EastEnders spoilers follow.
It might only be February, but EastEnders has continued to deliver some big moments this year – from Denise’s psychosis to George’s emotional storyline and some big relationship twists as well.
As we look to the future, there’s plenty more drama to expect as we head towards the spring.
But what’s next for Walford? Here, we’re recapping the biggest stories to come, all in one place.
1. Whitney’s accident and exit
Viewers know that the end is sadly near for Whitney, as Shona McGarty is leaving the role after 15 years.
Whitney’s final scenes will air in the spring, and will kick off during a special episode airing early next month.
Paparazzi pictures have previewed Shona filming on location alongside James Farrar (Zack), Natalie Cassidy (Sonia) and Patsy Palmer (more on that in a bit) for the dramatic scenes, which will see a pregnant Whitney being hit by a car. A new character has also been revealed for the storyline.
EastEnders are staying tight-lipped over whether this will be part of Whitney’s exit story or not, but we are still rooting for a happy ending for the long-suffering character.
However, given that there’s been no word on Whitney’s on-screen partner Zack bowing out with her, fans should maybe still prepare themselves for some heartbreak in Whitney’s final chapter.
2. Bianca’s return
EastEnders confirmed last month that Bianca was returning to the soap, with Patsy Palmer reprising her iconic role for a short stint.
Bianca’s return plot will begin when Whitney and Zack go to visit her in Milton Keynes, in the aforementioned special episode focusing on Whitney.
Viewers know that Bianca has had an off-screen break-up with partner Terry and chaos will ensue as she catches up with Whitney again.
Speaking about Bianca’s return, Patsy said: “I’m so excited to be reprising the role of Bianca. EastEnders holds such a special place in my heart so it’s always a pleasure to be back.”
The show’s executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: “I’m thrilled to welcome the fabulous Patsy back to the iconic role of Bianca Jackson. Although the character was last seen on-screen in 2019, Bianca still remains a fan favourite.
“We know our audiences will be thrilled at her return as she is thrust into the heart of the drama alongside step-daughter Whitney.”
3. Ben’s exit
Ben is another character on borrowed time in Walford. Max Bowden’s exit was announced at the end of last year, and his final scenes are due to play out later in the spring.
There’s been no current word on how or why Ben comes to leave the Square, and what that will mean for his marriage to Callum.
But given the character’s history, there is bound to be plenty of drama in store.
4. Jay and Honey marathon
EastEnders is planning a first for the show with Jay and Honey’s upcoming story later this year.
Real-life footage of Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton, who play Jay and Honey respectively, will be aired as they compete in the London Marathon in April.
The pair will run the 26.2 miles honour the legacy of brain tumour victims, including Jay’s on-screen wife Lola. Viewers have already seen Jay and Honey begin their training for the marathon and fans will be able to follow them around the streets of London on April 21.
Jamie said: “I’m really pleased to be taking part in the London Marathon. EastEnders is a London show and, as far as I’m aware, we’ve never shown it before on screen so I’m really excited to be a part of it. Although, I swore I would never run it again after the last time!”
Show boss Chris Clenshaw added: “The London marathon is a landmark occasion in the capital, and therefore we’re thrilled to celebrate our city and offer our viewers a never-before-seen glimpse of the momentous day through the characters of Jay and Honey as they take part in the event.
“Lola’s death had a profound effect on the residents of Walford and this storyline will continue to follow her loved ones as they attempt to come to terms with her death and honour her legacy.”
5. New story for Chelsea
Chelsea has had a quieter time on screen in recent months, and is currently playing a supportive role in her mum Denise’s story. But that could all be about to change.
During an exclusive chat with the EastEnders boss last year, Digital Spy heard how Chelsea could be a character to watch out for in 2024.
“Chelsea does have something coming up next year but I can’t say too much else about it right now,” Chris teased.
Any guesses?
6. Nish’s comeuppance
It’s been a long time coming, but could Nish’s comeuppance finally be coming?
The Walford villain is currently hoping to get his hands on Kat Mitchell’s fortune, after beginning a relationship with her earlier in the year.
Upcoming scenes will see things turn nasty when Kat rumbles his plan and tries to play Nish at his own game. But despite this, it looks like Nish could still be around for a while yet.
“We’ve been speaking with the execs and the writers about the journey over the next six months,” he told The Sun.
“We all have our chats about what’s going on and when I had my chat about what’s going to be happening with Nish, it’s really what I wanted to hear.
“It’s exciting the journey ahead, but we still have to film it, so let’s see what happens.”
7. Sharon’s story revisited
Sharon has been missing in action for weeks now, after leaving the Square at the start of the year.
Sharon’s absence has felt all the more noticeable given her prominent role in The Six story and aftermath, which has gathered some serious momentum while she’s been enjoying the sun in Aus.
Prior to the shocking events of Christmas Day, Sharon had another story in the mix as well, after Phil discovered he was the biological father of her son Albie.
Phil has made no secret of the fact that he wants to be a part of Sharon’s life, and we’re expecting the story to be revisited when she returns. Whenever that might be…
8. Kim’s return
Kim is also currently off screen, as Tameka Empson – who plays her – is on a break from the show.
Kim bowed out alongside her partner Howie, after he was offered the opportunity of a lifetime on a cruise.
In real life, the pair’s breaks are to facilitate separate projects they have been doing outside of their EastEnders commitments.
Tameka is currently appearing in The Big Life musical at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. The Big Life is until Saturday, March 30, 2024, meaning it’s likely that Kim won’t be back in Walford for a good few months yet.
9. Lauren and Peter reunited?
They have been on, off, on and off again more times than we can count, but 2024 could be the year that all changes for Lauren and Peter.
Lauren returned to Walford at the start of the year, leaving a smitten Peter hopeful that this could be their time. But it wasn’t.
“I think we all secretly hope they will,” said Thomas Law – who plays Peter – to Inside Soap. “I think even Lauren wants that! I reckon it could play out better if there’s a time where one of them needs each other, or maybe a relationship goes bad. If you just put them straight together now then maybe it wouldn’t be as exciting.
“I love working with Jacqueline Jossa and really is one of the biggest EastEnders fans. She tells me stuff I didn’t even know!”
EastEnders airs on Mondays – Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
