A Proposal Born of Panic

What was meant to be a joyous occasion turns into heartbreak next week in EastEnders, as long-standing couple Kim Fox and Howie Danes officially part ways.

It all begins with a stolen ring and a misunderstanding. When Patrick mistakenly assumes the ring found in Howie’s possession is for Kim, the nervous postman—who had actually stolen it while on delivery—goes along with the idea. Rather than confess the truth, he doubles down, proposing to Kim during the Square’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Kim, swept up in the romance, says yes—and immediately starts planning a big engagement bash. But behind the scenes, cracks begin to show.

Secrets and Blackmail

Not everyone is convinced by Howie’s sudden grand gesture. Anthony Trueman, who’s been keeping a close eye on Howie, confronts him with evidence of the theft. But Howie isn’t the only one with something to hide.

In a tense exchange, Howie turns the tables, suggesting Anthony has secrets of his own. The two strike an uneasy truce, agreeing to keep each other’s skeletons buried—for now.

But the truth refuses to stay hidden.

The Party That Ended It All

When the engagement party arrives, the mood quickly shifts. Anthony, clearly battling his conscience, begins to falter. In a dramatic twist, the celebration ends in chaos as Kim calls off the engagement, unable to ignore the lies that have come to light.

Three years of love, blended family life, and slowly built trust collapse in an instant.

Kim’s Heartbreak—and Impulsive Regret

In the aftermath, Kim is shattered. Drowning her sorrows at The Vic the following week, she makes an impulsive decision: she offers to donate the car Howie bought her to Yolande’s Christmas raffle.

Yolande gratefully accepts—only for Kim to realise, once sober, that she may have given away more than she intended. Will she go back on her word? Or is this Kim’s way of cutting emotional ties to a relationship that now feels tainted?

Actress Tameka Empson reflected on the storyline, saying:

“It has taken [Kim] a long time to trust him. She’d feel utterly let down because Howie isn’t the person she thought he was.”

Will Howie Take Anthony Down with Him?

What’s still unclear is how much of the truth was revealed at the party—and whether Anthony’s secrets could still come out. If Howie has nothing left to lose, he might drag Anthony down with him in the aftermath.