EASTENDERS is set for explosive scenes as a terrifying car crash leaves several characters fighting for their lives.

The dramatic stunt, part of the soap’s high-stakes summer episodes, sees a day out spiral into chaos when the car veers off the road and plunges into a lake – sparking a frantic race against time to save those inside.

EastEnders fans are in for a wild ride next week – quite literally – as Zack Hudson finds himself locked in a car boot and dumped in a lake in one of the soap’s most dramatic stunts yet.

It all kicks off when desperate Zack turns to Ravi for cash to fund a quick getaway – but gets more than he bargained for.

Ravi warns him not to cross Nicola, revealing she once roped him into helping shift a dead body.

Shaken, Zack confides in Linda, who urges him to go to the police – and his bombshell tip-off is enough to get Nicola nicked.

But it’s not over yet.

Seeing Harry’s reaction to Nicola’s arrest, Zack decides it’s time to drop another truth bomb – that he, not Teddy, is Barney’s real dad.

Harry confronts Nicola, who finally admits the truth.

A furious Teddy is left reeling as Harry exposes Zack’s plan to snatch Barney and flee Walford.

Panicking, Harry throws Zack into the boot of his car and speeds off, determined to stop him from taking Barney.

A frantic Teddy races to catch up – but disaster strikes when a car veers off the road and crashes into a lake, trapping several inside.

As the vehicle sinks, terrified survivors scramble to safety – but who will make it out alive?

Meanwhile, troubled teen Avani is left reeling after vile messages flood in online when news spreads about her sleeping with Joel.

She’s defensive when Barney checks in on her, storming off when he dares mention Joel’s name.

But later, Barney finds her visibly upset in the playground and tries again – this time offering a shoulder to cry on as she opens up about the abuse she’s been receiving.

Nicola interrupts and wrongly assumes Avani is leading her son astray – until Barney sets her straight.

Realising what Avani’s going through, Nicola surprises her with a much-needed pep talk.

Avani’s touched by Barney’s kindness and the two grow closer.

But when she invites him back to hers, things go sideways after he gets the wrong idea – and she storms off again.

Ravi clocks the fallout and dishes out some much-needed advice to Barney, helping him smooth things over.

Later, Avani forgives him – and the pair seal it with a kiss.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.