It’s set to be a dramatic week for the residents of Albert Square

The hunt for a missing EastEnders character who hasn’t been mentioned in recent weeks is to take centre stage, according to the latest batch of EastEnders spoilers.

Recent weeks have seen the residents of Albert Square focusing on the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion, which claimed the lives of Martin Fowler and Reiss Colwell.

Harry Mitchell’s ex-girlfriend Shireen Bashar has only been mentioned on EastEnders to date, with the character first declared missing back in October.

With fans believing the new Mitchells, including Harry’s Teddy, are hiding something sinister, the story will be a prominent fixture on the BBC soap next week.

Tensions begin to build at No1, with Monday (March 17) marking the 4-year anniversary of Harry’s girlfriend Shireen’s disappearance. Harry receives an unexpected visit from Shireen’s brother, Asad, who reveals he no longer believes Harry was involved in his sister’s disappearance.

In an attempt to cheer Harry up, Nicola hosts a vigil in honour of Shireen at Harry’s Bard, but is shocked to see Asad. Drama ensures when Asad accuses Teddy of Shireen’s murder, but Harry steps in to protect his dad, who he later begs for the truth. Later in the episode, Nicola pays a visit to the mysterious Benji to ask where Shireen is.

Over in the café, Jean offers to help Ruby with the planning of Martin’s funeral, who died in the Queen Vic explosion, but Ruby dismisses her efforts. Kathy offers advice on how to handle Ruby, with the pair later coming to an agreement. A heartbreaking moment will see Nigel break down to Linda after having a difficult day amid his recent dementia diagnosis.

Harry Mitchell’s ex-girlfriend Shireen Bashar has only been mentioned on EastEnders to date, with the character first delcared missing back in October(Image: BBC)

On Tuesday (March 18), Nicola is snubbed by Harry, who is worse for wear following the anniversary of his girlfriend’s disappearance. While Teddy makes plans to meet with Junior to discuss their business plans. Nicola is later summoned to Walford East, where Ravi reveals a dangerous supply of drugs are doing the rounds.

Teddy eventually catches Nicola on the phone to a drug supplier, with his estranged wife coming clean about her dealings. Things go from bad to worse for Harry as he makes a show of himself at The Albert as he picks a fight with Felix whilst under the influence and Nicola and Teddy drag him home. Once home, Nicola attempts to get Teddy to withdraw his support of Junior’s business plans.

Joining Jean and Ruby in their funeral planning is Kathy, who is caught in the middle of the pair’s differing views on how to conduct the fruit and vegetable salesman’s funeral.

With Lexi unaware of where her grandad Phil Mitchell is after he went to a mental health unit, Honey encourages Billy to tell her, despite him being adamant she doesn’t need to know. Nigel annoys Billy when he nearly slips up in front of Lexi. Nigel later finds Lexi reading one of the letters Phil wrote on the night of his attempt at ending his own life, but, Nigel confuses Lexi for Clare and she flees to Billy, convinced Phil is dead.

On Wednesday (March 19), Lexi asks Honey and Billy if Phil is dead, before breaking down, leading Billy to confront Nigel. At the Boxing Den, Honey and Sharon find Billy and tell him that Callum is going to tell Lexi the truth. Linda comforts Nigel following his visit from Billy. Later, Billy apologises to Callum and Lexi in the café, and the trio head to Phil’s mental health unit with Linda and Nigel.

Despite Sharon cheating on him with Grant several weeks ago, Teddy tells Sharon he still cares for her. Later, Teddy secretly calls Junior to confirm their business deal as he decides to keep it a secret from Nicola as the drama heats up. Elsewhere, Amy and Avani try to help Lily cope with her grief.

The highlight of the week looks set to air on Thursday (March 20) with the episode taking place over four weeks starting from February 20 to present day. Phil struggles to settle into the mental health unit and is initially reluctant to open up in his therapy sessions and group activities. As the days go by, Phil meets another patient called Gaz. The pair soon bond over their shared life experiences.

Phil enjoys his rapport with Gaz, played by Keith Allen, but is saddened to learn he will be leaving the unit, but bravely continues to face his inner trauma over the four weeks, until support worker Yasmin helps him see he is ready to leave the unit. Phil listens to voicemails from Sharon and Nigel before he discharges himself.