Ross’s son Joel is about to stand trial for attacking Vicki last year, and Vicki is nervous about having to give evidence about that traumatic night.

Her half-brother Mark returned to Walford this week, claiming to be back to support Vicki at the trial, and he quickly made his feelings towards her partner clear when he punched Ross in the café.

In today’s episode, Ross and Vicki clashed over the previous day’s incident, with Vicki reasoning that Mark was just angry about what Joel did to her.

Ross was keen to move forward together as a couple, but Vicki told him that she couldn’t see beyond the trial, and the pair came to blows once again.

Later at the café, Vicki watched on fondly as Zack and Barney continued to bond. Zack noticed that Vicki was struggling ahead of the trial, so he offered to test out some recipes for The Vic on her as a distraction.

Vicki came over to Zack’s flat with a bottle of wine, and as he prepared the food, it soon became clear that sparks were still flying between the pair.

When Vicki shared her fears that Joel could walk free after the trial, Zack told her that he would take time off work to come and support her, even if he wasn’t allowed inside the youth court.

That evening, Ross headed to The Vic alone to drown his sorrows and confided in Alfie ahead of the trial. Mark arrived and introduced himself to Alfie, before calling a truce with Ross for Vicki’s sake.

Mark urged Ross to look out for his sister, and Ross assured him that he loves Vicki. But meanwhile, Vicki and Zack were seen kissing passionately and headed to the bedroom after ignoring Ross’s phone call.

Will this secret affair be exposed?