The Beale truth is out

Ian is ready for a new start but can’t escape his part in Denny’s death

The soap is back – and Ian for one is looking to the future. The police investigation into the boat crash has concluded, he’s reached an agreement with Dotty and to top it all off, the bust of Queen Victoria is back in its rightful place.

However, EastEnders hasn’t changed that much during its absence from our screens, so of course it isn’t long before everything starts to go wrong.

Sharon is upset to see the bust as it brings back memories of the night she lost her son, leaving Ian feeling guilty. Then Dotty tires of Ian riling her all the time and marches over to the Vic to tell Sharon who’s really to blame for Denny’s death. Is Ian’s fresh start turning stale already?

Elsewhere, being locked down with abusive Gray has taken its toll on Chantelle, who seeks out the best divorce lawyer she can find. Sadly, ridding herself of her controlling husband is going to be expensive, so she turns to Kheerat for a loan, unaware he

EastEnders

has money troubles of his own. He still agrees to help, but meanwhile, Gray has spotted an advert for divorce specialists on his laptop. Ruby is also having financial problems as someone has been stealing her identity – although on the plus side, she’s feeling loved-up with Martin. And

BEALE OR NO DEAL...

Ian thinks he’s got Dotty where he wants her but she’s about to tell Sharon the truth about the night of Denny’s death

Vinny has an idea how she can solve her cash woes with an insurance job on the club.

Callum wants to be there when Ben’s cochlear implant is switched on for the first time but work may get in the way, especially when he spots a familiar face on some CCTV footage from a warehouse.

Meanwhile, Mick and Linda are adjusting to life outside the pub, which for the ex-landlady means a job at the laundrette.