EastEnders newcomer Josh Goodwin is reunited with biological mother Zoe Slater next week, just as evidence emerges that could get his twin sister, Jasmine Fisher, out of jail! Cindy and Max’s wicked plot to keep Jasmine banged up for Anthony’s murder unravels, but Josh’s fraught family reunion sets off a chain of events that blows the case apart…

Having already made contact with the Trueman clan, Josh has agreed to a meeting with his paternal grandfather. Patrick is pleased to have another link to his late son Anthony, but the scandal around the doctor’s demise hangs over their imminent encounter.

“There’s anticipation as Josh and his adoptive mum Sandra arrive,” reveals our Walford insider. “An overwhelmed Patrick initially struggles to connect with Josh, but the pair end up enjoying each other’s company. Suddenly, an uninvited guest ruins the atmosphere – it’s Zoe, desperate to meet her long-lost son!”

After hearing from Tommy that Josh is in the Square, Zoe insists that she be allowed to see her boy. But a protective Sandra tells rival mum Zoe to get out – and stay away from Josh.

The following day, an upset Zoe is reeling from the rejection and prepares to visit Jasmine in jail. Spotting Josh and Sandra on the way, Zoe once again pleads to be allowed some time with her estranged offspring to explain why she gave him up.

Josh eventually gives in and accompanies Zoe to The Vic where they can chat properly – and meet the other branch of his family tree. Kat is thrilled to finally meet her grandson, and Josh begins to warm up to the idea of getting to know her and Zoe a little better.

When he agrees to a meal with all the Slaters and Truemans together, Zoe is emotional. Unfortunately, bonding with one twin scuppers her relationship with the other, and she forgets to go and see Jasmine as promised!

“A crushed Jasmine phones Kat from prison, demanding to know why Zoe never showed up,” says our source. “Feeling unsupported by her family, and with her phone containing vital evidence still missing, Jasmine drops a bombshell – she’s going to plead guilty to murdering Anthony…”

Zoe is reassured when Kat offers to go and see Jasmine while she concentrates on hosting Josh and the Truemans. As they discuss Jasmine’s predicament, Josh tells Zoe that he rang his sister’s mobile a few weeks ago and his call was answered – so somebody must have the phone!

Clocking Josh and Zoe’s discussion, a guilt-ridden Max begs Cindy to forget their vendetta against Jasmine and hand over the handset she stole. Cindy tries to plant it in The Vic and scarper before anyone sees her – but she bumps into Oscar and drops the device at Kat’s feet, exposing her as the person who took it!

Zoe and Kat are furious, but have they finally found the key to freeing Jasmine? And what price will Cindy pay for withholding evidence?