The Queen Vic officially changes hands next week, as Kat Moon and Ian Beale battle it out to become the next owner of the pub in a dramatic auction.

With Stacey unexpectedly coming into a large sum of money, she has suggested that Kat uses the cash to bid for The Vic. The Slaters are excited, but Ian and Yolande soon burst Kat’s bubble by questioning this surprise move.

Meanwhile, Jean takes a call from Alfie, who we know is secretly travelling around Spain looking for Zoe – hoping to bring her home to her mother, Kat. Alfie has news, but Jean gets distracted and forgets to pass on the important message to Stacey.

“The Slaters have tough competition for The Vic from the Beales,” says our source, “though it all threatens to kick off when Cindy finds out that Ian plans to sell Beale’s Eels to get his hands on the pub.

“But Jean then finally remembers to tell Stacey what Alfie said on the phone. Has there been a major development in his search for Zoe?”

As the week continues, Johnny, Elaine and Linda get ready for the auction. Meanwhile, everything is falling into place for Kat after she has a positive meeting with the bank.

But Kat’s dream is about to be shattered as, following an important call, Stacey tells her cousin that she can no longer lend her the money.

With Kat left devastated, Stacey confides in Jean about the tricky situation she has found herself in. But Jean misunderstands, and jumps to the conclusion that Alfie is helping Hayley on his mysterious trip.

Regardless, Jean gives her daughter some advice – and it seems that her wise words have an effect, as Stacey decides to reconsider her generous loan offer.

“Stacey is stuck between a rock and a hard place,” our insider explains. “But Jean makes her realise that she should lend Kat the money after all. Stacey heads to share the good news; however, it might be too late – the auction has already started.”

At the pub, a fierce bidding war unfolds between the Beales and a rival developer. Kat isn’t even in the mix – so Jean, Freddie and Mo join forces to stall the auction until she can throw her hat into the ring.

Will the Slaters’ intervention be successful? And will Kat, Ian or someone else entirely take over The Vic?