Prepare for a shocking and emotionally charged week in Walford, as a cherished EastEnders character faces a grave health crisis that could change everything. In a stunning early BBC release, it’s been revealed that Elaine Knight endures not one, but two terrifying heart attacks, leaving her family, and viewers, fearing for her life. This medical emergency is the culmination of weeks of spiraling behavior, fueled by heartbreak, reckless decisions, and a devastating misunderstanding that threatens to tear the Knight-Carter family apart.

Elaine’s ordeal comes in the tumultuous wake of her painful separation from George, her estranged husband, who has declared his intention to fiercely fight for her half of the iconic Queen Vic pub. This looming battle has sent Elaine into a downward spiral. Her once sharp demeanor has become increasingly erratic, marked by lavish, irresponsible purchases, a startlingly careless attitude towards the day-to-day running of the business, and even a jaw-dropping £5,000 handout to their neighbor, Pria Nandra Hart, seemingly so Pria could embark on a singles cruise.

Perhaps most egregious, and ultimately consequential, was Elaine’s shocking oversight in serving alcohol to two of Albert Square’s teenagers. This negligence led directly to their younger peers consuming the illicit drinks, putting the Queen Vic’s license in serious jeopardy.

Last week, Elaine was utterly stunned when her daughter, Linda Carter, made the drastic decision to call time on her long “Vic stint” and sell her 50% share of the pub. This bombshell news intensified the already simmering tensions between mother and daughter, setting the stage for tonight’s dramatic installments.

In the first of these gripping episodes, the women continue to grapple with Linda’s decision when a new complication arises: the police arrive with an update on last week’s underage drinking incident. Elaine, ever trying to project an image of being in control, attempted to remain in good humor, asserting with false bravado that “there were no youths on the premises.” Luckily, a small reprieve is granted. The women are spared the major repercussions of losing their license, as the police inform them that no further action will be taken, though they will be subject to ongoing “spot checks.”

However, this minor victory does little to quell the intense bickering between mother and daughter. The unresolved tension and differing opinions continue to fester. Overwhelmed and emotional, Linda storms out of the pub. In a surprising turn, she finds a momentary comfort in speaking with George. What follows is an unexpected moment of genuine advice from George, who, despite their estrangement, tells Linda that she should genuinely consider how her mother feels.

Tragically, this moment of empathy is completely misinterpreted by Elaine. From her vantage point, observing Linda and George from afar, their seemingly intimate conversation takes on a sinister hue. Driven by fear and paranoia, Elaine immediately jumps to the devastating conclusion that they are secretly plotting against her.

This perceived betrayal is the final straw. Elaine “kicks off,” her frustration and emotional turmoil boiling over, before she collapses dramatically into one of the seating booths. This shocking moment is immediately followed by the ominous “doof doofs,” leaving viewers on a heart-stopping cliffhanger.

Thankfully, due to a special Wimbledon scheduling, viewers didn’t have to wait long to discover Elaine’s fate, as two episodes were streamed back-to-back. Initially, Elaine attempts to play off her sudden collapse as merely a “panic attack.” However, it quickly becomes chillingly apparent that something far more sinister has occurred. With Linda and grandson Johnny Carter by her side, Elaine pours her heart out, confessing her profound fear of what her life would look like if she were no longer a landlady. The emotional outpouring is raw and vulnerable, painting a desperate picture of a woman terrified of losing her identity.

Just as Linda and Johnny begin to breathe a sigh of relief, believing Elaine is finally in the clear, tragedy strikes again. Elaine suddenly begins suffering from excruciating chest pains and collapses once more, this time falling onto the bar itself. With stark clarity, she asserts that this time, she is sure it’s a heart attack.

The gravity of the situation forces Linda to make a huge, potentially life-altering decision – a decision that Elaine, even in her weakened state, vehemently refuses to consider. This immediate disagreement, even amidst such a dire medical emergency, highlights the deep-seated issues between mother and daughter. What is this crucial decision that Linda is proposing? And, perhaps most importantly, will Elaine survive these devastating physical setbacks? The future of the Queen Vic, and Elaine’s very life, hangs precariously in the balance. This storyline promises to be an emotional powerhouse, bringing profound changes to Albert Square.