EastEnders spoilers for next week 17 to 20 August 2026

 Next week on EastEnders, Priya makes a big decision, as Max struggles with his true feelings.

Meanwhile, Penny's health takes a worrying turn, Nicola is confronted by the past, and Denise gets devastating news.

Here is our round-up of all the biggest moments coming up in Albert Square. You can also check out our collection of 16 spoiler pictures for next week's episodes.

 Nicola is confronted by the past

Nicola and George prepare for Kojo's birthday drinks in The Vic and things finally seem to be looking up for them.

However, their happiness is short-lived when a situation escalates later.

As George and Nicola attempt to deal with what's happened, Nicola is forced to face up to the past.

Later, Nicola decides to have an open conversation with George.

Ravi is determined to fight for Priya

Avani attempts to play matchmaker between Priya and Ravi.

Ravi is also determined to get things back on track with Priya and turns to Zack for support.

Zack urges Ravi to put his heart on the line and show Priya how much he loves her.

Taking Zack's advice, Ravi decides to make the biggest gesture of all.

Max struggles with his feelings

Max agrees to look after Annie so that Linda can go on a date with Clive.

However, sparks fly between Max and Linda before her date, even if neither of them wants to admit it.

Determined to bury his feelings for Linda, Max is soon back to his old tricks as he arranges to meet Priya at her flat.

Craig faces the music

Amy is anxious about the investigation into Joel's attack but keeps her worries to herself.

At the police station, Craig learns that a complaint has been made against him.

As a result, Craig is being removed from public duty and is taken off Joel's case.

Vinny worries about Penny

Vinny urges a heavily pregnant Penny to slow down but she is fully focused on opening her new shop.

With Vinny feeling sidelined, Penny later acknowledges that she's upset him and agrees to go to an antenatal class.

Amy grows closer to Craig

Amy clashes with both Joel and Vicki, and feeling overwhelmed, finds herself turning to Craig for support.

Craig promises to be there for Amy and she accepts his support.

 Max is nearly caught out

Max is panic-stricken when he wakes up in Priya's bed on the day of Cindy's hen-do, having overslept.

Realising he has multiple missed calls from Cindy, Max makes a hasty exit.

When Max bumps into Cindy in the café, he attempts to lie his way out of trouble, and, surprisingly, she believes him.

 Priya ends things with Max

Priya is roped in to helping with some last-minute arrangements for Cindy's hen-do, but her conscience is starting to get the better of her.

Priya's guilt intensifies when Ravi invites her to the Boxing Den, where he gets down on one knee and proposes.

Determined to do the right thing after this, Priya goes to see Max and calls off their affair.

Ross takes a big step

Ross is furious to discover that Amy has given Joel a hard time and is further annoyed to learn that Craig has been taken off the case.

Ross later defends Joel to Amy, and even invites his son to join a family movie night.

 Penny's health takes a worrying turn

It's the day of Penny's shop opening, but Vinny is worried about her swollen leg and wants her to get it checked out,

Fed up with Vinny's fussing, Penny asks him to leave, but later falls out of her wheelchair.

Suki finds her on the floor and urges Penny to start letting Vinny help her.

However, as Penny heads to the shop for its grand opening, she begins to struggle with her breathing and is rushed to hospital.

 Denise gets devastating news

Denise and Jack are left devastated when the doctor explains that her chemo isn't working as well as they had hoped.

Because of this, Denise learns that she will need a stem cell transplant.

Kim struggles to celebrate

Kim heads to the hospital to mark her own hen celebrations with Denise, but it's clear that Denise is not well enough.

With Kim struggling to enjoy the pre-wedding excitement without her sister, she is supported by Kat, who encourages her to join Cindy's hen instead.

Lily faces a setback

Lily is disappointed by her exam results but finds a surprise ally in Joel.

Lily confides in Joel about how she's feeling, and a friendship is formed between them.