EastEnders viewers are spiralling after a single conversation quietly reframed everything about Oscar Branning’s future. What initially played as a moment of vulnerability between Oscar and Jasmine Fischer has exploded into a theory so bold it could transform heartbreak into reinvention — and push the storyline into uncharted territory.

At the same time, passion, betrayal, and manipulation ripple across Walford, with Vicki Fowler crossing a dangerous emotional line and Mark Fowler Jr. revealing just how far he is willing to go to get what he wants.

The Square is currently balancing three volatile threads: a doomed escape plan built on lies, a forbidden romance born from trauma, and a returning legacy character already weaponising family loyalty. Each storyline alone would be combustible. Together, they feel like a controlled detonation.

And at the centre of it all are Oscar Branning, Vicki Fowler, and Mark Fowler Jr. — three characters facing decisions that could permanently redefine who they are.

It all began with an intimate confession.

During Thursday’s episode, Jasmine Fischer opened up to Oscar Branning about her missing twin brother. She spoke of an unbreakable childhood bond, torn apart later by the foster care or adoption system. The moment was tender, vulnerable — and loaded with narrative possibility.

Fans immediately connected the dots.

With Jasmine’s position in Walford growing increasingly unstable and her deception of Max Branning closing in on exposure, viewers have begun speculating that Oscar’s story may not end with Jasmine at all. Instead, many believe he could eventually form a relationship with her twin brother when he arrives on the Square.

The theory gained extra fuel from Patrick Truman’s cryptic Flashforward line referencing being “with a Truman,” a detail fans now believe may have been hiding in plain sight.

Online reaction has been swift and confident. Some viewers are convinced Oscar’s romantic arc will pivot completely once Jasmine’s lies unravel. Others have gone further, predicting a long-term relationship — even marriage — with her brother once the truth finally surfaces.

It would be a devastating irony: Jasmine using Oscar as an escape route, only for him to build a future with the one person she lost.

For now, Jasmine remains determined to flee Walford with Oscar. Believing her accusation against Max has secured Oscar’s loyalty, she pushes ahead — until Lauren Branning intervenes.

Lauren’s move is ruthless and effective. By threatening to expose Jasmine’s false police statement to Kat Slater, she forces Jasmine to stay put, freezing the escape plan in its tracks.

Oscar believes Jasmine. But the cracks are forming.

As Max edges closer to the truth and Jasmine’s desperation escalates, the question is no longer if Oscar will discover the lies — but how violently that discovery will land.

While Oscar’s future hangs in the balance, another storyline detonates emotionally.

After Joel Marshall’s brutal attack, Vicki Fowler spirals. Her relationship with Ross Marshall collapses. Joel’s decision to plead not guilty forces her to face a full trial, reopening every wound.

Enter Zack Hudson.

When Damon’s predatory behaviour mirrors Joel’s, Vicki snaps — and Zack steps in, taking control, gathering evidence, and protecting her at all costs. For the first time, Vicki feels safe.

That safety turns into intimacy.

The kiss that follows is not impulsive. It is charged with trauma, gratitude, and emotional dependency — which is precisely why it unsettles viewers. Zack is Sharon Watts’ half-brother. Vicki is Sharon’s adopted sister. The proximity is uncomfortable. The attraction undeniable.

Despite Kathy Beale’s disapproval, the connection deepens. And as Joel’s trial approaches, Zach shows up in court for Vicki at the last possible moment — a gesture that could bind them permanently.

If the trial collapses her emotionally, Zach may become more than a comfort. He may become a consequence.

Hovering over everything is Mark Fowler Jr. — and his return is proving anything but innocent.

Publicly, Mark insists he is back to support Vicki through the trial. Privately, cracks appear fast. He admits to Phil Mitchell that there is far more driving his return than he is letting on.

Phil wants out. He is planning to leave Walford with Nigel Bates, refusing to be dragged into another crisis.

Mark does not accept that.

When Julie Bates returns, Mark makes a calculated move — exposing Phil’s secret plans and forcing Julie to intervene. Phil’s escape is derailed. His hand is forced. And Mark gets exactly what he needs: Phil trapped in Walford and bound by family obligation.

It is the clearest sign yet that Mark is not a victim seeking refuge.

He is a strategist.

Viewers are divided but electrified. Oscar’s potential future with Jasmine’s twin has opened up fresh representation and emotional depth. Vicki and Zack’s connection has sparked intense debate over comfort versus dependency. And Mark Fowler Jr. is already being labelled one of the most quietly dangerous returns in years.

The common thread is inevitability.

Each storyline is accelerating toward a breaking point — and none of them end cleanly.

Oscar’s heart is tethered to a lie.
Vicki’s safety is entangled with desire.
And Mark Fowler Jr. is pulling strings that could snap the Mitchell family in half.

Walford is not just changing direction.
It is choosing who survives the fallout.

Will Oscar’s future be rewritten through love after betrayal — or will Mark Fowler Jr.’s manipulation drag everyone into a far darker reckoning first?