Next week on EastEnders, Ruby Allen’s decisions ignite a firestorm of conflict, pushing relationships to the brink. As Ruby grows closer to Martin Fowler, her actions and refusal to compromise threaten to unravel everything she’s built.

The drama begins with Ruby’s dealings with Councillor Barker regarding the closure of the Bridge Street Market. Though Ruby initially thinks her efforts will benefit Martin, things take a dark turn. Martin grows cold toward her, disapproving of how she handled the situation. Despite her best intentions, the tension between them escalates when Barker retaliates by closing Martin’s stall under the guise of a health and safety violation.

Martin is livid, and his frustrations with Ruby reach a boiling point. While their relationship appears to be on shaky ground, an unexpected ally emerges—Stacey. To Ruby’s surprise, Stacey defends her during Martin’s outburst, showing a rare moment of empathy for her former best friend. However, this doesn’t alleviate Martin’s anger, and he decides to seek help from Ian Beale, hoping to save his family’s legacy.

Unfortunately, Martin’s visit to Ian proves fruitless. Ian shows little concern for the closure of Martin’s stall, leaving him feeling more defeated than ever. Stacey, seeing Martin’s despair, takes it upon herself to intervene. She confronts Ruby and pleads with her to do whatever it takes to save the stall.

Despite Stacey’s heartfelt plea, Ruby remains steadfast in her decision. Determined to prove that she has changed and to maintain Martin’s trust, Ruby refuses to act. She knows that giving in to Stacey’s demands could jeopardize her relationship with Martin, especially if he perceives her as reverting to her manipulative ways. Louisa Lytton, who portrays Ruby, reveals that Ruby is deeply conflicted but unwilling to risk losing Martin over Stacey’s request.

Ruby’s choice sets the stage for an intense rivalry between the two women. Undeterred by Ruby’s rejection, Stacey embarks on her own mission to get the stall reinstated. Her determination draws Martin’s attention, leading to a heartfelt exchange between them that reignites old feelings. In a moment of vulnerability, Martin and Stacey share a warm interaction that nearly ends in a kiss, leaving Ruby to question whether her refusal to help was the right choice.

As Ruby watches this budding connection unfold, she’s left wondering if her efforts to secure her relationship with Martin might actually push him further away. The week ends with emotions running high, as Ruby, Stacey, and Martin find themselves at a crossroads, with their relationships and loyalties hanging in the balance.