After an absolutely incredible summer, EastEnders accelerates the pace further as we move into autumn. The arrival of the Panesar brothers will bring with it plenty of drama not only for the new clan, but also for current residents. Meanwhile, Whitney (Shona McGarty) will find herself at the centre of an upcoming long-term storyline — as will Linda (Kellie Bright).
Following autumn, weve got Christmas to look forward to — which is notoriously an unmissable time of year in Albert Square — and this holiday season, some secrets are set to out in a truly explosive fashion. Yes, make no mistake, the nights might be getting colder, but things will be heating up in down in Walford, thats for sure.
Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk, Kate Oates previewed what viewers have to look forward to: Theres so much going on in Walford from autumn, well into the New Year. But, of course, in true EastEnders tradition, Christmas is huge. Much of it will circulate around a very complicated and messy love affair — so expect some major Sheanu drama as it all explodes….but weve got some twists and surprises in that story which last right through to New Year.
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And then we move into the 35th anniversary in February! I cant say much at all about it now — except we have a big Carter story at the forefront, and some great drama with Whitney too — so it is going to be a very exciting time for the show. Between our huge September kick-off with the wedding week, right through to the anniversary beyond, there is no let up. I hope everyone will be as excited as Jon and I are!
Its all go in Albert Square, and — with a new chapter well and truly set to begin — you wont want to miss a single second of the drama. In the meantime, were previewing everything thats to come!
Linda Carters alcoholism
Lindas had plenty on her plate this year, what with her concerns about Ollie never far from her mind, then theres her recent cancer scare — not to mention Micks (Danny Dyer) panic attacks. Factor in her beloved husbands recent stint in prison — and the extreme measures she had to go to in order to get the truth out of Stuart (Ricky Champ) — and its no wonder shes struggling to cope.
With more stress piling on in the coming weeks, Linda will turn to alcohol to escape the pressures of everything thats going on and, as she drinks more and more, it will soon become a much bigger problem — one that shell be unable to hide.
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The Panesar brothers arrive with a bang
A brand new family is on its way to Walford in the form of the Panesar brothers. Described by show bosses as charming by nature – but a force to be reckoned with, the Panesars are comprised of siblings Kheerat (Jaz Deol), Jags (Amar Adatia) and Vinny (Shiv Jalota), and its safe to assume that they will ruffle a few feathers upon their arrival. Whats more, theyre set to feud with one of Walfords big families — but which one?
Executive Producer Jon Sen said: EastEnders is a show which prides itself on diversity and representing modern London and modern Britain and we were really keen on finding a way of telling stories from the Sikh community, so they arrive — these three siblings, who are very different in and of themselves.
A new chapter for Whitney
Whitneys world came crashing down when she discovered that fiancé Callum Halfway Highway (Tony Clay) had cheated on her with Ben (Max Bowden), but — in spite of this story having come to a close — theres plenty more to come for the young woman, and Kate and Jon are keen to push the character to the front and centre of the show, with a storyline that will see her through for the next couple of years!
Tiffany and Keegans relationship
Tiffany (Maisie Smith) and Keegans (Zack Morris) relationship will be of huge focus moving into the autumn. The pair fought their feelings for long enough before finally succumbing to them in a romantic moment outside the tube station several months ago, but whats next for the pair?
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Jon said: Theyre lovely, its a wonderful dynamic, superbly performed by those two — theres a real chemistry between them — thats got loads of warmth and heart and were really investing in that.
Whats next for Callum and Ben?
Callum might have finally admitted to having an affair with Ben, but his journey is far from over. Yes, theres a long road ahead for him, and hell struggle with everything thats transpired — but will he be able to come to terms with who he is?
Then theres his connection with Ben to consider. With Whitney no longer an obstacle, could their be a future for him with the Mitchell lad?
The pairs similar family backgrounds brought them together in the first place, and with Ben knowing what its like to wrestle with your sexuality, perhaps Callum will be drawn to him once more now that hes faced with the task of coming to terms with who he is? Regardless of what transpires, its safe to assume that theres plenty more story to come here.
Honey takes action
Adams (Stephen Rahman-Hughes) affair with Habiba (Rukku Nahar) has been the source of much conflict for Honey (Emma Barton), as shes been forced to question just how much she really knows about the man she loves.
In spite of her having clearly copped on to what her beaus been up to, shes managed to avoid confronting him on the matter, so expect more drama from the pair over the coming months, as Honey remains conflicted over what to do for the best. However, one things for sure: she will take action.
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