EastEnders next week summary (19–22 January): Jasmine tries to sway Oscar | UK Soap Spoilers

Walford is heading into one of its most emotionally volatile weeks in recent memory as EastEnders delivers a powerful run of episodes packed with secrets, shifting loyalties, and life-altering choices. From a prison reunion that reopens old wounds to a manipulative plan that threatens to tear a family apart, the Square becomes a pressure cooker where truth and deception collide — and no one escapes untouched.

Kat Returns — And a Prison Reunion Changes Everything

The week begins with Kat Slater returning home to Walford, carrying the weight of heartbreak, guilt, and unfinished business. Her first stop is one she’s both dreaded and needed: the prison, where Zoe awaits her. Accompanied by Jasmine, Kat steels herself for a reunion that has been years in the making — and when mother and daughter finally lock eyes, the emotional floodgates open.

Zoe is visibly shaken. Weeks behind bars have taken their toll, and the woman Kat sees before her is far removed from the fiery daughter she once knew. Their embrace is tender, raw, and devastating — a reminder of everything they’ve lost and everything that can never be undone.

But the comfort is short-lived.

Zoe drops a bombshell that leaves Kat reeling: she plans to plead guilty to Anthony’s murder and argue self-defence. To Zoe, this is the only way forward — a chance to take control of a situation that has spiralled beyond her grasp. To Kat, it feels like surrender. The idea that her daughter could willingly accept years behind bars is unbearable.

And Jasmine, standing quietly beside them, takes it all in — already calculating her next move.

Jasmine’s Promise — And the Lie Beneath It

Jasmine assures Kat that she will speak to the police about Chrissie, offering hope that Zoe may not have to face this nightmare alone. But behind the scenes, Jasmine’s intentions are far darker. She has no plan to help Zoe at all.

Instead, Jasmine is preparing her escape.

With her family distracted and emotions running high, Jasmine quietly plots to cut all ties and leave Walford — taking Oscar with her. She believes distance is the only way to outrun the chaos surrounding Zoe, Anthony, and the secrets that threaten to surface.

The question is: can she keep her plan hidden long enough to make it work?

Nugget’s Recovery — And the Truth No One Is Saying

Elsewhere in Walford, relief spreads as Nugget continues his recovery after being left fighting for his life. The aftermath of Ravi’s drug-fuelled attack still hangs heavy, but for now, his loved ones rally around him, grateful he survived.

Priya sees this as an opportunity. Determined to keep the family close, she pushes for Nugget to move into Ravi’s flat — a suggestion that immediately raises tension. Nugget isn’t convinced. The air is thick with secrets, and the unspoken truth threatens to explode.

Ravi, meanwhile, is drowning in guilt. Haunted by what he’s done, he struggles to face Nugget — a distance Nugget feels acutely. When he finally demands answers about why Ravi never visited him in hospital, the silence is deafening.

Priya watches closely. She knows the truth could destroy them all — and she fears it may only be a matter of time before it comes out.

Matchmaking, Warnings, and Uncomfortable Revelations

In lighter moments that still carry unease, Honey plays matchmaker between Nicola and George, encouraging them to spend more time together. But Billy isn’t convinced. Uneasy and protective, he reveals that Teddy once warned him about Nicola — a warning that could change everything.

Will George listen? Or is he already too invested to walk away?

The Carters Remember Mick — And Rivalries Reignite

Emotion runs high as Johnny, Linda, and Elaine gather to mark Mick Carter’s birthday — a bittersweet reminder that although he’s gone, he’s never forgotten. The day brings reflection, grief, and a fragile sense of unity.

But peace never lasts long in Walford.

Elaine’s rivalry with Ian Beale reignites when Ian objects to the latest Peacock Palace signage. True to form, he escalates the feud by reporting Elaine to the council — a petty move that ensures their battle is far from over.

Jasmine Pushes Oscar — And Max Explodes

As Tuesday unfolds, Jasmine becomes increasingly fixated on leaving Walford — and convincing Oscar to come with her. She argues that escaping the Zoe and Anthony drama is the only way forward, but Oscar isn’t convinced. His roots run deep, and the thought of abandoning his family fills him with doubt.

The situation escalates when Max steps in — furious at Jasmine’s influence over his son. What begins as a heated disagreement quickly spirals into a full-blown confrontation in the pub. When Jasmine ups the ante by making a shocking claim against Max, the fallout is immediate and explosive.

Oscar is left confused, torn between two people he cares about — and unsure who’s telling the truth.

By Wednesday, Oscar turns to Lauren for guidance, desperate for clarity as his world fractures around him.

Sam’s Health Scare — And a Dangerous Secret Slips Out

Meanwhile, Ricky plans a surprise birthday party for Phil at Raymond’s request, but concern grows when Sam faces fresh problems. Ricky fears she may be preparing to leave again — and his worries intensify when George discovers Sam carrying a letter about her lumpectomy.

George urges honesty, and Sam finally takes a leap of faith. Sitting Ricky down, she reveals everything — and to his credit, Ricky pledges unwavering support.

But the calm is fragile.

As Phil prepares to take Nigel to Portugal following Sam’s operation, a careless comment at the hospital exposes the plan to George — who promptly informs Denise. Denise confronts Phil, convinced he’s making a terrible mistake. Phil refuses to listen, determined to follow through regardless of the consequences.

Is Phil protecting his family — or tearing it apart?

Nugget’s Panic — And a Community Rallies

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The emotional toll proves too much for Nugget when he pushes himself to leave the house before he’s ready. Overwhelmed, he suffers a panic attack, sending loved ones rushing to his side.

Suki steps in to comfort him, with Eve close by — a reminder that even in Walford’s darkest moments, compassion still exists.

Deals Fall Apart — And Old Feuds Refuse to Die

By midweek, George faces another blow when his offer on Walford East is rejected. Nicola offers to invest, but George turns her down — pride and caution warring within him.

As Thursday arrives, Sam undergoes her operation, supported by Jack and Ricky. When she wakes to find Phil by her side, it’s a moment of quiet relief — but one that quickly unravels when secrets resurface and Denise’s involvement threatens to spark fresh conflict.

Meanwhile, Elaine and Ian’s rivalry flares once more, forcing Harvey to step in and attempt to broker a truce. Whether peace is even possible remains anyone’s guess.

A Week That Changes Everything

As EastEnders barrels toward the end of the week, one truth becomes painfully clear: every secret is cracking, every relationship is being tested, and every decision carries consequences that will echo across the Square.

Jasmine’s manipulation. Zoe’s devastating choice. Nugget’s fragile recovery. Sam’s health scare. Phil’s stubborn resolve.

In Walford, survival often comes at a price — and next week, that price may be higher than anyone is prepared to pay.

Because when the truth finally comes out…
Walford will never be the same again.