The week of April 7th to 10th, 2025, in EastEnders will be dominated by the emotional aftermath of Martin Fowler’s tragic death. As his loved ones gather to say their final goodbyes, long-simmering tensions erupt, manipulative plans are set in motion, and one familiar face makes a definitive exit from Albert Square. Here’s a detailed look at the major spoilers unfolding next week:

1. Martin Fowler’s Funeral Day Arrives in Emotionally Charged Scenes, Sparking a Potential Exit:

The somber reality of Martin Fowler’s passing descends upon Walford as the day of his funeral arrives. In deeply emotional scenes, Martin’s nearest and dearest brace themselves for a day they never anticipated – the final journey of a beloved member of their community. As his coffin makes its way through the familiar streets of Walford, a wave of grief washes over those who knew and loved him.

Emotions run incredibly high, and Martin’s adoptive daughter, Lily Slater, steps up with remarkable maturity to try and support her younger siblings, all devastated by the loss of their father figure. Just as the family attempts to find strength in unity, Stacey Slater, Martin’s widow, makes a dramatic return to the Square after a period of absence. However, her arrival is far from comforting, as she is in a drunken state, still struggling to cope with her immense grief.

Sonia Fowler, a long-time friend and confidante, immediately steps in to help Stacey sober up, offering heartfelt words of comfort and understanding. But Sonia’s concern deepens when Stacey confesses that she cannot bring herself to face the funeral, threatening to stay away from the final farewell. This news is met with dismay, as Stacey’s absence would undoubtedly add another layer of pain to an already heartbreaking day for her children.

However, despite her initial reluctance, it appears that Stacey will indeed find the strength to attend the funeral. Pictures from the set reveal her standing alongside her children in the church, a testament to her love for Martin and her commitment to her family, even in the face of overwhelming grief.

Meanwhile, Vicki Fowler and Sharon Watts, both connected to Martin through family ties, try to compose themselves ahead of the difficult day. The weight of their loss is palpable as they prepare to say goodbye to their uncle. Adding another layer of potential drama, Ross Marshall, worried about Vicki’s emotional well-being, makes the contentious decision to attend the funeral to offer her support. This choice goes directly against Sharon’s wishes, who fears that Ross’s presence will only inflame the already volatile situation, given Alfie Moon’s intense anger towards him for his affair with Vicki.

In poignant scenes, Martin’s coffin is carried through his beloved Market, a place synonymous with his livelihood and his presence in the community. Pallbearers include his cousin Ian Beale, his nephew Peter Beale, his friend Zack Hudson, as well as Alfie Moon and Harvey Monroe, a testament to the diverse connections Martin forged throughout his life in Walford.

At the emotionally charged service, Martin is finally laid to rest. His eldest daughter, Bex Fowler, returns to lead the mourners into the church, a heart-wrenching moment highlighting the intergenerational impact of his passing. Martin’s aunt and godmother, Kathy Cotton, is also seen delivering a eulogy. Looking utterly heartbroken, Kathy struggles to get through her speech, her grief mirroring the pain felt by Martin’s nearest and dearest, who are all struggling to comprehend a life without him. The episode promises to be a deeply moving tribute to a character who has been a fixture in Walford for many years, leaving viewers wondering if EastEnders will truly give this legacy character the farewell he deserves. The images suggest a dignified and heartfelt send-off, but the emotional scars left by his absence will undoubtedly linger.

2. Ross Marshall Schemes to Keep Vicki Fowler Entangled in Walford:

Ross Marshall’s decision to attend Martin’s funeral, despite Sharon’s strong objections due to Alfie’s simmering rage, reveals his persistent desire to remain connected to Vicki. Undeterred by the potential for confrontation, Ross later attempts to mend fences with Sharon by offering an apology for upsetting Alfie. However, Sharon, wary of Ross’s motives and his history of deceit, makes it abundantly clear that she will not be easily swayed by his smooth-talking charm.

Meanwhile, Ross takes a mysterious phone call that seems to solidify his determination to keep Vicki in Walford. He embarks on a mission to convince her that they should extend their stay far beyond their initially planned visit. Despite Vicki already taking concrete steps to return home to Australia by booking her flights, Ross becomes increasingly insistent that she remain in Albert Square.

Having failed to persuade Vicki directly through heartfelt appeals or logical reasoning, Ross resorts to manipulative tactics. He sets his sights on Ian Beale, hoping to leverage Ian’s influence over Vicki. Ross subtly insinuates to Ian that it is Mark Junior, not Vicki, who should bear the primary responsibility for stepping up and supporting their grieving mother, Michelle Fowler. By attempting to shift the familial obligation onto Mark, Ross hopes to alleviate any pressure Vicki might feel to return to Australia and support Michelle, thus paving the way for her to stay in Walford.

Later in the week, Vicki receives a phone call from Michelle. The content of their conversation, coupled with Ross’s earlier manipulation of Ian, suggests that Ross’s scheme may have been successful. Vicki appears to reconsider her travel plans, hinting that she might indeed stay in Walford longer than intended. The burning question remains: why is Ross so desperately determined to prevent Vicki from leaving Albert Square? What secrets are they both harboring that necessitate their continued presence in the Square? His manipulative behavior raises serious concerns about his true intentions and the potential impact his extended stay will have on Vicki and the rest of the community.

3. Grieving Stacy Slater Clashes with Lily Slater and Ruby Allen as a Dramatic Exit Plays Out:

The week following Martin’s funeral sees Stacey Slater grappling with an overwhelming wave of grief, a pain that manifests in volatile clashes with both her daughter, Lily, and Martin’s other former wife, Ruby Allen. Lily’s fury towards her mother has been steadily building throughout Stacey’s absence. The teenager feels deeply abandoned by Stacey, who she believes left her to shoulder the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings during a time of immense family crisis. This resentment and feeling of being let down fuel Lily’s anger towards her mother upon Stacey’s return.

At Martin’s wake, the already strained relationship between Stacey and Ruby reaches a breaking point. Ruby’s own grief is intertwined with the bitter knowledge of Martin’s true feelings for Stacey in his final moments. As emotions run high, Ruby’s anger and resentment towards Stacey resurface with renewed intensity, leading to a palpable tension between the two women.

Later in the week, Stacey seeks out Ruby at the allotments, a location that once held a sense of community but now becomes the stage for another explosive confrontation. Long-simmering resentments and accusations are exchanged, culminating in shocking revelations that threaten to completely destroy any remaining possibility of peace or reconciliation between them. The question looms: will Ruby finally discover the depth of Martin’s love for Stacey, and how will this devastating truth impact her already fragile emotional state?

Meanwhile, Lily, feeling increasingly isolated and resentful, turns to alcohol as a means of coping with her pain and anger. In a worrying development, she appears to be encouraged in this destructive behavior by a new acquaintance, Mavani Nandra. Stacey’s return to find her teenage daughter drunk is a devastating blow, further highlighting the fractured state of their relationship and the profound impact of Martin’s death on their family. Stacey’s subsequent attempts to make amends with Lily fall flat, the chasm between them widening with each painful interaction.

Adding another layer of devastation to Stacey’s already unbearable grief, she is horrified to discover that Martin’s beloved fruit and vegetable stall has been deliberately set on fire. This cruel act, targeting a tangible symbol of Martin’s life and livelihood, sends shockwaves of anger and disbelief through his loved ones. Stacey, fueled by a burning desire for justice, promises Lily that she will uncover the identity of the person responsible for this heinous act.

Despite Jack Branning’s warnings to leave the investigation to the police, Stacey becomes convinced that she possesses all the necessary evidence to confront the individual she suspects is the culprit. Her suspicions, undoubtedly colored by her ongoing feud with Ruby, lead her down a potentially dangerous path. The identity of the arsonist remains a mystery, leaving viewers to question whether Stacey’s instincts are correct and what the consequences of her actions will be.

As the week draws to a close, the toxic atmosphere and the unbearable tension between Ruby and Stacey reach a critical point. Ruby, unable to endure the situation any longer, makes the definitive decision to leave Walford. Jean Slater, witnessing the destructive cycle of fighting and grief, desperately pleads with Stacey to put an end to the animosity and begin the long process of healing. However, when Stacey finally decides to seek out Ruby for a final conversation, she is met with the news that Ruby has already departed. Zack Hudson delivers the confirmation of Ruby’s dramatic exit, leaving Stacey with a sense of unfinished business and the lingering question: is this truly the last time Walford will see Ruby Allen? Her explosive departure marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the Square, leaving behind a trail of unresolved conflict and a community still reeling from the loss of Martin Fowler.