Next week on EastEnders, Nicola Mitchell faces exposure as her secret about Barney's paternity threatens to unravel. After it was revealed that Zack Hudson is Barney's biological father, not Teddy, Nicola panics and tries to flee Walford. However, Teddy refuses to go, leaving Nicola desperate. A confrontation with Zack leads to his sister Sharon Watts confronting Nicola, potentially outing the truth. Meanwhile, Sharon's own secret—her affair with Grant Mitchell—could also be revealed.
Elsewhere, Harvey Monroe struggles to connect with Jean Slater following Martin Fowler's death. Feeling rejected, he seeks comfort from Kathy Beale, and the two share a surprise kiss. This could spell trouble for Harvey and Jean's relationship.
Kat Slater is wary of her son Tommy Moon after his recent outburst. She buys him a games console to apologise, but becomes concerned about a mysterious friend he chats with online. Tommy later comforts grieving Lily and claims he can help her, deepening the mystery. Other teens taunt Tommy, hinting at a secret.
Finally, Reiss Colwell's funeral brings a surprise return. Bianca Jackson and Sonia Fowler grapple with Reiss's actions. Sonia is reluctant to attend, but a heart-to-heart with Reiss's ex-mother-in-law Brenda changes her mind. Bianca plans a baby shower, but Nicola's comment sours the mood.
