(18 Twists) EastEnders spoilers next week: 22nd Dec and 1st Jan 2026
Walford never does Christmas quietly, but the next two weeks bring a level of chaos that even Albert Square isn’t prepared for. Old ghosts resurface, new dangers emerge, and several families stand on the edge of collapse. Here are the 18 colossal twists shaping the most explosive festive fortnight EastEnders has delivered in years.
1. Nigel’s Film Night Turns into Disaster
Nigel proudly hosts the premiere of his homemade documentary at the community centre. But the joyful moment collapses when he notices a bruise on Julie’s face — one he caused during a dementia confusion episode. Horrified, he bolts from the venue, overwhelmed with guilt.
2. Nigel Retreats to the Vic — and Sees Old Shadows
Lost in his declining memory, Nigel wanders into the closed Queen Vic. As his condition worsens, the line between past and present blurs.
3. Phil Finally Accepts the Truth
Watching Nigel’s film alone, Phil realises the situation has gone far beyond what the family can manage. He shares an emotional conversation with Julie, both acknowledging that Nigel needs more help than they’ve admitted.
4. A Fraught Mitchell Christmas
Nigel wakes with no recollection of the night before. Sam, Phil, and Julie band together to give him a warm Christmas, while Nigel insists on planning the “perfect” festive celebration — despite the cracks showing.
5. Max’s Family Showdown
A shocking secret sets Max off. Lauren and Jack attempt to calm him, but Zoe’s blunt words push him toward a reckless choice. By morning, Max has managed to alienate almost everyone around him. Even his son Oscar delivers a revelation that sets off a ticking time-bomb.
6. Christmas Dinner Erupts
During a tense Branning–Beale Christmas meal, Cindy storms out after Ian and Peter make it clear she isn’t wanted. Max, already simmering, blows up — turning a tense dinner into a five-alarm meltdown.
7. Anthony Worries Everyone
Patrick and Chelsea try to lift Anthony’s spirits, but he’s distant, volatile, and hiding something they can’t quite identify.
8. Zoe’s Terrifying Discovery
Cat confronts Sam at the Vic over Zoe’s stalker. Sam is forced to reveal her cancer diagnosis and seeks comfort in Zack. Meanwhile, while Cat and Alfie attend the carol service, Zoe uncovers something chilling at home… something that sends her spiraling.
9. Christmas at the Vic Turns Catastrophic
The Slaters attempt a community Christmas meal, but Zoe unravels in front of everyone. Cat clears the pub to protect her — but a split-second decision sparks a massive incident that pulls the police straight into the Square.
10. Zack’s Jealousy Complicates Everything
After overhearing Ross asking Vicki to move back, Zack can’t hide his feelings. With the Vic closed, he drags everyone to his home to salvage Christmas.
11. Aftermath Brings Police and Panic
The Square swarms with officers as the fallout from Christmas night hits breaking point. Secrets spill, accusations fly, and no one can see a path forward.
12. Max Is Banned from Jimmy’s Christening
Cindy refuses to attend if Max shows his face. Lauren softens when Max brings Jimmy a thoughtful gift, but Jack drops another bombshell — and Max is uninvited yet again.
13. Max Crashes the Church
Ignoring every warning, Max storms into the christening service and confronts Cindy publicly. The whole congregation watches a brutal, humiliating showdown unfold.
14. Max Manipulates Oscar
Still spiralling, Max lashes out at Harry’s barn, upsetting Nicola. Later, he pressures Oscar into arranging a secret meeting with Lauren — a stunt that leaves Lauren furious and betrayed.
15. Harry Seeks Revenge
Harry returns to Walford eager to rekindle things with Gina — but revenge on Ravi takes priority. He ignores every warning and confronts Ravi in the Square.
16. A Violent Attack Nearly Happens
Phil gives Harry some advice which Harry interprets as a green light to strike. Nicola is horrified when she catches him preparing to ambush Ravi at the Arches.
17. Nigel Confuses Honey for Julie
As Honey and Billy help care for Nigel, he mistakes Honey for Julie and awkwardly flirts with her — leaving Billy stunned.
18. Flash-Forward: Max’s New Year Nightmare
On New Year’s Day, a jaw-dropping flash-forward leaps to January 1st, 2027 — revealing Max at the centre of a dramatic future crisis. What happens in the year ahead? And will the Brannings survive what’s coming?