainly no place like home! As Sophie Colquhon (Ava) watches the crew set up a scene, it looks like the make-up team have been working overtime on those fake cuts and bruises. Donnie looked a bit dented too.
Week commencing 27 June 2011:
Sealed with a kiss
Ah, young love. Afia and Tamwar make it official. But who will witness them tie the knot?
Harrassed by Harris?
Ah, young love. And older love too! Mo clasps Tyler in a passionate embrace, but we reckon from his body language that there'll be no tongues tonight.
Please be warned though, the episode guides contain spoilers!
Monday 20 June
Tamwar feels the pressure of his impending nuptials when Afia presents him with an impossible decision, while Yusef causes a stir when he suggests that Syed attends the wedding.
A guilty Tanya issues Max with a warning when he causes mischief at a family gathering, while Billy has a surprise announcement for Julie. Eddie's attempt to reach out to Michael is met with a nasty shock.
Tuesday 21 June
Masood's desperate attempt to halt Tam and Afia's wedding is dealt a crushing blow, while Zainab is left unsettled by Yusef's memories of their past.
Shirley is incensed to discover Phil and Rainie's secret, while Carol and Eddie's relationship takes a heart-warming turn.
Thursday 23 June
The Masoods turn on each other in the wake of Tam's revelations, but a bigger shock lies in store for Zainab when Yusef makes an unexpected confession.
Shirley agrees to trust Phil, but has an ultimatum for him first.
Friday 24 June
Zainab vows to reunite her fractured family after the previous night's terrible events - but will Tam and Masood listen to her plea?
Denise has a savage demand for Yusef, while Max engineers some time alone with Tanya. Julie is stunned when Billy reveals their new home.
We bumped into hunky Stefan Booth, AKA Greg Jessop, who was basking in the sunshine on his motorbike just outside the Albert Square set.
Not only did he tell us about the upcoming drama on the Square, but he also shared a few...unique...talents with us.
Let's just say, any squirrels out there, you have a new friend in town!
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
Here's some vids we filmed earlier...
You can also clap eyes on all of our on-set interviews by clicking on our 'On set with...' blog category.
Remember back when we asked you which songs sum up various EastEnders characters the best? Well the time has finally arrived to unveil just what these were used for.
Please welcome the brand new character trails! *Trumpet fanfare* So sit back and enjoy reliving some of your favourite character moments...
If you can't find your favourite then fear not. We shall adding more to the site for the new characters over the coming months. In the meantime, do you have any suggestions for music we could use for any of the newbies?
Share all you thoughts below...
Week commencing 20 June 2011
Nice day for a white (and orange and pink) wedding!
A radiant Afia and her entourage brighten up the Square with their wedding procession. Tamwar must be so excited...
Putting on a brave face?
... or maybe not. Cheer up Tam, you only get married once. Or is it twice? Just so long as your folks don't find out!
This is your chance to share your thoughts and reactions on the events in Walford. Check out this week's episode guide below and share your thoughts.
Please be warned though, the episode guides contain spoilers!
Monday 13th June
Janine and Lydia reach out to one another, before heartbreaking tragedy tears them apart.
Vanessa puts Max on the spot about his feelings for Tanya, while a terrified Mercy prepares herself for the worst in court.
Tuesday 14th June
Janine is left reeling after the devastating events of the previous evening, but a suspicious Pat can't help but question her involvement.
Fat Boy fights for Mercy at the immigration court, while Michael is surprised to share a moment of understanding with Ronnie.
Carol finally admits she needs Eddie's help, and Christian frets about growing older.
Thursday 16th June
Tanya is forced to take drastic action when an intoxicated Rainie wreaks havoc in her home.
Janine is horrified to be hauled in for questioning about Lydia's death - but who called the police?
Carol and Eddie come to blows over Liam, while Masood offers Tam some words of wisdom ahead of his wedding.
Chrisitian is less than impressed with Syed's birthday surprise.
Friday 17th June
Tensions threaten to reach boiling point between Max and Tanya at Max and Vanessa's engagement party.
Christian's jealousy causes an explosive argument with Syed at his birthday drinks, while Ronnie is left uneasy when her solicitor pays a visit.
Zainab locks horns with Denise over Tam and Afia's wedding plans.
The drama isn't quite over for Janine as an unexpected guest turns up at Lydia's funeral.
Lydia's estranged son, Norman, is back and with the matter of a will to contest soon decides to stick around.
It isn't long before his past affections for a familiar face, Pat Evans, resurface. But will it be time for this hapless, clumsy, unlucky in love chap to finally get his girl?
Norman is played by George Layton, best known for his roles in Doctor at Large (TV comedy series, 1971) and Doctor in Charge (Comedy TV series 1972-73). He told us, "I am thrilled to be joining such a wonderful cast and crew, Norman is a great part and I'm excited to play him."
How do you think Pat will react to this male attention? And what will Janine's make of his arrival? Share your comments below...
This autumn will see a certain blast from the past returning to EastEnders as Nicola Stapleton returns to play Mandy Salter.
Back when Mandy was in the Square, Phil would cheat on his partner, Ian was a slippery businessman and Pat wore some crazy earrings.
Ahh how times have changed! But will Mandy be the same chaotic wild child from the 90s? She certainly wasn't a force to be reckoned with, so it's more than likely that she'll be causing trouble for a few residents of Walford.
Nicola says: "I'm looking forward to playing Mandy again; it will be interesting to see what she's been up to all this time."
So, where do you think Mandy's been? And do you think this once troublesome teen will clash with anyone in particular? Leave your comments below...
This is your chance to share your thoughts and reactions on the events in Walford. Check out this week's episode guide below and share your thoughts.
Please be warned though, the episode guides contain spoilers!
Monday 8th June 2011
Eddie Moon arrives on the Square but is met by a cold reception by his son Michael.
Ricky decides to take the job in Dubai.
Masood's gutted when Afia tells him to stay away from the wedding meeting and refuses to take Masood's wedding jacket for Tamwar.
It's Lauren and Whitney's first day on the stall. Whitney realises Lauren fancies Ryan, but advises her not to get involved.
Shirley's on the verge of throwing Phil out when he reveals he's been to a support group meeting. He hands back her engagement ring, and tells her she needs to trust him.
Tuesday 7th June 2011
Michael finds himself turning to an unexpected ally for comfort as he struggles to deal with Eddie's presence in Walford.
Ricky braces himself to break some difficult news to the kids, while Janine begins to resent Lydia's imposition.
Max continues to pursue Tanya leaving Vanessa more isolated than ever.
Meanwhile, Alfie reassures an anxious Kat about Eddie's intentions towards Tommy.
Thursday 9th June 2011
Roxy pushes Michael to tell her what happened between him and Eddie; will he reveal all?
Shirley is heartened when Phil returns to his support group, little suspecting that Rainie is behind his decision.
Syed is aghast to to discover that Christian has spilled the beans about their engagement.
Max toys with an unsuspecting Greg, much to Tanya's fury.
Friday 10th June 2011
Roxy gets more than she bargained for when she demands that Eddie leave the Square.
A fragile Rainie calls Phil in her hour of need, and Tanya has a surprising announcement that delights Greg.
Janine's heartfelt admission of love touches Lydia.
Billy and Julie get quite a shock this summer when they discover they have a granddaughter!
Sharp, cocky yet loveable Lola Pearce, 15, is living in care when Billy and Julie finally track her down. Lola has been deserted by everyone in her life, a feeling that her grandparents know only too well. With an instant bond, it isn't too long before the troublesome teen follows them back to Walford.
But is Albert Square ready for the petite bombshell?
Lola will be played by 18 year old Danielle Harold. Danielle said: "I am so excited to be joining EastEnders. I have watched the show all my life and I never thought that one day I could be in Albert Square. It feels strange to be walking round Walford with people I have grown up watching, I still have to pinch myself."
How do you think Lola will affect the dynamics of the Square? Leave your comment below...
So you think you can dance?
No, it's not the latest incarnation of the Sugababes, but Mercy, Afia and Jodie strutting their stuff ahead of Afia's big wedding. We really hope Tamwar hasn't got two left feet!
Pat-ching things up?
Pat's disowned Janine for her dirty deeds on more than one occasion, but when a not entirely unexpected family tragedy strikes she's there with a hug for Frank's little girl. Let's hope she won't need to provide an alibi too.
Ahead of our regular Tuesday selection of preview pics (this time for week commencing 10 June) , let's find out what's on the agenda in Albert Square,
Holy Maxtrimony
Judging by that sparkler, Max looks ready to move on from Tanya and take the plunge with Vanessa. We just hope that ring is gold! (Did you see what we did there?)
We'll be adding lots more spoiler pics to the blog on Tuesday 7 June, so don't forget to check back!
As the uber-polished Zoe Lucker gracefully walked towards me for her chat, not only did she look bright, summery and very elegant, but her cheerful smile brightened even the dullest backstage corridor.
The June sunshine was out to play, as Zoe talked with ease about her day (ooh that rhymes), from arriving at the studios to sharing scenes with Jake and Jo as Vanessa Gold.
Watch the goooooorrrrgeous Zoe in action (a stone's throw from the legendary Arthur's bench):
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
What she also talked about:
Here's some vids we filmed earlier...
You can also clap eyes on all of our on-set interviews by clicking on our 'On set with...' blog category.
Charming newbie Eddie Moon hasn't been on the square five minutes and already he's had his first run in with eldest son Michael, but this isn't the first time David Essex has been asked to star in EastEnders.
Back when Honey was still on the scene, producers approached him to play the role of her dad but it didn't seem quite right for the man who shot to fame with a string of hits in the 70s.
On joining EastEnders...Arriving on the Square in a heroic fashion, David explained his attraction to this new member of the Moon clan: "It's a great adventure for me. It's like you don't really know what you're doing until a day before, and then you do it. You have to think on your feet."
He went on to say that working on the award-winning soap is "daunting. It's like going to a new school. But they've been tremendously respectful and very welcoming."
"Eddie is a strong character" David explains during a break from filming his opening scenes. "He's an ex-boxer" with a "chequered past which will unfold."
It seems that romance is also on the cards for the new Moon. "There is a spark between Eddie and Carol," David reveals, but with so much happening will it end up fizzling out before it's even began?
On family...As with most characters in Albert Square, family seems to be at the forefront of Eddie's mind: "There's a massive rift between Michael and myself. We haven't really spoken for years. But as a father I reach out and try and mend that."
It appears that Michael isn't too keen though. With plenty of "powerful" and "dramatic" scenes between father and son, it may be a case of too little, too late.
On the future...David isn't giving too much away about his future on Albert Square but it won't be long before his character is joined by two other sons Anthony and Tyler.
Wonder whether all this drama will leave Michael howling at the...Moon?...No? *hangs head in shame*
Oooh, I say... the Queen Vic has won a Community Spirit award. Was that for it's high-strength Brigadoon?!
The residents of Albert Square are not a shy bunch and some have recently starred in a film to share their opinions and thoughts on the ever-so-friendly 'community'.
Max, Christian, Dot, Fatboy and Patrick are just a few of the residents to have their say on the whole shebang. Which of the diverse characters in the Square say these corkers:
Enjoy the residents let rip by watching the BBC Diversity film which showcases the BBC's diversity story in true EastEnders style.
Peace out.
Hint: You can find out who said the above quotes in the BBC Diversity film.
