EastEnders spoilers: Huge character returns and shocking revelations - the week ahead in Walford

Last week’s batch of EastEnders was heavily centred on Lauren, Abi and Steven’s increasingly tense relationship, with viewers being left shocked when Steven cheated on Lauren with her own sister at the end of Friday’s episode.

However, the trio appear to be getting the week off this week, with the coming days in Walford being all about two very big character returns.

First up is Linda Carter, with actress Kellie Bright’s maternity leave finally coming to an end so that the Carter matriarch can return to her rightful place in the Queen Vic. Of course Mick couldn’t be more excited to welcome his wife back to the pub but Shirley is left suspicious as to why he is so determined to go the extra mile – does he still have a guilty conscience? The pub landlord throws a welcome home party for his wife but when Fi shows up unexpectedly there is tension in the air – how will Linda react to the new boss?

Meanwhile, Johnny Carter finds himself involved in Derek’s personal life after Derek suffers a nasty encounter with local bully Keegan and then confronts Johnny for witnessing the whole thing but not intervening. Johnny tracks down the exasperated character to find out what is going on, eventually turning to Patrick in a bid to stop Derek from leaving Walford for good.

Speaking of Patrick, it’s his birthday this week and Dot wants to throw her good friend a party, however, tragedy strikes when she trips over Dave the cat. Dot is left alone and in agony on her kitchen floor for the entire day, only being saved when Sonia drops by by chance and calls an ambulance. As Dot is rushed to hospital, Sonia slams Walford’s residents for not looking out for their elderly neighbour.

Of course Sonia’s grand return to Albert Square ties in with another familiar face returning to our screens – her brother Robbie Fowler! Yes, Robbie is back (although sadly with no dog in tow) and is announced as the new market enforcement officer. However, the market traders don’t exactly warm to Robbie upon his arrival. Elsewhere, Robbie urges his sister to speak about her desire to move her and Martin’s daughter, Bex, back home with her, with Bex being left torn when she hears her parents arguing about her living arrangements.

It’s safe to say that there is more than one blast from the past in Walford this week!

Follow Yahoo Celeb UK on Twitter and Instagram for all of the latest celebrity news!

Read more:

[ Jeremy Corbyn will celebrate election success by binge-watching EastEnders ]

[ EastEnders’ boss teases ‘crazily ambitious’ storyline ]

[ EastEnders’ cast salaries revealed ]