All EastEnders spoilers for next week as two major characters return

Family woes are causing issue in Walford next week (Picture: BBC) Families are being thrown into chaos in EastEnders next week, with relatives hiding secrets, clashing and being at odds with each other. It’s the Walford way! Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) is back from his time eating porridge with serial killers and it’s soon clear he is struggling with his return to the Square. As he gets edgy and goes AWOL, it gives his loved ones cause for concern. Meanwhile, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) is surprised when daughter Nancy (Maddy Hill) rocks up. But their reunion is soon up in the air when secrets come to light and Linda is left dumbfounded. And Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) is at a loss as Ned Hawkins (Jamie Bamber) ups his scheming and makes his presence felt at the business. Monday October 5 Nicola continues to struggle with Ned after he blackmailed her for a share in Harry’s Barn, and once the pair arrive at work, it’s clear Ned is going to be hands on with the running of the bar. Nicola heads home for George’s return, and she and Gemma later reminisce on old times. The happy moment is short-lived when Jodie unpacks their dad’s medal, and Nicola explodes. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Gemma finds Nicola in The Vic, but Nicola is not in the mood to explain herself and tells Gemma she wished they had never moved to Walford. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Max and Linda are worried when Annie and Ollie clock them (Picture: BBC) Nancy arrives back in the Square to speak to Johnny for legal advice, but she’s adamant she doesn’t want Linda to know. Linda is upset with Max after Annie and Ollie spot them kissing, but Max is adamant they shouldn’t tell anyone before his and Cindy’s annulment is finalised. Later, Max reveals Nancy is back in Walford, and Elaine and Linda head to see her. Nancy and Linda argue and Linda leaves, but she later returns to the Square to tell her mum the truth… Harvey tries to help Kathy as she prepares to welcome Ian home, but Lily asks Harvey to attend the career fair with her, and he steps in to support her. Penny and Vinny struggle with sleep deprivation as new parents. Tuesday October 6 Linda is shocked when she learns what’s really going on. Elaine and Johnny try to smooth things over, and Linda decides to tell her family about her relationship with Max in the hope they’ll be more honest with her in return. George manages to calm Nicola following her run-in with Gemma, and Nicola later apologises to Gemma. Ned is putting on a show but Nicola is not having it (Picture: BBC) Ned gathers the family at Harry’s Barn to unveil their dad’s framed medal as an attempt to poke Nicola, but she doesn’t bite, much to Ned’s surprise… Harvey tries to step up for Kathy by cleaning the chippy ahead of an inspection, but it’s clear he’s taken on too much. Alfie tries to get through to Kat, but she continues to shut him out. Wednesday October 7 Ian returns to Walford, but it’s clear he’s shaken by his time in prison. Harvey awaits the inspection at the chippy, but he’s waylaid when Lily tells him she’s missing a career open day to look after Charli, and Harvey agrees to look after her instead. Overwhelmed Ian arrives at The Vic for welcome home drinks, but things go from bad to worse when he reveals that Harvey missed the inspection, and the pair end up arguing as a result, causing Ian to flee… It’s time for Ian to go on the out – but it’s not going to be easy (Picture: BBC) Nicola shows Ryder the ropes behind the bar, but when she senses some tension between Ryder and Ned, she takes Ryder for lunch to encourage him to open up. Penny sticks up for Vinny when Suki tries to question their parenting skills. Thursday October 8 Nicola and Ryder continue to bond, but Nicola is shocked when Ryder brings his date to Harry’s Barn. Later, Ryder asks to speak to Nicola alone. Ian continues to shut out his family, and things are made worse when he discovers the chippy has been vandalised. Ned helps Ian clean the graffiti and helps him open up by forcing Ian to face what happened on the night of the accident. Ian reaches out to Chelsea, and later thanks Ned for his support. 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