With EastEnders’ Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) having taken time out from Walford to spend some time with brother Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky), it’s up to his bereft partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) to take the lead on plans for Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) funeral this week.

While Ruby had washed her hands of making arrangements after clashing with Martin’s stepdaughter Lily Slater (Lillia Turner), Stacey extended an olive branch and insisted she should be included.

However, Ruby is still in the dark about what really happened on the night Martin died, having reunited with his ex-wife Stacey while trapped under a beam in the ruins of the exploded Queen Vic.

This week, the impact of Martin’s death is still being felt right across Walford, with his aunt Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) arranging for the local lads to get together so they can open up about their feelings.

But Kathy is dealing with her own grief too, and Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) is there to comfort her.

When the caterer for Martin’s funeral falls through, Harvey encourages Kathy to put her name forward to take over.

However, their plans are thwarted when Harvey’s partner Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) informs him that Ruby has already arranged a replacement.

Kathy is hit by the blow and Harvey recognises how she feels, having been pushed out by Jean and the Slaters himself in the wake of Martin’s death.

He then tries to cheer Kathy up by arranging a picnic for them to enjoy at the allotments, which was one of Martin’s favourite spots.

However, one thing leads to another and the pair end up sharing another kiss.

Having already locked lips once before last year, will this kiss lead to something more?

There are set to be more emotional scenes in the coming weeks when Martin’s loved ones gather for his funeral.

Pictures from on-location filming have revealed many characters in tears as they bid their farewells, while fans also had their first look at the recast Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) back in the show.