Another turbulent week descends on Albert Square—and it’s one that threatens to change the Mitchells forever.

Phil Mitchell has faced many battles. But nothing prepares him for what’s coming when Julie Bates returns, bringing with her the ghost of a life that Phil has tried to keep together. Her arrival reopens wounds for Nigel Bates, who is now suffering from early-onset dementia. But it’s not just the illness that haunts this storyline—it’s the question of who truly knows what’s best for a man slowly slipping away.

Julie, unaware of Nigel’s condition, marches into Walford ready to bring him home to Scotland. Phil, who’s become Nigel’s closest companion and caregiver, is instantly at odds with her. Their explosive clashes leave Nigel visibly shaken. And when Julie makes her case—armed with decades of history—Phil is forced to watch a man he now calls family break apart in confusion and grief.

As Nigel struggles to decide where he belongs, another storm brews nearby.

Oscar Branning is back. But this is no nostalgic homecoming. The moment he sets foot in Walford, he begins manipulating his sister Lauren and even attempts to scam Ian Beale. But Oscar isn’t just a con artist—he’s a young man carrying heavy resentment and secrets. When he stages a fall at the chip shop to squeeze money from Ian, it’s more than a trick—it’s a cry for something deeper. And when he learns that young Jimmy is blind, something shifts. Perhaps there’s a spark of redemption inside him… or perhaps just another tactic.

Meanwhile, the Queen Vic finds itself at the centre of another tug-of-war. Ian Beale wants it for himself. But the Slaters are not letting go without a fight. When Stacey wins a £100,000 scratchcard, the power shifts. Jean’s job is on the line, and Kat and Stacey are ready to outbid Ian to save their family legacy. But money can’t buy peace—and the battle for the Vic is just beginning.

And while family bonds are tested, hearts are broken.

Johnny Carter and Callum Highway find themselves drawn back together—but their rekindled romance explodes into chaos when Phil catches them in the act. His fury boils over, and in a shocking moment of violence, he lunges at Johnny, nearly choking him. The room erupts. Jay, Billy, and Callum pull Phil off, but the damage is done. The Mitchells are in pieces.

Callum pleads with Phil to keep the secret from Ben and Lexi, but Phil’s silence is anything but guaranteed. What began as a flicker of love now threatens to tear the entire family apart.

And in the shadows of it all, young Harry Mitchell continues to spiral. Ravi Gulati’s grip tightens, dragging Harry deeper into his web. Drugs, secrets, and betrayal follow, and George watches helplessly as the boy slips away.

By Thursday, Phil finds himself more isolated than ever—his fists stained with regret, his family fractured, and his heart full of sorrow.

Julie wants Nigel back. Lauren wants her brother to grow up. Stacey wants to protect her family. And Phil? He just wants peace.

But in Albert Square, peace is never simple.

Can any of these families survive the truth, or will everything they’ve built fall apart under the weight of secrets and betrayal?