Martin Fowler (James Bye) gets some life-changing news in EastEnders next week, as the first of many bombshells are dropped on him.

As fans know, while Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) was in prison earlier this year, she learned from Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) that Martin’s ex-wife Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) gave birth to their secret son during her stint behind bars.

However, Sharon has been sat on that secret for the past two months, having been unable to tell her friend he has a child he knows nothing about.

But in scenes to air next week, she finally reveals all to a stunned Martin in The Vic.

Martin is left gobsmacked by the revelation, as his other ex-wife Stacey Slater questions the validity of the claims. 

Stacey is silenced, however, when Sharon then produces a birth certificate, leaving Martin floored. 

Determined to speak to Ruby, Martin tries to get her address from Sharon – but they are interrupted by a knock at the door. 

Martin is further stunned to see Ruby standing on the doorstep, before she barges in and accuses him of breaking into her home and stealing from her. 

A showdown then ensues, before Ruby admits they do indeed share a son – but then she drops another huge bombshell which changes things for Martin even further…

The storyline marks the return of actress Louisa Lytton to EastEnders after three years. 

Her character was last seen being sent carted off by police in 2021, after Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) framed her for growing a cannabis farm as revenge against Ruby for getting Stacey – Jean’s daughter and Ruby’s former best friend Stacey – wrongfully sent down.

Speaking of how Ruby has changed since fans last saw her, Louisa told Metro: ‘She isn’t the lying, manipulative character we were left with. 

‘She’s lost everything, she’s lost all her money, her finances, her house. She’s starting from scratch.’

How long will Ruby’s new outlook on life last?

EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 18 November at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer.