Yet another major EastEnders star returns as truth of a shocking death is revealed

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published August 18, 2026 9:27am Updated August 18, 2026 9:27am Another unexpected EastEnder return (Picture: BBC) EastEnders spoilers follow for Tuesday’s (August 18) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm. Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) staged an unexpected on-screen EastEnders return, appearing in prison as he tried to get a hold of Nicola (Laura Doddington) on her dark day. Nicola, as viewers know, struggles on the anniversary of the death of her father, who she had a difficult relationship with due to his abusive nature. This year, the anniversary was somewhat more overwhelming due to the unexpected arrival of sisters Gemma (Patricia Potter) and Jodie (Anna Constable), who tasked Nic with helping teach a thug a lesson. And the subsequent introduction of mum Rose (Marian McLoughlin) is what proved most challenging of all for Nicola, though the reason for their damaged relationship was unknown at this point. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. There are few people on this earth who know Nicola as well as Teddy and thus, worried about her what is historically an emotional day, he decided to reach out. Teddy was last seen on screen in December after he was jailed for life for the murder of Okie (Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu), who son Harry (Elijah Holloway) accidentally stabbed. Not wanting Harry to endure any further torment, Teddy decided he would take the blame for the crime. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Back in the present, Nicola ignored Ted’s calls and thus George Knight (Colin Salmon) picked up the phone instead, with Teddy urging the former Queen Vic landlord to talk to his partner, revealing that there is much more to why Nicola detests this day than meets the eye. Without wasting a second, George did as he was told, confronting Nicola on the matter. The Harry’s Barn manager broke down in tears as she reflected on the day her dad died, revealing that prior to the crash she’d found him attacking her mum Rose. Teddy made an unexpected appearance (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) ‘I knew my dad was a lot of things,’ she said through tears, ‘but that?’. Nicola revealed that her dad ‘went white as a sheet’ when he was caught while her mum Rose branded the situation ‘none of her business’. Nicola told her father to get out, otherwise she’d call Teddy. Her dad, who was drunk, did as he was told, getting into a car and driving off. Rose responded to the by saying that if anything happened to her husband, she’d never forgive her. Nicola opened up to George about her dad’s death (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) The abuser subsequently died and Nicola confirmed that Rose remained true to her word – so much so that she attempted to turn her sisters against her. Can Rose and Nicola mend their broken relationship? Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026 Arrow MORE: EastEnders confirms unexpected major twist for tomorrow’s episode and fans ‘had no idea’ Arrow MORE: Fears grow for Nicola in EastEnders as pressure mounts following decisions The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.