EastEnders spoilers for next week 5 to 8 October 2026

 Next week on EastEnders, Nancy is back, with news that rocks Linda.

Meanwhile, Nicola and Gemma clash, and Ian returns from prison a changed man.

Here's our round-up of all the big moments to watch out for, and you can also check out our gallery of 32 spoiler pictures from next week's episodes..

Nancy is back

Nancy arrives back in the Square to speak to Johnny for legal advice but is keen to keep this a secret from Linda.

Linda soon learns about Nancy's return from Max and heads off to see her with Elaine, but it's no happy reunion, and Nancy ends up storming off.

Despite her difficult reunion with Linda, Nancy later returns to the Square, ready to tell her mum the truth about what's going on.

Nicola and Gemma clash

Nicola is struggling to be around Ned, after he blackmailed her for a share in Harry's Barn.

Things get even worse for Nicola when it becomes clear that Ned is planning to be hands-on in running the bar.

Later, Nicola bonds with Gemma as they reflect on old times, but the moment is short-lived when Jodie unpacks their dad's medal, leaving Nicola furious.

Gemma tries to speak to Nicola about her outburst later but to no avail. Fed up, Nicola tells Gemma that she wished the family had never moved to Walford.

Harvey struggles with divided loyalties

Harvey tries to support Kathy as she prepares to welcome Ian home.

However, when Lily asks Harvey to attend a career fair with her, he agrees.

Linda struggles with Nancy's news

Linda reels from Nancy's bombshell, as Elaine and Johnny try to keep the peace.

Despairing, Linda decides to tell her family about her relationship with Max, hoping that they will be honest with her in return. But will this have the desired effect?

Nicola apologises to Gemma

Nicola is supported by George following her argument with Gemma, and later decides to apologise.

Afterwards, Ned gathers the family at Harry's Barn to unveil their dad's framed medal, hoping to provoke Nicola. But to his surprise, Nicola doesn't react.

Harvey makes a mistake

Harvey tries to step up for a stressed Kathy by cleaning the chippy ahead of an inspection, but it's clear he's taken on too much.

As Harvey awaits the inspection at the chippy, he gets distracted when Lily tells him she's missing a career open day due to having no childcare for Charli.

He agrees to look after Charli instead and misses the inspection.

Ian returns from prison

Ian returns to Walford, but it's clear he's very shaken by his time in prison.

He is palpably overwhelmed when he arrives at The Vic for welcome home drinks and his day gets worse when he discovers that Harvey missed the inspection.

As Ian clashes with Harvey, it all becomes too much for him and he flees.

 Ryder confides in Nicola

Nicola trains Ryder up on the bar but soon spots some tension between him and Ned.

Wanting to help, Nicola takes Ryder for lunch, where she encourages him to be honest with her.

Nicola and Ryder continue to bond, but Nicola gets a shock when Ryder brings his date to Harry's Barn.

Afterwards, Ryder asks to speak to Nicola alone – but what does he want to tell her?

Penny's fears intensify

Penny and Vinny struggle with sleep deprivation as they settle into newborn life.

However, Penny is forced to stand up for Vinny when Suki challenges their parenting skills.

Later, Penny's anxiety grows when Rose and Jodie comment that baby Ethan doesn't look like Vinny.

 Ian continues to struggle

Ian continues to experience difficulties adjusting to life following his release from prison and shuts out his worried family.

When he discovers the chippy has been vandalised, Ian finds support in Ned, who helps him clean up the graffiti.

As they chat, Ned helps him open up and Ian ends up discussing the night of the accident.

This encourages Ian to reach out to Chelsea, and he later thanks Ned for his support.

 Alfie worries about Kat

Alfie is worried about a grief-stricken Kat and is at a loss over how to support her.

Despite Alfie's attempts to get through to her, Kat continues to shut him out.