Next week in Walford is packed with tension, heartbreak, and shocking secrets as one Mitchell spirals out of control and another faces the terrifying truth about a close friend. Here’s everything you need to know about the explosive drama airing from April 21st to April 24th, 2025!

1. Phil Makes a Harrowing Discovery About Nigel Bates’ Hidden Struggles
An Easter celebration kicks off in Albert Square, but things soon take a heartbreaking turn. Nigel Bates, determined to regain some independence, decides to participate in the festivities to prove he can still stand on his own. Yolan Truman convinces him to dress up as the Easter Bunny for the community egg hunt, which starts off light-hearted but quickly spirals out of control.

A heated clash breaks out between Nigel and Harvey Monroe after Nigel mistakes young Hope Fowler for Clare in a moment of confusion. Concerned by his behavior, Harvey, Jean Slater, and Ian Beale begin to question what’s really going on with Nigel. Under pressure, Phil finally opens up and reveals Nigel’s recent dementia diagnosis.

But the real bombshell comes later, when Phil stumbles upon something chilling at home — Nigel has written a goodbye letter, revealing plans to take his own life if his memory continues to decline. Phil is shaken, and though Nigel tries to justify his decision, Phil storms out, unable to cope with the idea.

Jean tries to offer Nigel comfort, but he keeps quiet about Phil’s discovery. Meanwhile, Phil turns to Linda Carter, who urges him to be there for Nigel during this dark time. Her words get through to him, and he rushes home to reconcile, only to find that Nigel is missing — and so is the goodbye letter.

Panic sets in as Yolan and Jean confirm Nigel hasn’t been seen. A frantic search ensues, with Linda joining the effort and trying to keep Phil calm. Eventually, Nigel is found, but the emotional damage is done. Though Phil brings him back home, Nigel remains adamant that he doesn’t want to live through the worst stages of dementia.

Despite Phil’s emotional pleas, Nigel won’t budge. But then, a heartfelt conversation with Yolan sparks an idea. Phil vows to support Nigel in his own intense way. However, his overprotective approach may be too much — especially after he tells Kathy Cotton that Nigel’s no longer fit to work at the café. As tensions mount, we’re left wondering — will Nigel reconsider his decision, or is Phil about to lose one of his oldest friends?

2. Nicola Spirals as Her Murder Secret Risks Being Exposed
Nicola Mitchell is on edge as a dark secret from her past threatens to explode. Teddy Mitchell tries to take a secret call from Junior Knight about a building project, but Nicola overhears and forces Teddy to spill the truth.

When Teddy hires Ross Marshall to join the construction, Nicola is horrified to learn that the build site is the very location where Shireen — the woman Nicola killed — is buried. Panic sets in fast, and Nicola takes drastic action.

She summons hitman Benji to a remote barn, seeking help. Out of options, she even turns to Ravi Gulati, asking him to take care of a “job” for a large cash payment. With the clock ticking and her freedom hanging in the balance, Nicola scrambles to cover her tracks.

Even on her birthday, she can’t escape the stress. While Teddy, Harry, and Barney pull out all the stops to throw her a party, Nicola is laser-focused on her deadly mission. She meets with Ravi again and offers him £10K for the job. Later, she tricks Harry into letting her use a customer’s van to get the job done — but is Nicola truly in control, or is everything about to come crashing down?

3. Avani Feels Isolated While Barney Shuts Out Zack Hudson
Elsewhere in Walford, Avani Nandra-Hart is feeling more alone than ever. Despite encouragement from Priya to hang out with her friends, Avani notices they’ve been ignoring her. Her messages go unanswered, and she’s left wondering what she’s done wrong.

Priya steps in and convinces Avani to join Barney for lunch at McClunkies. The two teens slowly begin to reconnect, and things start looking up — but tensions are brewing elsewhere.

Barney continues to keep his distance from Zack Hudson, rejecting his attempts to bond. Zack, still hiding the truth that he’s Barney’s biological father, is left crushed. The situation grows even more complicated when Barney invites Avani to Nicola’s birthday bash. Is this the beginning of healing, or will secrets come out and destroy everything?

4. Kojo Pushes for Independence – But Will George Stand in His Way?
As Teddy updates the Knights about the Vic’s reconstruction, it becomes clear that Kojo Asare isn’t thrilled about the idea of moving back. Wanting space and freedom, Kojo expresses his desire to live on his own.

George struggles with the idea, but Gina encourages him to let Kojo spread his wings. Determined to show he can stand on his own, Kojo secures a trial shift at the Arches, working alongside Harry. His first day goes better than expected — he lands a permanent role and even receives an invite to Nicola’s birthday.

Kojo is buzzing with excitement over his independence, but George still seems unsure. Can he accept Kojo’s decision, or will fatherly concern turn into unwanted interference?