There’s high tension in EastEnders next week as Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) faces fresh trauma when Dean Wicks’ (Matt Di Angelo) plea hearing dawns, but best mate and co-conspirator Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) is being targeted by someone else entirely.
As Dean’s court date arrives, the reality of the fact his trial is pending hits home, with Linda knowing her faked story could crumble at any time.
What decision will Dean come to when it comes to forming his plea? And what impact will it have on spiralling Linda?
Elsewhere, Reiss Coldwell’s (Jonny Freeman) deceit has put a target on Sharon’s back as he tries to con money out of her.
But perhaps it’s Reiss who should be worried even more if Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) discovers the truth.
And it’s not Reiss’ only crisis next week…
Monday July 22
Reiss’ money troubles continue to mount when Debbie’s care home call to reveal he still owes them money and Debbie will be moved if he doesn’t pay. Planning to scam her, Reiss lies to Sharon about an outstanding VAT receipt, but he quickly backtracks after she becomes emotional about Keanu.
Reiss visits Debbie for solace before heading home to reveal all to Sonia, but he reconsiders when she shares some good news. The couple are delighted, but Reiss soon puts his foot in it and he decides to come clean about their debt.
Later, Reiss heads to No.43 and tells Sharon that he made a mistake – the VAT bill still stands and she’ll need to pay up by tomorrow…
It’s the day of Dean’s plea hearing and Linda is struggling to cope. Bernie is deflated when Jack reveals he can’t attend, but her attention is soon diverted to Linda who tries to evade her questioning.
Kat and Alfie try to discipline Tommy, but they’re furious when the school inform them of his absence. Alfie finds Tommy in the Boxing Den sparring with Phil, and orders him back to the laundrette to start his summer job.
Tommy spies Harvey secretly giving Maya money, and assumes he is cheating on Jean. Later, Tommy heads to No.55 and pleads with Phil to get back with Kat.
Tuesday July 23
Sonia and Reiss look for extra work, but Reiss gets more than he bargained for when he bags a temporary job with Kim at Fox & Hair. Reiss asks Sharon about the outstanding funds and, overhearing, Phil is left bemused.
At the Boxing Den, Reiss is delighted when Sharon agrees to pay the debt, but an arriving Phil demands to know what is going on and as Sharon admits she taken her eye off the accounts recently, Reiss quickly makes his escape.
Sharon and Linda have a heart-to-heart at No.43 about Dean and the impending trial. Later, Elaine gives Linda another pep talk whilst she wraps a present for Lexi, but Elaine soon becomes concerned when she spies an empty vodka miniature.
Tommy skips his summer job and heads to No.55 to convince Phil to get back with Kat. A furious Kat arrives and a row breaks out between the exes when Kat reveals that she and Phil are ancient history. Kat orders Tommy home and the pair erupt into an intense argument.
Penny comes to blows with Ravi after Avani steals a top from her stall, and later vents to Chelsea in The Vic about her work prospects. After hearing about her previous promotional work, Chelsea asks Penny to run a night at Peggy’s.
Wednesday July 24
Sonia is hopeful when Reiss lies that he’s found a solution to the care home debt, but she knows their finances are going to be an ongoing problem. Matters are made worse when Sharon arrives and asks for the missing VAT receipt.
Sonia confides in Martin about her money woes before heading to the care home to spend time with Debbie, vowing to look after her.
Sonia decides to sell No.25 for the extra money, and heads home to meet an estate agent to put the plans in motion.
Sonia is initially reluctant, but after confiding in Lauren, Jack and Martin, she realises that she needs to invest in her future with Reiss.
Kat attempts to speak to Tommy at No.31 but a row breaks out when Tommy fails to apologise for his outburst and she cancels the holiday. Alfie tries to speak to Kat but she remains tight-lipped about the argument and he leaves to entertain the twins.
Elsewhere, Phil demotes Chelsea when he catches her drinking on the job, before Penny seizes the opportunity to steal her bar manager role…
Thursday July 25
Sonia excitedly cooks Reiss a meal before Lauren and Martin arrive to reveal their true feelings on Reiss. Sonia scathes both of them before kicking them out.
Chelsea is devastated when she learns about Penny’s actions, as she pleads with Phil to get her job back.
