EastEnders is lining up a major twist next week on the BBC soap, as well as a new mystery.

A villain makes his big return to the show after weeks away, and it seems he’s been hiding something. As he faces his family, who recently disowned him, he drops a major bombshell that changes everything.

The character in question confirms they’re unwell and dying, but he isn’t believed. Viewers will have to wait and see if he’s telling the truth.

Meanwhile there’s the mystery arrival of a new character, played by a familiar face. Maya heads to Walford next week and features in scenes with Harvey Monroe, but does Jean Slater have something to worry about? Here’s the biggest moments happening in the week ahead…

EastEnders is lining up a major twist next week on the BBC soap (Image:

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Nish’s death bombshell

EastEnders airs some shocking news next week, as a returning character claims they are dying on the BBC soap. While few details have been given, spoilers reveal the character in question is rushed to hospital after a fall moments after telling their family some huge news.

Nish Panesar returns to Walford next week, weeks on from being kicked out by his family. The villain finally got some form of comeuppance as the family disowned him, but next week he’s back with a shocking confession.

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Nish tells his stunned family that he is dying, with spoiler images showing the character looking frail. He’s been gone for weeks with it not clear what he’s been up to in this time, but now he’s back to seemingly make amends.

Given his killer past and the vile abuse he inflicted on ex-wife Suki Panesar, not to mention the way he attacked and bullied his own children, it’s clear the Panesars are not ready to forgive and forget. But as they demand he leaves, he blindsides them with the news he is sick and is dying. But is he telling the truth, and is this confirmation Nish will be killed off?

Mystery newcomer

There’s a mystery new character (Image:

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Harvey Monroe will be thrown back into the spotlight as EastEnders bosses have confirmed he’ll be meeting someone new in Walford – but who is Maya and what does she want? The new character is set to head to Walford and she will be sparking an unlikely friendship with Harvey in scenes due to air next week on BBC One.

Doctors actress Bharti Patel, known for the acclaimed role of Ruhma Carter from 2015 to 2024 in the axed medical soap, will portray Maya from May 29, 2024. While he’s been closely involved in recent Walford drama, Harvey will be seeing feeling lonely next week which comes as no surprise after his pals Mitch Baker and Rocky Cotton have both left the fictional London borough.

Jean Slater will encourage her beau to make new friends, leading Harvey to first bump into Maya as the week continues. Upon their first encounter, Harvey will take her cab fare and help her before connecting with her over being big fans of football team Tottenham Hotspur – but could their blossoming friendship lead to more trouble for the cab driver?