Next week’s episodes of EastEnders are bursting with secrets revealed, relationships unravelled, and a cheating scandal that promises to shake Albert Square to its core. At the heart of the drama is a love triangle involving Callum Highway, his husband Ben Mitchell (currently overseas), and Johnny Carter—whose sizzling connection threatens to explode with devastating consequences for them all.

Callum and Johnny: Sparks Fly

Callum finds himself drawn to Johnny despite telling his daughter Lexi—and the rest of Walford—that nothing is going on between them. Their shared passion ignites under the radar, first in a secret kiss that shocks even Callum himself. Guilt tears at him: torn between loyalty to Ben and the thrilling closeness he shares with Johnny. One passionate morning leads to a second, more impulsive kiss—and the chemistry is undeniable radiotimes.com+7radiotimes.com+7digitalspy.com+7.

This affair threatens to unravel in dramatic fashion. Cindy Beale soon confronts Callum about his late-night meeting with Johnny, having spotted him kissing Johnny. She lashes out—feeling betrayed as Callum’s actions ripple across both families. Meanwhile, Callum tries to manage the fallout, insisting to Johnny that what they have is only friendship. But actions speak louder than words.

What’s at stake: Will Callum confess to Ben when he returns? Or will this secret fling shatter their relationship—and send shockwaves through both families as it does?

More Cheating: Lauren Branning in the Mix

Elsewhere, Lauren Branning faces a different kind of scandal. Following an arranged family picnic, Cindy accuses Lauren of cheating—based on seeing a hug with Zack but fueled by gossip. Lauren admits she recently shared a kiss with Zack, sending ripples through her relationship with Peter Beale en.wikipedia.org+3radiotimes.com+3digitalspy.com+3.

Peter is hurt but shows empathy. As they balance their grief over baby Jimmy’s genetic blindness and mounting relationship tensions, the revelations threaten to undo their fragile unity. Their emotional conversation turns heated, and legal issues emerge when Jimmy and Louie go missing—raising the stakes on trust and responsibility.

Criminal Entanglements: Ravi and Harry

While affairs take centre stage, criminal drama simmers with Ravi Gulati and Harry Mitchell. Ravi ropes Harry and Kojo into a dangerous criminal scheme involving his sister Avani’s upcoming 16th birthday party. A secret drug stash hidden in Ravi’s car ends up in The Arches’ garage, forcing Harry into a crisis of conscience radiotimes.com+1digitalspy.com+1.

When a police raid looms, the trio scramble to hide the evidence. Kojo removes the stash, adding to Harry’s panic. Tension reaches breaking point as pride and survival clash. The storyline builds to a dramatic crescendo: will the secret hold, or will dirty dealings destroy them?

Queen Vic Showdown: Linda, Elaine, and Johnny

Back at the Queen Vic, Linda Carter decides she’s done running the pub alone—announcing plans to sell her share and exit amid her mother Elaine’s fragile recovery newsnow.co.uk+3digitalspy.com+3radiotimes.com+3whattowatch.com+1radiotimes.com+1. Elaine tries to keep the pub afloat by coaxing Johnny into a silent partnership, causing family rifts whattowatch.com. The stress triggers a dramatic collapse for Elaine, deepening tensions.

As Johnny wrestles with conflicting loyalties—to his sister and his grandmother—Linda responds with anger and heartbreak. Elaine’s well‑intentioned but misguided attempts to control the pub’s future add fuel to the fire. Their fraught dynamic unfolds alongside Callum’s emotional crisis and the shadowy criminal plot—making for a week packed with high-stakes drama.

Vicki vs Bernie: Blackmail Breakdown

Lastly, Vicki Fowler’s world is rocked when she discovers Bernie Taylor has embezzled £20,000 from the Panesar family business thesun.co.uk+1whattowatch.com+1. After confronting Bernie—and being fired for her trouble—Vicki secretly takes her laptop and uncovers irrefutable proof. The revelation sets the stage for blackmail: Vicki demands her job back, a share of the stolen money, and a raise—or she’ll expose Bernie thesun.co.uk.

This showdown threatens to derail the Panesars and spills over into the broader web of loyalties and lies gripping the Square.

How It All Connects

• Callum’s affair isn’t just romance—it’s a betrayal that will resonate through the Mitchells and Carters.

• Lauren’s betrayal introduces emotional complexity and tests her marriage to Peter amid grief and uncertainty.

• Criminal activity tied to Ravi pulls in Harry and Kojo, linking back to Johnny via pub ties.

• Pub and financial drama with Linda, Elaine, Johnny, and Vicki touch almost every family on the Square.

This week, secrets collide. Relationships fracture. Loyalties are tested. And each character must ask: who’s trust worth risking—and at what cost?

🎭 Summary of the key cheating scandal:
Callum and Johnny’s secret affair ignites the biggest cheating scandal of the week, threatening marriages, friendships, and loyalties across Walford—especially when Callum’s guilt and Cindy’s fury collide with Ben’s absence.