SHOCKING NEWS!!! EastEnders confirms major change for Elaine and Ian amid campaign drama

EastEnders‘ Elaine Peacock and Ian Beale decide to put their rivalry to bed next week, after Elaine finds herself in a tense exchange at a council gala. But will the competitive pair stick to their truce?

Over the last few months, Elaine and Ian have engaged in a fierce feud that started over a petty dispute during a pub quiz at The Vic. Their rivalry continued, and Ian desperately attempted to destroy Elaine’s boutique hotel, Peacock Palace.

Ian’s quest led him to run as a local councillor. Elaine chose to run against him, which kicked off a competitive election war. The pair have since sabotaged each other’s campaigns, but a turn of events in next week’s scenes sees them unexpectedly team up…

At a local council event, Elaine feels out of place. It doesn’t take long for the hotel owner to cause trouble for herself when she has a run-in with one of the guests, but why does she pivot from dishing out attitude to engaging in peace talks with Ian?

“The gala is exactly the type of situation that Elaine and Ian would typically lose their temper with each other,” says our Walford insider. “After all, they are hoping to nab a place on the council at each other’s expense!

“But after Elaine ends up in a spot of bother, she and Ian defy all odds and agree to put their beef behind them. You’ll have to tune in to find out exactly how it all comes about…”

When the gala begins, Elaine is clearly unsettled despite being all glammed up with her ‘Vote the People’s Peacock’ badge pinned to her extravagant coat. Ian, meanwhile, swans about the room like a true professional.

“Ian is right at home at the gala,” explains our gossip. “But all this political chinwagging is new to Elaine. It would be the perfect time for Ian to show Elaine up, so what a surprise that it goes the other way!”

Could this much-needed truce be the start of a new – and perhaps beautiful – friendship between Ian and Elaine? Or does it merely represent some temporary respite from their bitter feud?

Tensions between EastEnders‘ Elaine Peacock and Ian Beale will rise next week, as they compete to become Walford’s new councillor. The bitter rivals vow to ruin each other’s businesses when they come into power, but who will emerge victorious?

Elaine and Ian’s ongoing feud continued into the new year when Elaine disparaged the food at Kathy’s café. Furious Ian retaliated by making an official complaint to Councillor Barker about the garish sign outside Peacock Palace.

However, Ian’s plan backfired when Elaine discovered Councillor Barker’s affair with his assistant and struck up a deal. The councillor agreed to turn a blind eye to Elaine’s illegally obtained planning permission while he used her hotel for his secret liaisons.

In next week’s episodes, Elaine is pleased when George invites her out for a drink, believing he wants to rekindle their romance. At the Vic, George sheepishly reveals that he just wanted to break the news about Nicola Mitchell’s pregnancy.

Embarrassed by the mix up, Elaine lashes out at a nearby Ian – which he predictably doesn’t take well. He contacts the local paper about her dodgy deal, adding further fuel to their feud.

As the week goes on, the pair continue to take aim at each other before Elaine finally tries to wave the white flag. She approaches the Beales to apologise, but they turn her away. Did she take her revenge too far?

Later, following another showdown in the café, Ian reveals his plan to run for disgraced Barker’s vacant seat on the council. He tells Elaine that he will make it his mission to close Peacock Palace, once and for all.

Never one to back down from a fight, Elaine announces her own campaign to become the next councillor of Walford.

With their fate left in the hands of their friends and neighbours, who will ultimately win? And will they actually go through with their threats?