EastEnders follow-up: Grant’s back next week, but not everyone is pleased to see him
Walford is braced for ahuge shake-up next week as EastEnders icon Grant Mitchell finally makes his long-awaited return.
And in true Mitchell style, it is not a quiet comeback. With tensions already running high, his arrival only adds more fuel to the fire.
In today’s episode, viewers saw Grant’s estranged son Mark Jr take matters into his own hands, leaving a voicemail begging his dad to come back and support the family.
What no one expected was Grant actually turning up.
Sam had a confession
The main focus of today’s episode was the aftermath of Priya and Max’s car crash. But while that was playing out, Mark and Sam had drama of their own.
Mark had just got back from collecting a classic car with Lauren when she got a call from Max to say Jimmy had been in a car crash. While she dashed off, Mark found Sam and the pair headed to the pub.
Inside, Sam revealed that Julie had called to say that Nigel was going back into hospital. With his dementia worsening, Nigel was struggling to swallow, and so he needed to start having his antibiotics for pneumonia through a drip instead.
Mark suggested that Phil needs to go and see Nigel, but Sam explained that she had tried desperately to get her brother to visit his best friend, but he kept shutting her out.
Thinking that Grant could be the answer, Mark suggested they try calling him. But Sam pointed out that she had left Grant countless voicemails, and he never called back.
Sam confessed that the three Mitchell siblings had drifted apart since Peggy died. But Mark suggested maybe Nigel could be the one to bring them back together again.
Mark was stunned to learn that Grant didn’t even know about Sam’s recent cancer battle. So he decided to take matters into his own hands.
When Sam’s back was turned, he called Grant, explaining that he was needed in Walford and suggested he book himself a flight ASAP.
Heartache is heading for Walford when Nigel loses his battle with dementia in EastEnders spoilers next week but will Grant persuade Phil to visit Nigel before it is too late?
Elsewhere, Cindy and Max make their romance official but decide to keep it a secret.
Read our EastEnders spoilers for next week in full below…
1. Grant returns in EastEnders spoilers
As a speeding car drives into the Square, Sam and Mark are surprised to see Grant behind the wheel. Mark tells Grant that Phil is struggling and hasn’t been to see Nigel since he moved into the care home.
2. Grant is shocked when he visits Nigel
Grant is stunned when he goes to see Nigel and realises how poorly he has become. He’s fuming with Phil for not telling him sooner.
3. EastEnders spoilers: Phil pushes everyone away
Sam and Grant have a heart-to-heart with Phil, and all three Mitchell siblings lay their cards on the table. Soon, they all fall out, leading to Phil throwing Sam and Mark out of his house.
4. Julie makes a heartwrenching decision
Phil is in a bad place, convinced that Nigel, Julie and the rest of his family don’t need him. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Nigel’s health is declining. Julie decides it is time to make him comfortable and stop his treatment.
5. Phil goes missing in EastEnders spoilers
Grant sits with Nigel and is surprised when he unexpectedly wakes up and requests something from his past. Wanting to help fulfil Nigel’s wish, Grant heads home to find Phil. But he is shocked to find the house empty.
6. Grant makes an impossible choice
Grant works out that Phil is at the beach and tries to talk to him, but he is interrupted by Julie calling. She begs him to come back as Nigel doesn’t have long left. Torn between his brother and his friend, Grant must decide whether he is going to support Phil or get to Nigel before it is too late.
7. Grant makes Phil see sense
Grant pleads with Phil to go with him and say goodbye to their friend. Despite time running out, Phil refuses to leave before he does one last thing for Nigel. The pair have an emotional heart-to-heart, and eventually Phil agrees to leave. But the pair face several setbacks on the way.
8. Phil makes it just in time to see Nigel
As Julie and other Walford residents say their final goodbyes, Nigel continues to hold on. Thankfully, Phil makes it back in time to say his own heartbreaking goodbye.
9. Walford reels over Nigel’s death
Nigel’s friends and family are heartbroken as the news of his passing spreads. Walford residents decide to do something nice for Phil and Julie. When they return to the Square, everyone gathers to welcome them. Julie is shocked at how quickly Nigel’s death has brought people together, while Phil struggles with his grief.
10. Ravi finally gets an official diagnosis
After his mental health spiralled out of control the previous week, Ravi remains in a mental health clinic. He finally gets diagnosed with complex PTSD and begins therapy. Will he soon be on the road to recovery now that he is getting the help that he needs?
11. Cindy gets jealous in EastEnders spoilers
Elsewhere, Cindy finally agrees to go on a date with Max, but has absolutely no intention of turning up! However, when she sees Max and Linda chatting, she gets jealous and goes to meet Max for their date.
12. Max and Cindy make it official
Max and Cindy decide to make their romance official, but agree to keep it a secret for now. After a close call with Lauren, they realise that they are going to have to tell people soon, but agree to pick the right time.