The two storylines that will converge involve Howie Danes and the Trueman family, with both Anthony and Patrick taking a particular interest in his love life. As we already know, Howie is hiding the secret about his jewellery theft from partner Kim Fox.

Anthony, meanwhile, has been having some suspicious phone calls with a mystery individual around Walford, and was heard saying that he wanted to “protect” his father from some kind of truth.

In next week’s scenes, Howie is cornered by Patrick, who assumes that he’s going to propose to Kim. Though it hadn’t crossed his mind at that point, a talk with Alfie Moon gives Howie the idea to pop the big question.

He uses the occasion of the festive light switch-on to aid him, and he’s a happy man after Kim gleefully accepts his proposal. Anthony, however, begins to suspect that Howie may be hiding something.

The doctor proceeds to collect evidence against Howie, and later confronts him in a bid to elicit the truth, though the power dynamic is flipped after Howie calls Anthony out regarding his own secrets.

With the pair both desperate to keep their respective secrets away from their loved ones, the duo agree to remain quiet. The plan goes awry, however, when Kim’s engagement party is spoiled…

While Anthony will be attempting to keep the peace with Howie, actor Nicholas Bailey was today confirmed as a contestant in the upcoming Christmas special for Strictly Come Dancing, with the star set to be partnered by Luba Mushtuk.

“I’m really excited to be doing this, almost as excited as my wife and daughters are!” said the actor, who first played Anthony in 2000. “Hopefully I’ll do them, Albert Square and Luba proud. Bring on the dancefloor.”

Bailey will be joined in the special by the previously announced Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt and Jodie Ounsley, who will be partnered by Vito Coppola, Kai Widdrington and Neil Jones respectively.