EastEnders Christmas preview: How will Mick exit as Janine’s lies unravel?

It’s Mick Carter’s (Danny Dyer) final day in Walford in EastEnders on Christmas Day — but just how will he exit?

The BBC soap airs its hour-long festive episode on Christmas Day at 9.25pm, and newlywed Mick is set to celebrate with new wife Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). But his mum, Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) knows that Janine has been lying through her teeth, and she’s determined to prove it.

Despite still being in love with ex-wife Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Mick married pregnant Janine and the couple are planning to move away.

Read more: EastEnders star Charlie Brooks hints ruthless Janine could return as exit looms

But Shirley’s plotting and the return of Jada Lennox (Kelsey Calladine-Smith) could be about to destroy Janine’s carefully-laid plans.

Shirley has found the incriminating photo with Janine in the background - but she hasn’t quite put the last pieces of the puzzle together yet. Meanwhile, Janine spots Jada in the Square and tries to keep her away from Linda — knowing that Jada could reveal all on her scheme against Linda.

Asked to describe Janine’s reaction to this sudden return, star Brooks says: “Fear! She wants to get Linda away from Jada as quickly as possible — to the point where she invites her in for Christmas lunch! She doesn’t want them to have a conversation, so I think it’s shock and fear guiding Janine.”

Janine is right to be wary, as Jada soon drops a bombshell on Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), Zack Hudson (James Farrar) and Martin Fowler (James Bye). Will she reveal all on Janine? Sharon soon takes action, but will Mick finally hear the truth?

Read more: How will Mick Carter leave 'EastEnders'? Top Danny Dyer exit storylines explored

At the Vic, Shirley refuses to give up on exposing Janine, and a row breaks out. Janine dismisses Shirl’s accusations, but when her daughter Scarlett (Tabitha Byron) walks in, could she be the one to confirm Shirley’s suspicions?

It’s not long before all hell breaks loose, and Mick finds his world imploding. Will he see through Janine’s deception, and might this lead him to fight for Linda instead?

Read more: EastEnders Christmas 2022 spoilers: Mick Carter’s big exit, Jay proposes to Lola

Actor Bright offers a teaser of what we can expect, revealing a highlight from filming the dramatic instalment. “My favourite part of the scene was watching Charlie Brooks play Janine in that moment. The Janine that comes out in this scene is the one we all love to hate.”

So, it looks like Janine’s evil side comes out with a vengeance this Christmas. With both Mick and Janine on their way out, how will EastEnders end this explosive chapter? Trust us, you won't want to miss a moment.

Tune in to EastEnders on Christmas Day at 9.25pm on BBC One as this storyline takes centre stage.

Watch the latest EastEnders spoilers