Secrets in the Square (Picture: BBC)
There is fresh pain for Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) in EastEnders, as the prospect of a memorial for Peach becomes too much, leaving Zack Hudson (James Farrar) concerned for her.
However, the couple are soon united as they stand together for the day, with Whitney unaware of Zack’s own secret.
After an appointment at the HIV clinic supported by Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), Zack is encouraged to tell Whitney the truth about his diagnosis.
But as he steels himself to discuss the matter, will he go through with it – and how will Whitney cope?
Meanwhile, Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) is relishing playing games with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) – this time using Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) as part of his plot.
And when Denise (Diane Parish) warns him off, she is left shaken when he retorts with a sinister threat.
Meanwhile, when Emma (Patsy Kensit) intervenes in Mother’s Day plans Lexi has with Lola (Danielle Pearce), things soon kick off.
Here’s what to expect next week.
Monday March 20
Whitney refuses to attend Peach’s ceremony (Picture: BBC)
Martin and Sharon are counselling Zack about being strong for Whitney as she’s going through physical and emotional turmoil.
Zack is inspired when Martin explains how Kush and Shabnam planted a tree to remember their late son, Zaair. Later, Zack goes to see Whitney and tells her of his plans.
Whitney refuses to attend, but after wise words from best friend Chelsea, she changes her mind. Zack is pleased when she arrives, and after the ceremony, they stay back to grieve alone.
Full of emotion, Whitney kisses Zack, and he responds before pulling away. Whitney’s devastated but Zack can’t find the words to share the news of his HIV diagnosis.
Lexi has Mother’s Day with Lola all planned out until Emma arrives uninvited and tags along. Lexi gets frustrated when Emma interferes at every turn and soon loses her temper about having to share her mum.
Mortified Emma realises she’s overstepped the mark and offers to leave, but Lola tells her to return to the flat while she talks to Lexi.
But back at home, Lola’s hopes of a family evening end abruptly as Emma bolts when an uncomfortable subject about her past is revisited.
Jean is thrilled when Freddie offers to treat her to a slap-up Mother’s Day lunch at The Vic. But when they get to the pub, Rocky – who is there with Kathy, Bobby and Ben – is desperate to keep a lid on how he and Freddie have been making their money.
Ravi tries to flirt with Chelsea in an attempt to put pressure on Denise to gain access to Jack’s files. She rebuffs his offer of a drink, but Ravi is convinced he can win her round.
Tuesday March 21
Sam asks some difficult questions on Zack’s behalf (Picture: BBC)
Chelsea counsels Whitney to talk to Zack about how she feels, but she’s mortified by his rejection.
Sam accompanies Zack to the clinic.
Sam asks some difficult questions on Zack’s behalf about when he can have sex and if he and a partner can try to conceive. Once back in Walford, Sam implores Zack to tell Whitney the truth, and he goes to see her.
Chelsea tells Felix and Finlay that they are going to The Albert tonight to give Whitney and Zack space.
She’s annoyed to find Ravi is there, and even more irritated when a mystery blonde joins him. Furious Chelsea tries to make Ravi jealous.
It looks like her plan has failed when Ravi and the girl leave, but when Chelsea steps outside, he’s waiting for her and offers to take her for a ride on his motorbike…
Lola is fretting about Emma’s sudden exit and wonders if her mum has rejected her again.
Angry Jay demands an audience with Emma at the car lot and tells her to either stick around or never darken their doorstep again. What will Emma choose?
Cash-strapped Stacey needs money and can’t understand how Freddie is so flush. But when she and Eve interrupt a clandestine meeting between Freddie and Rocky in the laundrette back room, they get more than they bargained for.
Wednesday March 22
Ravi toys with Denise (Picture: BBC)
Jack has been up all night working on the case involving Ravi, and Denise begs him to take some time off. Meanwhile, Ravi is sending flirty texts to thrilled Chelsea.
Later, Denise collars Chelsea to insist she comes to a family games night at No.27, and Felix stirs by asking if she can bring a plus one. Ravi is delighted to hear about the evening and invites himself to be Chelsea’s guest.
Denise and Jack are horrified when they arrive together, and as the night goes on and Ravi starts twisting the knife with both, things look set to get out of hand.
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Whitney and Zack agree to talk about their issues at The Vic. After a deep and meaningful conversation, they have a decision to make about the future.
Stacey is relieved to have the cash for Shiv, the loan shark but when she pays, the dangerous criminal demands another £200 by tomorrow or threatens violence.
Thursday March 23
Jack is feeling the pressure (Picture: BBC)
Jack and Denise’s marriage hits another stumbling block when he accuses her of telling Chelsea that they are investigating Ravi and she could have compromised the case.
Later, Jack warns Ravi off Chelsea, leading to a tense stand-off between the two men. Ravi needles Jack about Denise and the state of their marriage but offers to stay away from Chelsea if Jack gives him intel about the investigation.
At Walford East later, Denise smugly puts Ravi in his place, but he comes back with a threat that leaves her shaking in her boots.
Stacey is desperate, having made no money, and Alfie comes up with an idea to raid Big Mo’s stock of wedding dresses.
After Sharon turns down the chance to be Alfie’s glamorous assistant, she suggests Linda would be the perfect fit.
She’s not in the mood, but after watching Alfie crash and burn with some ill-judged banter, Linda can’t resist getting involved. Stacey is terrified as time ticks down to Shiv’s deadline. Can Alfie make the money she needs in time?
Kathy gets tempted to try on a dress at Alfie’s wedding emporium and likes what she sees. Rocky is rattled when she tells him she’s got a dress and intends to set a date with Reverend Mills ASAP.
In honour of Yolande’s 70th birthday, Patrick puts a bet on a horse called ‘Little Prayer’ as it was the song played at their wedding.
When his horse comes in, Patrick treats the family to a celebration meal at Walford East. After cautioning Denzel never to take love for granted, Patrick announces that he’s going to see Yolande and intends to win her back!
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What happens when next week as Lola lashes out and Freddie is caught.