EastEnders confirms fresh death as gun is clasped amid Janine comeback

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video When my e-mail pinged with an EastEnders trailer last night, you’d better believe I was straight in – and I wasn’t disappointed. The BBC soap is going all out with a mega winter that not only builds up to Max Branning’s (Jake Wood) New Year comeuppance (well deserved), but also focuses on the comebacks of TV icons Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) and Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky). Not only that, but Eve and Suki Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace and Balvinder Sopal) are hitting the rocks in spectacular fashion, Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) has a revelation that will rock the Hawkins family, and grim detective Craig (Matthew James Bailey) has his days numbered as the net closes in. Oh, and we see a gun unwrapped, and a very intriguing death certificate that confirms a demise…checks calendar…today! Who is breathing their last? Who is the gun for? And just why is Mo Harris making a total ass of herself? Because I am a maverick, let’s start with the end of the trailer where we see a smirking Janine, dressed in red behind a desk, and looking every bit the villain we know and love her as. What is she so pleased about? We have seen Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) at the forefront of the action ahead of her imminent exit, which I refuse to think about right now or it’ll ruin my Christmas. Dark times ahead in Walford – and plenty of secrets exploding (Picture: Metro/BBC) Cindy is ready to take down Max – and Linda will be caught in the crossfire (Picture: BBC) Lee and Nancy (Dan Hatchard and Maddy Hill) are back and bringing their own brand of chaos, Max is getting closer and closer, with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) excited to trigger the end for the couple, and we also see her clasping a bottle of booze, signifying the risk of a relapse. The last thing she needs is the looming force of Janine. But what is planned by the camp chaos-bringer? And is Linda set to hit rock bottom as a result? Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Meanwhile, Craig has effectively kidnapped teen Amy (Ellie Dadd), and he is set to get nastier and scarier. But he didn’t consider that he would be faced with the mighty Sean Slater, not to mention Jack (Scott Maslen), supported by Max and Phil (Steve McFadden) closing in. I don’t fancy Craig’s chances – with Denise (Diane Parish) hugging Amy, it clearly implies she has escaped. But who has saved her – and what does that mean for Craig’s fate? After fighting amongst themselves, can the lads save Amy? (Picture: BBC) Max has plenty of other problems too (Picture: BBC) With four historically violent men on his tail, will this be the end of the dire detective? Speaking of the end, Max lumbers black-eyed and bruised to his New Year climax, punched by Jack and Ravi (Aaron Thiara). On separate occasions, I must add. Not only that, but the likes of Kat, Cindy, Oscar, Lauren and Mark seem intent on confronting him across the coming months. It’s going to be a busy and sore-cheeked time for Max as Christmas dawns. Speaking of, there is going to be a festive dinner with a difference over at the Hawkins’ gaffe as Nicola drops the bombshell to end them all, leaving the clan reeling. Let’s just say I used the word ‘festive’ very, very lightly. It comes after Nicola is launched down the steps by Gemma, so there’s evident beef – and it explains the crutches we saw Nicola on during the flash-forward. Nicola has a revelation to dish up with the turkey (Picture: BBC) Sure, ok then, why not? (Picture: BBC) The highlight of Christmas seems to be Mo (Laila Morse) bringing a fully grown donkey – completely deadpan and out of context – into the Queen Vic, to the shock of a dumbfounded Alfie Moon (Shane Richie). There may be guns, secrets, showdowns, revelations and twists, but this is the true mystery I want solved. Elsewhere, Sukeve fans worldwide – not least of all me – fear the worst for Suki and Eve. As tearful Eve declares that Suki doesn’t know what love is, Suki later wails and smashes a glass. What has ripped the couple apart, and is there any way back? ooooh, that evil smirk (Picture: BBC) Is Mick dead again? (Picture: BBC) The same could be said for Penny and Vinny too, as the completely oblivious and lovelorn Vinny proposes. Later, Harry – having taken lessons from Suki, it seems – cries and smashes a bottle. Do I predict a secret exploding? Nothing stays hidden forever in Walford. One thing is for certain, EastEnders is not going to be quiet as the soap kicks off its winter. I’m pretty impressed – almost as impressed as you must be with my segues through this article. I wonder what you make of it all – let me know on our various channels, such as Metro Soaps Facebook, my X account, and our dedicated soaps email inbox (soaps@metro.co.uk) Deals of the Day This Hoover vacuum is a game-changer for pet owners and muddy homes The wellbeing brand behind everyone's favourite candles has launched its biggest sale yet See London's Christmas lights from an open-top double-decker bus this winter My skin always suffers when the heating goes on but this serum changed that The skincare formula that finally took the guesswork out of my routine I’d also love to hear your theories… Arrow MORE: EastEnders spoilers for next week as legend returns amid terrifying situation Arrow MORE: Drunk Lee brings shame as he destroys Nancy’s antenatal class in EastEnders Arrow MORE: Fresh EastEnders exit as child star steps back along with four others The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.