It’s safe to say that 2017 went out with a bang in Albert Square – and the coming year is set to be bigger than ever in EastEnders.
With John Yorke now back firmly at the helm of the show, viewers are in for a treat as we see huge returns, shock exits and new arrivals to kick off an action-packed 2018.
Read more: More new faces confirmed to join EastEnders, including a dead character’s son
With so many plot twists to look forward it, it looks like EastEnders is back to its very best. Here’s a round up of what’s in store…
Mel Owen is on her way back to the Square – and she’s not alone. Despite not wanting to return to her old home that’s full of ghosts, she’s a mum-on-a-mission as she returns with her teenage son, Hunter.
Mel left the Square pregnant with Steve Owen’s baby, and the now-16-year-old is set to cause a stir in Walford.
How will Phil, Ian, and Mel’s old friend Billy react when she arrives back next week?
Tiffany Butcher is another familiar face that’s returning to her old stomping ground – but it very quickly becomes clear she’s not being entirely honest with Whitney.
Just as Whit is about to leave the Square, Tiffany returns to stay with her.
But as Whitney is trying to get to the bottom of her sister’s shock arrival, she discovers a pregnancy test in the bin. Is it Tiffany’s, or is there something else she’s hiding?
Ben Mitchell is set to depart EastEnders shortly – and it seems his departure is caught up in Aidan Maguire’s heist plot and also Mel’s return.
Just how he fits into the storyline remains tightly under wraps, but Ben’s exit promises to be explosive.
There’s also more to come for troubled Max Branning. Just when you think there’s nothing more that can be thrown at him, Max is in for a rough ride as he hits rock bottom following the fall out of his actions over Christmas.
After ruining so many lives, will anyone be around to help him back from the brink?
2018 is also a big year for the Slaters. They’re back in the Square and as Kat, Big Mo, and Jean settle back into life on Albert Square, it looks like their timing couldn’t be better to help out Stacey after her disastrous Christmas.
But as Kat returns without Alfie and their kids, what exactly has brought her back?
Read more: Little Tiffany Butcher’s back in EastEnders – and she’s pregnant?!
The Slaters are also bringing a new family member with them and EastEnders insiders have promised a new focus on strong women… so expect some feisty scenes ahead.
We have also been promised big things for Karen, Sharon and Stacey. EastEnders has been very cagey about what is coming up for the three women, but the storylines are set to run well into 2018.
And last but not least there’s Billy and Tina’s night of passion, which is a ticking time bomb just waiting to go off and turn Honey’s life upside down.
So far Billy’s infidelity has been brushed under the carpet – but we all know secrets don’t stay hidden for long in Walford.