Get ready for an big week in EastEnders as a surprise wedding turns to disaster and a familiar face makes a long awaited return.
The week kicks off with Peter planning the ultimate romantic gesture for Lauren. He pulls out all the stops for a surprise wedding, but his plans quickly hit a snag when Lauren insists on working instead of going to a spa day. Unaware of Peter’s grand scheme, Penny intervenes, and after the two women get drinks, Penny’s comments about Lauren’s relationship cast doubt on her future with Peter. Later, Lauren and Penny head to The Vic to meet Peter, but they’re stunned to find the pub transformed for a wedding. Peter gets down on one knee and asks Lauren to marry him.
Despite her initial shock, Lauren reluctantly agrees and heads to No. 25 to get ready. Penny senses Lauren is overwhelmed, but she insists she’s fine and tries to flee. As friends and family gather, the question remains: will Lauren go through with it? The answer comes in the most dramatic way possible as Max Branning arrives, putting the wedding on hold.
Max’s return is a shock to say the least, and Stacey and Zoe are stunned, while Peter immediately fears that Max’s arrival will bring Cindy back to the Square. Max turns his attention to the surprised bride and groom, but it’s clear his true focus is on Stacey. He follows her back to No. 31, where Zoe and Lily make a renewed attempt to convince Stacey to move to Brazil. Finally, Stacey relents, deciding to leave after all.
Speaing ahead of her exit scenes Lacey Turner shared her thoughts on exiting after 21 years ‘It’s the break that Stacey needs. She’s been through so much and losing Martin has been so hard for her. Walking past his stall everyday is too much. Brazil seems far, but I guess that’s what she needs. Stacey has always tried to help everyone and always puts everyone before herself. That’s just the way she is, although it hasn’t always worked out that way! I think she’s always scared to leave her mum in case something happens.’
Another twist blows up as Jasmine reveals to Cindy that Max is back in Walford. Cindy immediately heads to The Vic to confront him, declaring that she’s going to face the man who killed her son.