A chilling revelation is on the horizon in Walford next week, as a buried truth threatens to come to light—and it could ruin everything for Nicola. In what promises to be a jaw-dropping week, long-buried secrets, broken minds, and strained relationships collide, all while the dead refuse to stay hidden.

Things take a shocking turn as construction plans at Paradise Park pick up momentum. Teddy, who’s been in secret collaboration with Junior Knight, is diving headfirst into a lucrative new business project based at this seemingly innocuous Dartford location. What Teddy doesn’t know, however, is that his ambitious plans are resting on top of a literal grave—one that holds the remains of a dark and damning secret.

Nicola, unaware of the exact location of Teddy’s project, accidentally overhears a conversation that leads her to question what he’s up to. As her suspicions grow, Teddy comes clean about the Dartford business venture and the developments in Paradise Park. But instead of being pleased or proud, Nicola’s reaction is one of sheer horror.

Why? Because Paradise Park is where Nicola buried a deadly secret—Shireen’s body.

Fans will remember Shireen as Harry’s former girlfriend who mysteriously disappeared years ago. Her vanishing act was never solved, leaving a gaping hole of unanswered questions. However, in a shocking twist revealed some time ago, Nicola confessed to orchestrating Shireen’s death. Now, with Paradise Park on the verge of being excavated and redeveloped, Nicola is in full panic mode. She realizes that Teddy’s innocent new venture could inadvertently unearth the very thing she’s tried to bury—both literally and figuratively—for years.

As the week unfolds, Nicola scrambles to find a way to shut down the project without arousing suspicion. Her desperation is palpable. Will she come clean to Teddy? Or will she resort to even darker tactics to keep her murderous secret buried? One thing’s for sure—Paradise Park may soon turn into a crime scene.

But the drama doesn’t end there in Walford.

Elsewhere on the Square, another emotional storyline is unraveling. Nigel Bates finds himself overwhelmed and suffocated by Phil Mitchell’s constant hovering. While Phil thinks he’s being supportive, especially in light of Nigel’s deteriorating mental health, Nigel feels like he’s losing what little autonomy he has left.

In a bid to reclaim some control, Nigel accepts an unusual request—dressing up as the Easter Bunny for a community event. But this seemingly harmless gig takes a disturbing turn. In a moment of confusion, Nigel mistakes Hope for Clare, a heartbreaking indication that his grip on reality is slipping faster than he can handle.

Jean Slater, sensing that something is amiss after witnessing Nigel’s strange behavior the previous week, grows more concerned. Her suspicions push her to confront Phil. It’s then that Phil finally opens up about Nigel’s diagnosis—dementia. The news is as devastating as it is sobering.

Later in the week, the full emotional weight of Nigel’s condition becomes heartbreakingly clear. Struggling to accept the progression of his illness, Nigel begins to contemplate taking his own life. The storyline takes a dark and poignant turn as those close to him realize just how much he’s suffering in silence. Will someone step in before it’s too late?

Meanwhile, Kojo Asari is having his own crisis of identity and independence. As work begins on the rebuild of The Vic, Kojo is less than thrilled about the idea of moving back into the pub. His desire to establish himself independently is stronger than ever, and he expresses his need for space to George Knight.

Eager to stand on his own two feet and prove himself capable, Kojo starts searching for a job. His efforts pay off when he secures a trial shift at the Arches, working under Harry’s guidance. Kojo impresses everyone with his work ethic and skill, and by the end of the week, he’s officially offered a full-time position. It’s a much-needed win for him and a major step forward on his path to independence.

With secrets threatening to erupt, emotional turmoil spreading through the Square, and new beginnings fighting to break through the darkness, next week in Walford is set to deliver one of the most explosive weeks of the year.

Will Nicola manage to keep her secret safe? Or will the bones of Shireen’s tragic past come back to haunt her once and for all? And can anyone save Nigel before it’s too late? Don’t miss a minute of the gripping drama that’s set to shake EastEnders to its core.