EastEnders is entering a period of intense emotional and psychological turmoil as multiple storylines collide in the aftermath of Christmas, leaving families fractured, secrets exposed, and lives hanging in the balance. From the Slaters’ growing fear over Jean’s mental health, to Ravi Gulati’s life-altering hallucination horror, and a shocking revelation about Max Branning’s behaviour away from Walford, the BBC soap is setting the stage for consequences that will echo well into the new year.

At the heart of the drama is the Slater family, already reeling from tragedy and suspicion following the devastating events of Christmas Day. But as one crisis unfolds, others threaten to erupt, proving that peace in Albert Square is always short-lived.

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The Slaters on edge as Jean Slater’s condition worsens

Concern is mounting for Jean Slater, whose mental health has been steadily deteriorating since her daughter Stacey left for South America in October. Long-time viewers know Jean has lived with bipolar disorder for most of her life, experiencing periods of severe mania that have previously had devastating consequences for her and her family.

Without Stacey’s grounding presence, Jean has increasingly withdrawn from those closest to her. Earlier attempts by her granddaughter Lily Slater to encourage her to seek professional help were firmly rejected, with Jean insisting she was managing her medication and coping just fine.

The truth, however, is far more troubling. Kat Slater and Alfie Moon are horrified when Jean finally admits how isolated she has become, revealing she has deliberately shut herself off since Stacey’s departure. Kat is left shaken by a further confession: Jean was responsible for the threatening message spelled out in Christmas lights in the Queen Vic window, aimed directly at Zoe.

As the family processes the shocking Christmas Day events — including Anthony’s fatal collapse and Zoe being found unconscious — Jean’s fragile state becomes impossible to ignore. With the truth about Anthony’s death still unresolved, the emotional weight is pushing Jean closer to the edge. Episodes airing in early January see Lily, Kat, and Alfie increasingly fearful that Jean may be heading toward another serious mental health crisis, raising the question of whether intervention will come in time.

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Ravi Gulati’s hallucination horror sparks life-changing consequences

While the Slaters struggle internally, another Walford resident is being pulled into a nightmare orchestrated by revenge. Ravi Gulati faces catastrophic consequences after the Mitchell family finally put their long-simmering plan into motion.

Driven by anger over Ravi’s role in kidnapping Harry, fueling his drug addiction, and contributing to the chain of events that led to a tragic death, Nicola Mitchell decides patience has paid off. In a chilling move, she secretly drugs Ravi’s drink at Harry’s barn, setting off a terrifying psychological spiral.

As the drugs take hold, a disoriented Ravi stumbles through the Square, unaware he is being manipulated into a trap. Harry Mitchell, barely containing his rage, lures Ravi into the arches, locking him inside a garage filled with heavy tools and weapons. Nicola is adamant this revenge must be more than physical violence — she wants Ravi to suffer, to unravel completely.

Before Harry can act, Billy Mitchell unexpectedly intervenes, pulling his nephew away and unknowingly leaving Ravi alone, still heavily under the influence. Trapped and terrified, Ravi begins to hallucinate, his perception of reality fracturing as vivid visions torment him.

Elsewhere, Priya Nandra-Hart, Vinny Panesar, and Nugget Gulati search desperately for Ravi as panic spreads across the Square. But Ravi’s hallucinations intensify, pushing him into a state of fear and paranoia that leads him to lash out — with devastating, irreversible consequences.

Unable to trust his own senses, Ravi is forced into a decision he may never be able to undo. The fallout threatens to redefine his future and raises a chilling question: is this just the beginning of the Mitchells’ ruthless campaign against him?

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Max Branning exposed as Tanya drops a bombshell

As if Walford didn’t have enough chaos, EastEnders also delivers a major Branning twist, dragging Max Branning back into controversy thanks to revelations from his ex-wife Tanya Branning.

Although Tanya hasn’t been seen on screen since 2018, her presence is strongly felt when Jack Branning calls her to ask why she’s missing Jimmy’s christening. Tanya reveals she’s caring for her granddaughter AJ and drops a bombshell: Max allegedly left the seven-year-old alone while he went off to meet another woman.

Jack confronts Max, accusing him of abandoning his granddaughter, while Lauren Branning looks on in disbelief as her father deflects blame and minimizes the situation. Max insists the incident has been exaggerated, but Lauren has heard enough.

In a powerful moment, Lauren revokes Max’s invitation to the christening and orders him to leave. Yet true to form, Max refuses to accept being shut out and later turns up anyway, slipping quietly into the event.

The tension skyrockets when Max comes face to face with Cindy Beale — neither realizing the other’s true identity, despite having spent the night together on Christmas Day. The stage is set for explosive fallout when the truth finally comes out.

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A Square on the brink

With Jean Slater’s mental health deteriorating, Ravi Gulati facing life-changing consequences, and Max Branning’s lies unraveling, EastEnders is proving once again that Christmas is never just a holiday in Walford — it’s a catalyst.

As secrets surface and families fracture, one thing is clear: the consequences of this festive season are only just beginning, and the emotional aftershocks will be felt long into the new year.