EastEnders is set for another explosive Christmas Day that will tear the Beale family apart when a dark secret is exposed, but before then, there is plenty of drama to be had in Walford.

With Christmas just around the corner, Albert Square is gearing up for a dramatic festive season.

Walford is bracing itself for another explosive Christmas Day as Cindy (Michelle Collins) threatens to rip the Beale family apart with the revelation of a dark secret.

After all, it wouldn’t be a typical BBC soap Christmas without someone’s dirty secret being revealed, a character meeting their end, or someone making a swift exit.

But before the big day arrives, let’s delve into the scandals unfolding from Monday, December 9, as Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) begins to spread the festive cheer, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Sharon’s new man

The week commences with Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) preparing to launch her new bar, ‘Harry’s Barn,’ named after her two sons, Harry and Barney.

At the same time, her ex-husband Teddy (Roland Manookian) is smitten after spending the night with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), and the new couple decide to break the news to their ex-partners, which doesn’t go down well.

Upon learning about the new relationship, Nicola sets out to provoke Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), hoping that he will interfere with his cousin’s new romance with his ex-wife.

Later, the Mitchells congregate at the bar for the crucial launch, where Teddy cautions Nicola against causing more trouble.

However, after a failed attempt to rope Phil into her scheme to split Teddy and Sharon, Nicola makes another attempt at No. 55 but is taken aback by what she discovers.

Phil shows Nicola the door, but not before she assures him his secret is safe with her – only to spill the beans to Sharon. Nicola tries to use what she’s seen to manipulate Sharon and create a rift between her and Teddy.

Concerned, Sharon seeks out her ex-husband Phil, who dismisses Nicola’s tale but senses something isn’t right.

Meanwhile, at Harry’s Barn, Nicola seizes the chance to stir the pot between Teddy and Sharon, then drops a shocker – she’s turned over a new leaf and wants to mend their marriage. Keen to keep the heat on, Nicola pays Phil a visit that leaves Sharon livid.

Phil finds himself struggling

Later in the week, Sharon and Phil expose Nicola’s antics to the Mitchells, but the confrontation takes a toll on Phil, making him feel even more alienated from the other Mitchells. Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) notices Phil isn’t being himself.

Jay drops by to check on Phil, but the tough guy struggles to open up. Teddy seeks advice from Billy on how to make amends with Phil and extends his Christmas Day invitation once again.

Will Phil accept? Or will he be spending Christmas all alone?

Ollie’s distress

Over in Albert Square, Johnny Carter (played by Carlie Suff) is left heartbroken when his younger brother Ollie reveals some unsettling details about their mum Linda’s (Kellie Bright) alcohol-fuelled antics. Things take a turn for the worse when the Queen Vic landlady has one too many and kicks out some customers while Ollie looks on.

Johnny confronts Linda about her drinking problem, but she lashes out at him, packs her bags, and heads to Sharon’s place. After a heated argument with Sharon, Linda leaves but encounters Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) in an unpleasant incident on her way home.

Linda then heads to the Minute Mart to buy more alcohol, but when Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) refuses to sell it to her, she simply takes it.

Alfie informs Johnny about what happened before discovering that Sharon’s house has been burgled after Linda left the door open. Sharon comes home to find she’s been robbed.

Elaine returns home

After downing vodka, Linda is rescued by Phil and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), who offers to accompany her to a meeting that she agrees to attend.

However, when Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) returns from her honeymoon, a shocking and devastating day unfolds.

Elaine realises that she can’t continue enabling Linda and gives her a tough choice to make.

The Beale’s get ready for Christmas

Local entrepreneur Ian is thrilled as he unveils the family’s costumes for the Beale’s Eels Santa float. However, Cindy is missing in action when she receives a more enticing offer from Junior (Micah Balfour).

Peter Beale (Thomas Law) checks in on Lauren at the car lot. She blames her pregnancy for her recent behaviour, but her snappiness with Kathy Beale (played by Gillian Taylforth) raises concerns.

However, when she feels the baby kick for the first time, she sees it as a sign. Will she be able to overcome her addiction to painkillers?

In another part of Walford, Martin Fowler (James Bye) attempts to visit his son Roman in hospital but is turned away by a nurse who had promised Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) to keep him away.

When there’s a change in Roman’s condition, Ruby rushes to find Martin, but his anger prevents them from reconciling. He does, however, return to the hospital later.

Meanwhile, Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) and Mo Harris (Laila Morse) assist the men of Walford in preparing for a charity calendar photoshoot with a naughty twist.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer