EastEnders in 2020

Events

January

• 1st January - As the dust settles on another series of eventful New Year's Day celebrations, some of the neighbours are in contemplative mood, while for the rest, life will never be quite the same again. Will the next 12 months be any more kind to the long-suffering people of Walford?
• 2nd January - After everything that has happened, Karen Taylor fails to get the answers she needs. A furious Mick Carter confronts Linda Carter when she wakes up hungover at the Vic. Martin Fowler worries when Sonia Fowler tells him he has been talking in his sleep. Kat Slater and Mo Harris are confused by Jean Slater's sudden good mood. Honey Mitchell reveals Adam Bateman has been in touch about new tenants - and when Mo reveals it's the Panesar brothers, Ash Kaur is stunned.
• 3rd January - More than one family is torn apart following the events of Christmas Day and despite Walford's biggest secret being exposed, an even bigger one has now formed. Only a handful of people know the truth - and only time will tell whether it will remain hidden.
• 7th January - Gray Atkins is frustrated when Chantelle Atkins cannot give him the news he wants - and later, to make matters worse, he is unimpressed to see his wife talking to Jagvir Panesar in the Square. Ben Mitchell has some harsh words for Louise Mitchell when she berates him for talking about Sharon Watts. Whitney Dean is shocked to hear Leo King is opening a stall on the market, tensions rise between Karen and Billy Mitchell, and Jean Slater is unimpressed when Mo suggests the Slaters should hold a seance to speak to Daniel Cook.
• 9th January - Chantelle tries to stay in control, Karen has some home truths for Honey, and Kush Kazemi issues Leo a warning.
• 10th January (Part 1) - Billy asks Karen to go with him to the beauty pageant, where he makes an alarming discovery. Vinny Panesar gets involved in Keegan Butcher-Baker's business but is shocked to learn Iqra Ahmed is his business partner. Whitney makes a risky decision, and Chantelle is rude to Kheerat Panesar on purpose, simply to keep Gray happy.
• 10th January (Part 2) - Phil Mitchell realises Ben and Callum Highway have broken up when his son reveals he has a date. Billy tries to reason with Honey, but when she dismisses his claims, he begins to research eating disorders, determined to help her. Vinny and Keegan are stopped in their tracks, while Whitney's good mood is short lived - and even Jack Branning's good advice leaves her feeling more frustrated.
• 13th January - Bex Fowler's concerns for Louise leave Lisa Fowler worried and she is more determined than ever to help her daughter. But as Louise opens up, the guilt becomes too much and she makes a shocking confession. Mick forces Linda to face the consequences of her actions, Billy shares his worries about Honey with Lola Pearce and Jean enlists Habiba Ahmed's help to celebrate Kat's birthday. Ben is shocked when Callum arrives at the car lot, while Martin receives good news - the hit-and-run victim is awake.
• 14th January - Lisa is convinced Louise is unwell after saying what she did about Keanu Taylor, and when Sharon gets wind of her stepdaughter's confession, she is convinced it cannot be true. Phil, however, tells a different story. Linda hides her hangover from Mick and feels the pressure at work with Shirley Carter watching her every move, Sonia finds herself in an impossible situation and Billy goes to extreme lengths to help Honey. Rainie Highway tries to help Callum start dating again and Kat is furious to learn Leo sabotaged her plan.
• 16th January - Phil is pleased when Dennis Rickman Jr continues to ignore Sharon but when he spots the police outside Karen's he begins to worry. Martin and Sonia enjoy keeping their relationship a secret but Sonia's good mood is short-lived when hit-and-run victim George keeps pressuring her to pay for his silence, prompting her to do the unthinkable. Honey gets a wake-up call when her actions affect Janet Mitchell, prompting her to open up to Billy, and Linda struggles at work when Daniel offers her a drink.
• 17th January - Kush is thrilled to learn Sonia and Martin are getting closer but when the latter arrives home he finds a letter that leaves him rocked. Honey forces herself to eat in front of the children, making herself feel unwell, while Dotty Cotton continues to try to charm Leo - only for him to show his true colours when she mentions his father. Jean and Daniel are the happiest they have ever been, and Rainie sets up a date for Callum.
• 20th January - Linda is mortified to realise she has forgotten Mick's birthday and quickly arranges a surprise party - and as everyone gathers in the pub to celebrate, she finds the temptation to have a drink hard to resist. Phil is celebrating his birthday too with a family meal and is relieved when Louise agrees to attend - only for her to lash out at him and Ben. Kat is thrilled when Whitney sets up a meeting with a new client, Rainie targets Jean and Daniel, and Ian Beale tries to persuade Ruby Allen to let him use the club for his election winner's party.
• 21st January - A hungover Linda is humiliated when Mick describes her actions the previous night - but their argument is cut short by shocking news from Ollie Carter's school. As if that were not enough for the troubled landlady, she also faces Sharon, who wants to know why she said Keanu was alive. Meanwhile, Lisa tells Phil she and Louise are moving to Portugal - a plan he opposes - Ian frantically tries to get his fellow residents to vote for him in the election, and Daniel and Jean run rings around Rainie and Stuart.
• 23rd January - The Mitchells are thrown into panic as past events come back to haunt them and with Sharon having the upper hand - what lengths will she go to, to get revenge? As the election party gets under way, everyone is concerned by the sight of a drunken Linda, leaving Mick trying desperately to get her home. Lola urges Sheree Trueman to make amends with Patrick Trueman, but he is not prepared for what she tells him, and Kat opens up to Kush about her past.
• 24th January - Patrick meets Isaac Baptiste for the first time, and although things get off to a rocky start, the pair quickly get to know each other. Sonia takes matters into her own hands, Phil puts his plan into action and Sharon makes an unlikely ally.
• 27th January - Leo continues to cause trouble on the market, but he soon regrets abusing Kat when she hits back at him and attacks his stall. Linda is upset when Mick does not stand up for her against gossips, the Panesars' mother, Suki Panesar, arrives in Walford and makes an immediate impression on Jean as she orders her sons about and Ian revels in his councillor win.
• 28th January - Kush is racked with guilt over Leo but Kat is adamant he cannot tell the truth. Linda promises Mick she does not need to go to rehab and agrees to ration her drinking - but temptation proves too much. Keegan is humiliated when his contract at Gray's office is terminated, and when Suki persuades Kheerat to take an office nearby, it's clear she is planning something.
• 30th January - Without alcohol, Linda suggests a day out with Ollie and Mick to distract herself, but her good mood is short lived. Kathy checks on Bobby but tensions soon escalate between her and Sharon, forcing Bobby to intervene. Iqra tries to reason with Keegan, while Ash and Suki begin to build bridges.
• 31st January - Sharon takes Kathy's keys and sneaks into Phil's house - only to be caught red-handed - and Mick worries when Linda is nowhere to be found, unaware she has taken Ollie out of school for the day. Suki settles into Walford, but it soon becomes clear she has an ulterior motive and will go to any lengths to reunite her family. Keegan has a new lease of life and throws himself into work, while Whitney makes a horrifying discovery.

February

• 3rd February - A hungover Linda has a run-in with Shelley at the school gates and is furious to discover Mick has cancelled her card - but her day only gets worse from there, leading the drunken landlady to inadvertently put young Ollie in danger. Denise Fox returns home from Scotland and makes amends with Sheree, Jack tells Kat the police have evidence that could help Kush and Iqra invites herself along to a Panesar family meal.
• 4th February - Whitney is racked with guilt about Kush and plans to put things right, despite Tiffany Butcher-Baker urging her not to do anything that puts her in danger. Shirley is determined to make Linda face her problems and pleads with Mick to take his wife to an addict support session at the community centre. Ash and her brothers are surprised by Suki's reaction to Iqra, Sheree opens up to Patrick about Isaac, and Sharon makes a peace offering to Dennis.
• 6th February - Linda struggles at the support session and breaks down afterwards - and soon enough, she is back on the bottle. Bernadette Taylor is curious about Karen's lack of concern when the police update her about Keanu, so she uses her mother's phone to leave a message for her brother. Sharon is taken aback by Dennis's bad attitude towards her, and Patrick, Sheree and Denise celebrate Isaac's new job at Walford High.
• 7th February - Linda is convinced Mick and Shirley are plotting against her, so she sneaks out and confides her fears to Sharon, who urges the troubled landlady to fight for her marriage. Karen realises Bernadette will not let her suspicions about Keanu drop, so she takes a risky move. The reality of Daniel's situation dawns on him.
• 10th February - Callum prepares for his assessment and gets much-needed reassurance from Karen and Stuart - only to be thrown by the arrival of an unexpected visitor. Linda and Mick put on a united front with the social worker, and Sonia invites Whitney on a weekend away - unaware Leo is eavesdropping from the attic. Bobby Beale suggests that Bex should move in with him, Iqra and Habiba, and Rainie gives Daniel a piece of her mind about his fake funeral plans.
• 11th February - Linda berates Mick for talking to the social worker about her and sets out to put the woman straight, while Tina Carter questions whether Ollie is safe around his mother, leaving Mick conflicted. Whitney opens up to Kush about a letter she kept from Tony, leaving Leo intrigued as he listens in. Sonia is distraught to learn that Bex is moving out, Sharon and Dennis finally reach an understanding and Jean is upset when Daniel snaps at her.
• 13th February - Mick regrets admitting to Linda that Ollie might be better off without her, but before he can apologise his wife storms out. Whitney goes to the Slaters' to apologise to Kat, giving Leo the chance he needs to search for the letter. A night out for the Albert Square youngsters start badly as Dennis is less than pleased to see Bobby - and things quickly go downhill from there.
• 14th February - It's Valentines Day and the police investigate the break-in, Whitney is horrified when she realises her letter from Tony is missing - unaware Leo is lurking in Dot Branning's room clutching the document. Ian is quick to confront Bobby about the social media posts but the troubled youngster realises his father is only worried about his own reputation. Wise words from Jean convince Mick to try to salvage his marriage.
• 17th February - Linda revels her divorce from Mick but her happiness is short-lived when she comes to blows with Shirley - and things only gets worse at the Thames boat party when she continues to throw alcohol down her throat and embarrass her family. Patrick grows fed up of Isaac's behaviour towards him and pleads with Sheree to tell him the truth. Sonia is stunned when the police turn up.
• 18th February - Kathy and Sharon encourage Ian to make amends with Bobby. But as he is trying to reach out to his son, the teenager is defending his friends Iqra and Habiba against a gang or racists - and when the situation spirals out of control, Bobby is beaten up and rushed to hospital. As Ian sets off in search of revenge, Kathy receives a strange call from Ben and races off to find him - only to be horrified by what she finds.
• 20th February - Ben goes to extreme lengths to stop Keanu from killing Callum, while Phil sets out on his own revenge mission against Keanu - leading both Mitchells to the boat on the Thames for the ultimate showdown. Sharon tells Dennis they are leaving Walford for good but her plans are thwarted when she bumps into a raging Ben - and that's only the start of her problems.
• 21st February - Chaos and panic ensues as the party goers struggle to comprehend what has happened. As the grave situation grows worse, multiple lives are left hanging in the balance and one person is set to meet a tragic end.
• 24th February - Chantelle is shocked to learn Leo is dead and Whitney has been arrested. Elsewhere, Tiffany is concerned after speaking to Whitney and asks Gray to defend her case. Despite his reservations, Gray agrees to help. Jean grows frustrated as Daniel is blase about his situation.
• 25th February - Gray feels the pressure after agreeing to take on Whitney's case and snaps at Mackenzie and Mia Atkins, leaving Chantelle worried. Following a conversation with Daniel, Jean hatches a plan to cheer him up. However, her mood changes following a phone call as she enlists help from Mo and Kush.
• 27th February - It's the day of Jean's oncology appointment and Daniel forces her to go. At the appointment, she is overwhelmed to hear that her MRI scan has come back clear. After returning home, Jean lies to Daniel saying she doesn't have the result, so Mo breaks the good news.
• 28th February - As everyone tries to get back to normal following recent events, one person's lies begin to unravel. Meanwhile, Karen inspires Keegan with an idea to cheer up Tiffany, but Keegan's plan ends in disaster.

March

• 2nd March - Keegan has high hopes for the business when Chantelle helps him with a loan application. But as he and Tiffany head home, they are stunned to bump into a burglar escaping from their flat. Gray reassures Whitney as he visits her in prison, and Suki's lies come close to unravelling during a conversation with Jean.
• 5th March - Gray feels pressure from all angles and things get worse when his boss urges him to make Kush plead guilty - leading to a confrontation with Kat. Keegan blames Jack for his treatment by the police, Tiffany hides letters addressed to Ted Murray and Jean becomes determined to get to the bottom of Suki's medical problems.
• 6th March - Shirley grows suspicious of Suki's behaviour and speaks to Jean, leading to an argument. As Gray and Kush set off for court, the solicitor subtly seeds doubts in his client's mind about the plea. Then, as Whitney's bail hearing arrives, Gray feels the pressure to deliver. But as tensions boil over, Whitney struggles to keep her cool.
• 9th March - Chantelle comforts Gray when his office returns his belongings although he cannot face telling Whitney what has happened. Jean accuses Suki of lying about her illness, leaving her family disgusted that she could suggest such a thing. Linda is hurt that Mick doesn't trust her when she finds him searching for stashed alcohol. Jay Brown makes a big decision about his future.
• 10th March - Jay organises a romantic lunch and asks Lola to marry him, but she rejects. Gray plans to represent Whitney to win back his position at the law firm. Chantelle declines Kheerat's offer of a job; but soon begins to regret it. Rainie's past comes back to haunt her when an ex-client arrives at Coker's. Tiffany feels left out as Iqra and Keegan work on their loan application.
• 12th March (Part 1) - A fun game in the pub takes an unexpected turn when Isaac shows his true colours to Patrick. Chantelle feels the pressure to find work and Mitch's suspicions about Gray reach fever pitch. Mick is proud of Linda for going to another meeting but when Stuart spots her he realises how much she is struggling.
• 12th March (Part 2) - Mitch follows Gray to find out what he is up to - only to be stopped in his tracks by Chantelle, who warns him to back off. Stuart comes up with an extreme to cheer up Rainie - all he needs now is a ring - and Sheree berates Isaac for his attitude towards Patrick.
• 16th March - Chantelle hides her injuries from Gray and starts her new job at the call centre, while her husband struggles to find the evidence he needs to incriminate Leo. Linda helps a grieving Sharon by looking after Kayden Watts and bumps into Karen. Ben continues to struggle with his loss of hearing - making things difficult when Phil's old business associate Danny turns up with a proposition that he cannot fully understand.
• 17th March - Karen is thrilled when Sharon lets her look after Kayden while she makes Dennis's funeral arrangements - but that proves too much for her and Kathy lends her some much-needed support. Gray is horrified to see the injuries he has inflicted on Chantelle and insists it will not happen again - but she has been here before. Whitney makes a horrifying discovery. Ben is determined to keep the truth about his hearing loss from Danny Hardcastle and Keegan demands that Mitch Baker be more honest with Bailey Baker.
• 23rd March - The locals anxiously await the outcome of Whitney's bail hearing, Ian thinks of a way of helping Sharon and Shelley gives Linda a few home truths. Chantelle is having trouble juggling work and home life, so Mitch offers to step in and help. Ben hatches a plan to stay in control ahead of his meeting with Danny - but things turn sour when Callum arrives.
• 24th March - After learning of Ben's arrest, Callum is distraught when Kathy reveals Ben was leaving the Prince Albert with another man and makes a difficult decision. Linda is unnerved when Shelley arrives at the Vic and tells Isaac about the landlady's drinking. Tiffany seeks advice from Callum over her problems with Keegan.
• 30th March - Jay arrives with flowers to Dennis' funeral from Ben and Lola, but Sharon insists that none of the Mitchells are welcome. Dotty piles on the pressure for a guilty Ian to come clean about his part in Dennis' death, while she strikes up a friendship with Vinny. Linda refuses to let Shirley dampen her progress and tells Mick she is ready to return to work full-time. Habiba and Jags have a heart-to-heart.
• 31st March - Phil's returns and insists he just wants to talk, but things turn violent. Ian calls the police and Phil is forced to vanish almost as quickly as he appeared. After a few drinks with Vinny, Dotty is clearly out to cause trouble and ends up stealing a man's wallet - only for him to give chase. Linda begins to struggle and is caught drinking again by Shirley, forcing her and Mick to make a far-reaching decision about their future.

April

• 6th April - Ian takes great pleasure in kicking Dotty out, but she has plans for her next move. A drunken Billy helps Linda and Mick put their problems into perspective, Chantelle throws herself into work with the Panesars, and Bobby develops a crush on Dotty.
• 7th April - Vinny teases Dotty about their bet over who can start a business first, but when he realises she is in no mood for fun, he backs off and gets her to open up. Later she visits Ian and continues to goad him, and as he grows increasingly uncomfortable, her threats become more intimidating. Mick and Linda agree to wait before telling Shirley and Tina about their plan to sell up.
• 13th April - Vinny's plan to prove himself ends in disaster, tensions rise between Keegan and Tiffany, and an unwelcome visitor returns to Walford.
• 14th April - Keegan protests his innocence to the police but learns the evidence is stacked against him, and he even fails to get Jack on his side. Iqra is shocked to see Ash's calculating side and questions whether she really knows her girlfriend at all. Whitney tells Sonia she is convinced she is going to prison. Gray issues Michaela Turnbull with a warning when she tries to see his client and Kush is torn when Tommy Moon makes him promise to keep his secret.
• 20th April - Tiffany berates Keegan for his bad mood and the chaos at the Taylors' only adds to his stress, leading to an angry outburst - but he is mortified to realise Bailey witnessed it. Sonia urges Whitney to get back to normal, but that proves easier said than done with Michaela posting disagreeable online comments online, leaving her crushed. Ash cries on Vinny's shoulder but they both panic when Suki arrives home early, and after speaking to Callum, Stuart is inspired to propose to Rainie again.
• 21st April - Kush continues to hide Tommy's secret but asks Isaac to keep an eye on him at school. Denise is stunned to learn what happened to Keegan and Jean receives a gift from Daniel, leaving her touched.
• 27th April - Gray and Sonia are puzzled by Whitney's disappearance. Linda feels uncomfortable when she spots Phil at her alcoholics support group. Suki questions Chantelle's dedication to her new job. Patrick and Isaac start to bond but Isaac becomes suspicious when Patrick drops a hint about the truth. Dotty promotes a club night at Ruby's in an attempt to make some much-needed cash - and takes the opportunity to flirt with Peter as she invites him along. Callum nervously waits for the results of his police assessment and Mitch quizzes Mick about the future of the Vic.
• 28th April - Peter realises Bobby has a crush on Dotty and attempts to knock his brother's confidence. Linda is adamant she cannot return to her support group with Phil there, leaving Shirley and Mick frustrated. A powercut adds to the tensions between Gray and Chantelle, while Denise realises Patrick and Sheree are both hiding something and hatches a plan to uncover what is going on.

May

• 5th May - Kush is alarmed to discover Jean has not been taking her medication - so he goes to extreme lengths to ensure she has her tablets. Another setback leaves Linda more determined than ever to conquer her demons, Ian plans a surprise for Sharon, and Bobby asks Dotty out on a date. Denise gives Isaac some home truths.
• 11th May - Phil puts pressure on Mick and Linda to get the deal done, but is taken aback when he realises Danny has overheard. Ben realises his operation is tomorrow, Kush and Shirley take drastic action to help Jean, and Stuart gets wedding inspiration from an unexpected place.
• 12th May - Ben prepares for his operation but his mind is elsewhere when Phil shares detail of their upcoming job, leading him to take advantage of Callum to find out what the police might know. Keegan sees a glimmer of hope when Jack tells him a new witness has come forward, Isaac struggles with Sheree's bombshell and Shirley and Kush try to get to the bottom of Jean's explosive mood swings.
• 18th May - Tina calls an ambulance for Jean and Suki steps in to help - but when she realises all is not as it seems, she tries to manipulate the situation to her favour. Callum and Kathy worry that Ben is unwell, putting his surgery in doubt, while Linda is taken aback when Phil seems more concerned about buying the Vic than his son's operation. Keegan's actions leave Tiffany torn, Isaac opens up to Denise and Ian plays Habiba at her own game.
• 19th May - Callum catches a shoplifter, and when he realises she is deaf, he comes up with an idea to help Ben - just as Danny is making a new proposal to Phil. Tiffany asks Keegan to apologise to Jack - but he is more interested in gloating about all the responses to his video. Peter cannot cope with the anniversary of Lucy Beale's death, leaving Bobby upset. Ruby is impressed by the way Martin tackles a thief and offers him a job at the club.
• 25th May - Phil is floored when Sharon makes an unexpected return. Karen does her best to help Tiffany with Keegan, and Kush feels the pressure.
• 26th May - Sharon tries to distract herself but gets more than she bargained for when she drops off some leftover baby items at Karen's and finds herself watching baby Kayden. Phil puts pressure on Ben to not mess up the job, unaware his son has done his own secret deal, while Jean dresses up in the hope of impressing Phil and persuading him to let Stacey come home. Keegan's dreams come crashing down when he admits to Iqra that he did not sort out insurance on the vandalised food truck.

June

• 1st June - Ben and Phil make final plans for the job. But when Ben introduces a gun, Phil decides his son is out of the gang. Angry, he storms off into a confrontation with Jay and Lola, where he learns the truth about the abortion.
• 2nd June - Sharon goes to say goodbye to Kayden as Karen prepares to leave Albert Square, while Keegan talks to his mum and asks to move with her. Tiffany tries to convince her husband they have something worth fighting for. Max is put out when he spots Ruby and Martin flirting, and Sharon has advice for Callum about dating a Mitchell, leaving him frustrated.
• 8th June - Ian arranges a memorial for Dennis and Sharon is touched by the effort he has put in. Gray finds Whitney disorientated on the street and takes her back to his place, where they go over the night Leo was killed. Mick and Linda have their eyes on a house to rent, but they are worried about Phil paying them with dodgy money for The Vic. Peter Beale asks Dotty to fix his car but she refuses.
• 9th June - Gray advises Whitney to use her flashbacks to piece together what happened on the night Leo was killed. Peter organises a fitness class in the square and Dotty joins in to flirt with him, while Rainie tells Habiba she isn't interested in Max's money any more as she has Stuart.
• 15th June - Bobby is devastated when Ian tells him that Peter kissed Dotty, while Linda hears how Phil has been treating Sharon and tells Mick she no longer wants to let him have the Vic. Chantelle tries to clear the air with Gray by proving she was at the dentist when he thought she was using his car - but he still thinks she is lying - and Sonia, feeling lonely, decides to search for her long-lost father.
• 16th June - Linda leaves Phil in absolutely no doubt that she doesn't want to sell him the pub, so Mick asks Sharon to convince her friend it's for the best. Billy and Karen go on a date, which ends in disaster when they bump into Mitch, and Dotty confronts Ian for setting her up with the police. Jay visits Ben, who is suffering with a fever, but he is shocked when his friend collapses.

September

• 7th September - After an 11-week absence, during the height of the pandemic, the residents of Walford are slowly getting back to normal. Sharon, now settled behind the bar of the Vic, is given a stark reminder of the boat crash that killed her son, leaving Ian more determined than ever to buy Dotty's silence. After being abused throughout the 11 weeks, a desperate Chantelle seeks out a divorce lawyer from one of Gray's rival law firms. Mick searches for a job while his wife, Linda, makes ends meet in the launderette. Callum gets a shock at work when trawling through CCTV footage of a burglary. Ruby and Martin try to ignore Kat's nasty comments about their relationship.
• 8th September - Vinny and Ruby realise that they share an urgent goal, and Kathy worries that Ian has got himself in too deep.
• 10th September - Mick is determined to get back on track, Chantelle puts her plan into action, Callum demands the truth.
• 11th September - Suki swoops in to help her family – but at what cost? Ben panics as his past comes back to haunt him.
• 14th September - Chantelle tells Gray she's going on a last-minute holiday with her family - but Gray is suspicious, and later becomes angry when he finds out that she asked her parents if she could go after telling Gray. Tina and Frankie grow closer when they go for a drink at the Vic after work. Max is happy his divorce from Rainie has finally come through and thanks Ian for helping him out. He encourages Ian to keep £2,000 of the money he owes him, but, the rest he wants back now. Ben takes Callum's advice and asks Phil what to do about the situation with Danny.
• 15th September - Ian's attempt to fix his money issues goes awry, and Ruby makes a shock confession.
• 17th September - Chantelle goes to the seaside cafe to ring Kheerat, and goes back to the B&B, only to find that Gray has arrived on the trip - that she went on to get away from his abuse. Ian tightens the reins on Sharon running the Vic, and Callum asks Ben if the offer to move in together is still on the table - but their happy moment is short-lived. Stuart and Rainie prepare for their stag and hen parties, although things do not exactly go to plan. After an intentional break in from Kheerat, requested by Chantelle in order to leave Gray. Gray manages to convince Chantelle, in front of her parents, to go back home and make sure everything is okay. She bids goodbye to her parents faring that things could go wrong.
• 18th September - Gray and Chantelle arrive back in Walford. She finally finds the courage to stand up to her abusive husband, and tell him she is leaving him. Unfortunately, Chantelle is unaware that the silent abusive horror she has lived with for many years is about to become fatal for her.
• 21st September - Gray is questioned by the police about Chantelle's death but lies his way out. Kheerat already suspects Gray as Chantelle's killer knowing she planned to leave him. Karen and Mitch return from Southend to horrifically learn that their daughter is dead. Ruby is forced to come clean to Martin that someone has been stealing from her bank account, and with Ben in need of legal assistance, Phil confronts Callum, asking if he had known his boyfriend's plan all along.
• 22nd September - Stacey Slater's arrival angers Ruby and Martin, although she reassures them she is only passing through. Ruby, however, has other ideas. Kheerat informs Mitch what Chantelle had asked of him and how she was trying to leave Gray. Mitch has back and forth doubts about Gray. Ben struggles under police questioning as his story cannot be verified and Sharon grows tired of Ian treating her like glorified bar staff. Denise works out Amy Mitchell has a crush on Isaac and tells him he cannot tutor Amy any more.
• 24th September - Kheerat talks to Mitch again, telling him about his relationship with Chantelle, and how unhappy she was with her husband, Kheerat pitches the idea that Gray killed Chantelle. Kheerat tells Mitch that he will leave the theory alone only if Mitch has zero doubts about Gray and how Chantelle seemed before leaving, Mitch walks away without answering him. Stacey has a heart-to-heart with Kat, worried that Jean will never forgive her for leaving. Ian does his hardest to avoid Max, blaming the bank for the delay in paying back his money, and Amy finds a way to still see Isaac on the way to school. Mitch begins to believe Kheerat, but is emotionally shot down by Karen for trying to tarnish Gray's authenticity.
• 25th September - Gray gets a visit from the police with new information. Ruby asks Martin if he still has feelings for Stacey, and Ian apologises to Sharon for taking his financial woes out on her. Amy refuses to go to school, and when Denise realises it's because of Isaac, the pre-teen makes an accusation against the teacher.
• 28th September - Ian hosts a business meeting at home, determined to impress a council colleague with his hospitality skills - only for Max to storm in making accusations and threats. Isaac is reeling after his meeting with the school about the drugs, leading to an altercation with Phil, and Mick is disturbed to find Frankie taking photos of Ollie. Kheerat tries to explain himself to Karen, and Rainie and Stuart say their farewells on the night before their wedding.
• 29th September - Danny confronts Callum alone at the Arches and accuses him of being a police informant - and when Phil turns up he accuses the young cop of being an informant. Stuart and Rainie's wedding day runs into trouble when there is a mix-up over her dress and he ends up locked in the car. Sheree thanks Denise for standing up to Isaac against Phil, while Ian is angered when Max offers support for Bobby's Lucy Beale Foundation.

October

• 1st October - An altercation between Isaac and Jack threatens to turn ugly, leaving Amy shocked by her dad's behaviour. Callum is set up with a support officer after the fatal car accident. Ian takes drastic action to pay back Max, Mick's suspicions of Frankie continue, and Jags questions his role as a rent collector - angering both Habiba and Suki.
• 2nd October - It's a big night at the Prince Albert, and sparks fly for Tina. Mitch hears some home truths from Gray.
• 5th October - Mick's suspicions of Frankie increase when he finds out she is looking after Ollie and he pushes her for answers. Gray is struggling to look after his children and work on Whitney's case - and when it turns out that the first hearing is the same day as Chantelle's funeral, his colleague insists on taking him off the case. Suki finds Jags' jeans covered in blood, and Callum promises Ben he'll be at Lexi's dance recital - only for Thompson to call him into the station yet again.
• 6th October - Secrets fester between Mick and Linda, and Phil asks Callum to dig for information.
• 8th October - The day of Chantelle's funeral arrives, and as family and friends gather to say goodbye, Gray struggles to hold it together. Whitney is about to face her first day in court for the death of Leo, with Sonia there for support - but neither of them are prepared for what happens next. Phil visits Raymond in hospital, feeling an instant bond with the boy, while Jean warns Kush about the risks of online gambling.
• 9th October - Whitney is shaken from yesterday's courtroom debacle but Sonia reassures her to put it all behind her, especially as Mick is testifying today. Karen is broken from the funeral, so Mitch makes her an offer. Kat is desperate for money to pay Suki's increased rent - and when Kush comes up trumps, Jean cannot help but be suspicious.
• 12th October - Linda worries that Mick is being distant so goes to find Tina, who reassures her that his behaviour has nothing to do with her. Ben shares his concerns with Callum about Phil seeing Raymond, and what will happen if Denise finds out - but unknown to them, Lexi overhears their conversation. Gray encourages Whitney to tell the truth in her final statements, while Jean and Kat are shocked by a photo of Ruby and Martin on social media, and try to keep the news from Stacey.
• 13th October - Linda helps a guilty Gray by picking up the kids from school and cleaning up his home - only to get on his bad side by touching Chantelle's favourite mug. Whitney's QC is taken ill at court, meaning there is only one other person who can step up for the final statements. Lola questions Ben about Phil's relationship to Raymond - but when he tells her to stay out of it, she feels torn, and later decides to tell Denise. Stacey finds herself in an embarrassing situation.
• 15th October - Whitney receives her verdict. Denise meets up with Ellie Nixon, Raymond's adoptive grandmother, to tell her Phil is Raymond's biological father - and that he is bad news. Shirley and Linda discuss Gray's odd behaviour after he lost his temper. Stacey struggles to give Ruby and Martin a good enough excuse as to why she was hiding in the office, and tensions between the two women quickly escalate.
• 16th October - Phil is furious with Lola for telling Denise he has been seeing Raymond. Peter gives Kathy's dating app a little tweak in the hope she will have more luck. Sharon worries that Bobby's fears may be getting out of control, while Kush is forced to pay up in exchange for his silence.
• 19th October - Callum uncovers the truth, and Kathy takes the next step with her dating app.
• 20th October - Phil meets Ellie at the Arches where he confronts her about her lies, while sworn rivals Ruby and Stacey let down the barriers for a while with the help of a few bottles of champagne. Kathy hits it off with her date but things go downhill when she has one drink too many and trips up, ending in a trip to the hospital. Habiba is devastated with Ash for not going to court to support Jags.
• 22nd October - The Slaters receive an unpleasant warning message through the letterbox, and while Kush assumes it is from his creditors, Stacey is sure Ruby has sent it. Determined to give her old friend a piece of her mind, she sets off for the club - unaware she is walking into danger. Ritchie warns Phil that his criminal record will go against him in a custody battle, Peter notices that Bobby is still frantically cleaning his hands and Habiba gives Iqra an ultimatum. Sharon gets a shock when Denny's things are returned from the boat accident.
• 23rd October - Phil works on a plan to prove that Ellie is in no fit state to look after a child. Callum helps by accessing information on Ellie - only to be caught in the act by DI Thompson. Meanwhile, Denise finally makes up her mind, and Ian checks on Sharon after seeing her upset over the return of Denny's belongings.
• 26th October - Jack seeks parenting advice from a grief-stricken Mitch, who tells him to make sure he puts the kids first. Max offers Linda work at the restaurant, but when she asks Mick for his thoughts, he seems indifferent - angering Tina with his irritable behaviour. Sonia is ecstatic to receive a car as a gift from one of her recent patients, while Bobby chooses his trustees for the Lucy Beale Foundation.
• 27th October - Money is tight for the Slaters so Kush sells Lily's tablet, but when Suki reminds him their rent is going up on Friday, he resorts to his online poker game yet again. After bumping into Honey on the way to her date, Billy tells Jay he's worried she may get hurt. Sharon tells Ian that Bobby has asked her and Max to be the foundation trustees.
• 29th October - Honey's date with Paul Skeggs takes a terrifying turn when unbeknown to her, he spikes her drink. Jay looks for Honey, and finds Paul in an alleyway standing over her, attempting to rape her while she is unconscious, he scares Paul away and checks on her. Ruby tells Kush to return the money he stole and she will forget it ever happened - but he denies it, leaving her furious and determined to get revenge on the Slaters. Shirley tries to talk to Mick, but he pushes her too far by saying she was never there for him.
• 30th October - Suki proposes a poker game with Vinny and Kheerat at Ruby's club and suggests they invite Kush, but he is suspicious of her motive and declines. However, when he later turns up he finds them ready to play - and cannot resist joining in. Meanwhile, Shirley offers Gray a job in the Mitchell family business.

November

• 2nd November - Jack tells Denise that four of Ellie's properties have been raided by the police - and she is convinced Phil had something to do with it. Jay goes against Honey's wishes and tells Billy what happened, and when they discover that her attacker has been released on bail, Billy's emotions get the better of him. Rainie and Stuart are in dire need of a new member of staff. Luckily for them, Tiffany is in need of part-time work.
• 3rd November - Jay is amazed with Honey's strength after she talks to the police again. Mick is unimpressed when Max offers Linda another shift at the restaurant. Kat comes up with an idea to sort out the Slaters' money woes, however Stacey and Kush aren't pleased with the idea. Tiffany is overwhelmed with the more morbid aspects of her new job at the funeral parlour but Rainie and Stuart do their best to make her feel welcome as they can.
• 5th November - Keegan accidentally knocks Rainie over on his bike, Tiffany witnesses and tries to help her, panicked, Rainie informs them she's pregnant. Kat is annoyed that Phil turned down her offer, and while Kush suggests it's for the best, she refuses to let the idea drop. Shirley overhears Linda arranging a medication review for Mick and questions Linda about his mental state. Shirley tells Mick that they want to help him but he is just furious that Linda has gone behind his back. A man tells Mick that Frankie does not wish to be contacted, as Shirley doesn't know Frankie is his daughter, she is angry that he's been grumpy because he got dumped. Jay has good news about a flat he and Lola were hoping to move in to - but she does not share his enthusiasm and ends up breaking up with him.
• 6th November - Shirley knows something is wrong with Mick and refuses to go anywhere until she knows the truth, forcing her son to delve into his childhood. Stuart and Rainie face the music with their past transgressions, leaving lasting effects on their relationship. They attempt to move on and look to the future.
• 9th November - Mick is shocked when his ex-care worker Katy Lewis turns up, and immediately demands to know why she never told him that Frankie was his daughter - but he is stunned at her response. Lola opens up to Honey about her relationship troubles with Jay.
• 10th November (Part 1) - Katy convinces Mick to meet Frankie with her. Honey drops lunch off for Jay, eager to look after him. Kat is determined to convince Phil to do the job with her - and when she overhears him making a phone call about his divorce, she gets an idea. Sharon is keen to get Ian out of her place but he is yet to tell her about falling out with Kathy.
• 10th November (Part 2) - Kat has Phil exactly where she wants him - but it backfires later when she arrives home to find he has broken in and is waiting for her. Denise tells Jack she is struggling to bond with Raymond, Jack suggests she find someone from his past to help. She remembers that his adoptive father was a pastor at a Pentecostal church, so she decides to start there. Shirley encourages Gray to get his kids back home, as Whitney comforts them in the park.
• 12th November - Kat and Phil head out for a cleaning job at the insurance company, but Phil is hesitant. Tina asks Ian to give Mick a job behind the bar, hoping it will lighten his mood, although things only get worse when Shirley arrives. Jack and Denise take Raymond to his family church and are delighted to see him happy.
• 16th November - Kat feels nervous about the robbery and with tensions escalating between her and Shirley, she tells the Mitchells the job is off. The Mitchell's convince her to go through with it and Kush pressures Kat and the Mitchells for him to join in on the job. Denise tries to find the courage to tell Raymond she is his birth mother, however she gets a shock when she discovers her former tormentor and abuser Lucas Johnson has seemingly reformed and attends the same church. Tina discovers she has outstayed her welcome. Ian finds out that Ben and Phil are going to steal from an insurance company, and as revenge, he anonymously calls the police on them.
• 17th November - Ben, Kush and Phil head to the job, while Shirley and Kat create a diversion and act as lookout. Callum is caught between giving up what he knows about what Ben and Phil are doing and staying loyal to the Mitchells. Things go awry as the police arrive due to Ian's anonymous call. Kat and Phil warn Kush to get out of the car and leave before they get caught, but Kush delays believing he can hotwire the car. Kat leaves with Phil before the police arrive, shocking Kush. Max tries to help Linda, but Sharon is suspicious his plan is to break Linda and Mick's marriage. With nowhere to go, Tina asks Kathy if she can stay with her, but she has to deny her. Suki bribes Ian with £10,000, although he declines, he still thinks about it. Just as Kush gets the car running, he is caught by Callum and runs, he hides inside the building. Callum begins to arrest Kush, but Kush threatens Callum by saying he will snitch on Ben if he goes to prison.
• 19th November - The Mitchell's are tense over not knowing if Kush was caught and gave them up, but Kat defends Kush and leaves to see if Kush made it home. Callum communicates to his colleagues that he has Kush apprehended on the third floor. Kush pushes and threatens Callum with Ben further, Kush punches Callum to make it look like there was a struggle and flees. Kim encourages Denise to pursue her relationship with Jack as there are clearly still feelings there. A homeless Tina ends up on Shirley's doorstep and makes a desperate plea to her sister.
• 20th November - Sharon warns Linda about her suspicions about Max, but she dismisses it, claiming he is just a friend. But when he turns up later, she wonders if her friend has a point. Ian arranges an interview with the Walford Gazette to talk about his business empire - unaware of what is being revealed behind his back.
• 23rd November - A surprise call leaves Peter asking Ian for help, and Tina is given an ominous warning.
• 24th November - A furious Peter punishes Bobby for their dad's decision to take him out of his will, just as Ian is being questioned by a local journalist - and deflecting any tricky questions by divulging other people's dodgy dealings. Gray lets his facade slip in front of his children and Tina tells Mick she has a plan to make things up to him. Callum tells DI Thompson he is close to locating the source of the 999 call - but his discovery comes at a huge cost.
• 26th November - Shirley and Tina are disappointed that things have not gone to plan and wonder if Kathy knows what Ian has been up to - and more to the point, whether it will help Mick get the Vic back. Kheerat warns Peter that Ian should stop messing with his family and Mick feigns being happy and supportive as Linda works on her application for the Lucy Beale Foundation prize. A fed-up Thompson says he wants to send Phil to prison or he will send Callum somewhere worse.
• 27th November - A desperate Mick needs to talk, so he calls Katy and confides that seeing her has taken him back to his childhood feeling of being lost and confused. Opening up, he confesses how miserable he has become. Meanwhile, Jack is not happy when he realises he has been played.
• 30th November - Mick and Katy visit the care home where he grew up, and while she is nervous about the memories it could trigger in him, he is determined to get answers. Back in the Square, Linda sets up an anniversary party for her husband - but his reaction leaves her devastated, leaving Max to comfort her. Bobby asks Ian to choose a winner for the Lucy Beale award - but his dad is too busy as usual. Ian oversees Max and Linda kissing.

December

• 1st December - Ian gleefully warns Max he now has the upper hand on him - unless Max wants the whole Square to know who he has been kissing. Tina visits Mick, who is despondent after his day at the care home, but she assumes he is upset because of losing the Vic and sets out to get rid of Ian for good. Jack and Whitney warn Tiffany about her surrogacy plans. An angry Thompson confronts Callum.
• 3rd December - Bobby prepares to announce who has won the Lucy Beale Award, but he still doesn't know who to give the money to, so Ian tells him he knows who Lucy would have wanted to win. Tina and Shirley are eager to see Ian's downfall, Phil and Sharon's divorce gets ugly and a furious Ben will stop at nothing to find out who informed on the Mitchells.
• 4th December - It seems everyone is out to get Ian, with Max planning his revenge and an angry Ben confronting his brother. Just then the police arrive and Ben presumes they are here to speak to him - but Ian is the one they arrest. Bobby starts to see his dad for who he really is, and Mick tells Tina that his depression is nothing to do with losing the Vic.
• 7th December - Sharon returns to the pub to find Ian lying motionless on the floor and immediately calls Kathy. Unable to find a pulse, they panic as they wait for the ambulance to rush him to hospital. The police arrive quickly on the scene and suspicions run high. At this point, many residents would have wanted Ian dead and the suspicious is on almost everyone.
• 8th December - Jack leads the case as the police investigate Ian's attack but with so many grudges against him, it's not proving easy. However, it is not long before they get a breakthrough and make an arrest. Kat and Kush make plans for a new life away from the Square.
• 10th December - The investigation into Ian's attack continues but as alibis are given, other information comes to light giving the police more leads. Kat is stunned when Jack tells her about Kush's visit to the police station. Jay continues to support Honey in the aftermath of her assault, and Suki tries to make an example of Will for shoplifting.
• 11th December - As the search for Ian's attacker continues, a police investigation gets under way, while Jack has a different suspect in his sights and others try to cover their tracks. Callum continues in his own questioning - but could his answers be closer to home?
• 14th December - Kush sees an opportunity and uses it to secure his future, and Mick is pushed further away from Linda.
• 15th December - Revelations threaten to rock Stuart and Rainie, Tina unravels under the mounting pressure, and Kim falls at the final hurdle. Denise insists on a traditional Christmas for Raymond.
• 17th December - Suki ignites a war, Jack delivers some unwanted news, and as Tina's trust in Gray wavers, she seeks answers.
• 18th December - Linda makes a decision there's no coming back from. Kheerat tries to do the right thing and is surprised at what he finds. And it's time to cast the role of Walford's bad Santa. With Kim taking the reins, things quickly descend into chaos.
• 21st December - Ian is living in fear - and it seems he is right to be worried when a loud bang goes off in the Vic, leaving him cowering under a table. Tina is terrified when the police take her down to the station for questioning, Karen is distraught when Gray says he wants the kids for Christmas and Kathy is determined to have all her family together.
• 22nd December - The police tell Ian that Tina has been taken in for questioning, although his relief doesn't last long when another vicious incident leaves him terrified. Max is determined to start a new life with Linda and makes her an offer. Karen feels depressed about facing her first Christmas without Chantelle and comes to a decision, while Honey discovers that the fridge is broken, meaning she will have to cancel the community event.
• 24th December - Billy is speechless as Honey and Jay try to explain what he saw and storms out. Linda is desperate to get through to Mick and convince him to fight for her, but he fails to respond. However, when a distraught Tina comes looking for him, he finally snaps into action to help his sister. Ian realises just how horrible he has been and starts making amends - beginning with Peter and Bobby. But as the Albert Square residents gather to celebrate Christmas Eve, he finds himself targeted and terrified for his life yet again.
• 25th December - Ian identifies his would-be killer and the police are quick to make an arrest. But have they got the right man? Denise comes face to face with a ghost from the past, and Stacey is surprised to receive an expensive gift from Martin. Mick spends an awkward Christmas lunch with Tina and Shirley at Gray's house.
• 26th December - A guilty Martin meets up with Ruby and apologises for spending Christmas with Stacey. She insists everything is fine - and has more important things on her mind. Mick pours out his sorrows to Katy, who pins the blame on Linda, and Gray has good news for Tina about the witness who saw her following Ian into the Vic.
• 28th December - Max puts pressure on Linda as things between them start to become very real. Martin tells Ruby he wishes she could bury the hatchet with Stacey, while Shirley is disappointed that Mick still refuses to engage with her. Denise opens up about her fears that Lucas will hurt her - so Kim comes up with a plan.
• 29th December - Patrick is in unchartered territory, and Jay attempts to hide his true feelings.
• 31st December - As the residents of Walford prepare to welcome in the new year, things are not well in the Carter household. Consumed with emotions about his past, Mick finds himself struggling to cope with the enormity of the situation. As he battles with past demons, he begins to crumble.

See also

• 2020 Episodes