There’s some serious fowl play in EastEnders next week, as a skulk of foxes brutally kill Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) chickens.

That’s right – beloved new Albert Square residents David Peckham, Posh and Sporty are set for an explosive departure after just weeks on our screens.

There’s only one person who will be celebrating – Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who has struggled to cope with their round-the-clock noise over the last few weeks.

As viewers will recall, Nige’ accidentally left the gate to their pen open last month, with David Peckham taking himself off to explore the area.

After avoiding being turned into a McKlunky’s burger, he became intrigued by a sign for a private hen party at Harry’s Barn. However, the cockerel got more than he bargained for when he strolled into Yolande Trueman’s (Angela Wynter) bridal shower.

For cluck’s sake!

Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) swept him up and returned him to the coop, but unfortunately, that’s not the end of the trouble.

She and Nigel realise that the chickens are dead, and soon discover that he’s accidentally to blame.

What has Nigel done?

An argument escalates, and he becomes distressed by his lack of memory over the incident. To make matters worse, he’s noticed Julie making a series of mysterious phone calls.

She’s insistent that she’s waiting to hear back about a new job in Walford, with their conversation stirring up old feelings.

Nige’ needs to clear his head, and asks Phil to take him away in the Morris Minor for a trip to the countryside.

What Phil doesn’t realise is that his mate is actually wanting to go on a pilgrimage to hunt out an old time capsule that he buried with Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) in their youth.

Surprisingly, their search doesn’t last very long as they find the exact spot.

The pair are shocked to discover its contents, and while they take a trip down memory lane, they have a heart to heart.

Upon arriving back home, Julie feels sidelined by Nigel and Phil’s joy over their trip.