EastEnders advance Christmas spoilers confirm police swarm Albert Square – and reveal Nigel's special episode date
A look ahead at two eventful weeks in Walford.
New advance spoilers for EastEnders have been revealed by the BBC – and it's set to be an eventful Christmas and New Year.
We finally know the iconic Pat Evans's (Pam St Clement) return date, as she makes a special appearance alongside son-in-law Barry (Shaun Williamson) to guide Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) through an emotional time.
And, in true Christmas fashion, things turn explosive on the big day.
The Slaters are attempting to perk up Zoe (Michelle Ryan), though a situation escalates and police soon swarm Albert Square. Meanwhile, ahead of baby Jimmy's christening, the Brannings and the Beales sit down for a turkey dinner.
That's bound to be eventful!
Monday 22nd December
After weeks of hard work, the day has finally come for the Walford residents to sit down and watch Nigel's festive film.
Meanwhile, a regretful decision is made and Zack sparks speculation. Is his kiss with Vicki about to be exposed?
Tuesday 23rd December
An eventful night proves too much for Nige and he retreats to The Queen Vic. Once inside, he believes that it's the mid-'90s and has visions of the much-missed Pat and Barry – who seem to be putting on a karaoke show.
What support will they give him from beyond the grave?
Christmas Eve
Yolande is excitedly preparing for her Christmas carol concert, which all of the neighbours are planning to attend.
The Slaters can see that Zoe is in a bad way, while Oscar slips up and reveals a truth.
Christmas Day (part one)
There's an intriguing situation at The Vic for the Slater clan.
Across the road, there's bound to be something kicking off as the Beales and the Brannings sit down for lunch.
Christmas Day (part two)
Later in the night, the action continues. Over the Square, the Mitchells decide to give Nigel a Christmas to remember.
Boxing Day
Albert Square is flooded with a police presence following yesterday's events, but what happened, and is everyone OK?
Monday 29th December
Jimmy's christening day has arrived, with the combined families heading to the church to mark the occasion.
One Walford family is forced to navigate a way forward following a particularly eventful yuletide.
Tuesday 30th December
There's an escalation at the christening – an inevitable event!
Meanwhile, as the drama from the last week is far from over, Kojo attempts to help a friend. Has best pal Harry relapsed again?
New Year's Eve
Big Ben prepares to chime in 2026 across London, and the residents are lining up a night to remember. Phil offers advice to someone in need.
Unfortunately, for one member of the Branning family, they've been ostracised by their relatives. It's likely that this is Max, as a big episode approaches...
New Year's Day
Secrets are revealed in a special flashforward episode, taking us exactly one year into the future.
We're given a unique look ahead to what 2026 might look like for Max and those around him.
Read more:
- EastEnders 2025 Christmas schedule confirmed by BBC - including festive episode timings
- EastEnders reveals Anthony Trueman's disturbing secret as Zoe Slater falls into his trap in BBC iPlayer release
- EastEnders director reveals "eye-opening" experience crafting special Nigel Bates episode – and his incredible resilience to land the job
- EastEnders airs shock passion for Zoe Slater following intriguing tormenter twist in BBC iPlayer release
- EastEnders 2025 Christmas preview: Four major returns as Max Branning bombshells implode in a face-off with Cindy Beale
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Authors
Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at Radio Times, covering all of the hot gossip and spoilers from Weatherfield to Walford, Emmerdale to Hollyoaks and everywhere in-between. He joined the team from Metro, where he spent two years as a Soaps Reporter and previously worked on the sets of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
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