The escalating drama surrounding Ravi Gulati’s (Aaron Thiara) drug operation has left EastEnders fans on tenterhooks. Ravi’s precarious balancing act – managing illicit dealings, rekindling romance with Priya Nandra-Hart, and perpetually evading the police – is rapidly unraveling. This precarious situation has fueled intense speculation among viewers: could a familiar face from Walford’s past make a shocking return, perhaps as the true mastermind behind his criminal enterprise?

The buzz around Ravi’s significant involvement in a major drug operation has naturally led viewers to ponder the identity of the elusive, powerful drug lord pulling the strings from the shadows. Amongst the myriad of theories, two names, both with a complex history of criminal activity and morally ambiguous dealings within the confines of Albert Square, have consistently emerged as strong contenders: Vincent Hubbard (Richard Blackwood) and Aunt Babe Smith (Annette Badland).

Vincent Hubbard’s enigmatic disappearance from Albert Square in 2018 remains one of EastEnders’ most enduring mysteries. A charismatic yet dangerous figure, Vincent was deeply entrenched in Walford’s criminal underworld, frequently finding himself in perilous situations. His final storyline saw him caught in the clutches of notorious gangster Aidan Maguire, whose elaborate heist plot brought chaos to the Square. Vincent’s fate was deliberately left ambiguous; while it was heavily implied he was murdered, his body was never found, leaving open the tantalizing possibility that he merely vanished to escape his dangerous associations. This narrative gap has long fueled fan theories, and with Ravi’s current criminal ventures now front and center, the door to Vincent’s dramatic return appears wide open.

Speculation around Vincent resurfaced significantly following a recent, seemingly innocuous mention by his estranged wife, Kim Fox (Tameka Empson). Kim’s poignant comparison of her current relationship with Howie Danes (George Russo) to her turbulent past with Vincent sparked fervent debate among the EastEnders fanbase. Such subtle dialogue in soap operas often serves as deliberate foreshadowing or a subtle nod to upcoming plot developments, suggesting Vincent’s potential return could be more than personal – perhaps to reclaim his position as the orchestrator of Ravi’s sprawling drug operation. Social media platforms quickly buzzed with theories, with one viewer boldly proposing, “What if Vincent is running the drug operation?” Another fan enthusiastically echoed the sentiment, adding, “That would be a great twist!” This compelling theory has firmly captivated EastEnders aficionados, who vividly recall Vincent’s dangerous charm, his intricate web of family connections, and his undeniable capacity for both calculated danger and unexpected vulnerability.

Aunt Babe Smith, a character synonymous with sinister cunning and manipulation, is another formidable contender for the mysterious drug lord. Her dramatic 2017 departure saw her unceremoniously thrown out of the iconic Queen Vic by her nephew-in-law, Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), a fitting end to her tumultuous tenure. During her time in Walford, Babe was notorious for her malevolent schemes, ranging from exploiting elderly residents in a care home scam to manipulating family members and orchestrating various underhanded dealings, all for personal gain. Her final villainous act was attempting to steal from the pub, leading to her banishment. Like Vincent, her ultimate fate was left open-ended, allowing for the possibility of her calculated return to the Square.

The idea of Aunt Babe emerging as the mastermind behind Ravi’s illicit empire is both unsettling and fascinating. Her historical capacity for orchestrating complex, ruthless schemes, coupled with her sheer vindictiveness, makes her an unexpectedly fitting candidate for a criminal overlord. Fans have eagerly embraced this shocking possibility, with one predicting, “When Babe is revealed as the drug lord in this Ravi/Harry story, it’ll end with her becoming the new owner of Walford East.” Another user underscored her manipulative nature, asserting, “The drug lord will be the one that got away with all her crimes. Ms. Babe Smith.” Aunt Babe’s return as a calculating and powerful criminal would undoubtedly send shockwaves through Walford, injecting a new level of volatility into the already strained dynamics of its residents. If she is indeed the shadowy figure pulling the strings of Ravi’s operation, her vindictive nature and thirst for power could spell unprecedented disaster for the Carter family, the Gulatis, and the entire community of Albert Square.

Ravi Gulati’s ongoing entanglement in the drug trade has already pushed him to the brink. He constantly faces escalating pressure from law enforcement, while his personal life suffers immense strain, particularly his relationship with Priya and his attempts to protect his family, including his son Davinder. The revelation that either Vincent or Aunt Babe is the true drug lord behind his operation would dramatically escalate the stakes. Both characters possess a profound history of manipulation, engaging in ruthless power struggles, and betraying those closest to them. Their return would not only reintroduce formidable antagonists but also provide a chilling explanation for the sophistication and reach of Ravi’s illicit business, suggesting a far larger, more organised network than initially perceived.

If a former Walford resident is unmasked as the drug kingpin, Ravi’s already precarious position would become even more perilous. His dealings with his elusive superior—be it the cunning Vincent or the malevolent Aunt Babe—would undoubtedly lead to more dangerous confrontations and potentially lethal consequences. This scenario opens up a compelling power struggle for control of Walford’s criminal underworld, a recurring theme in the soap’s history. It could trigger a complex web of new alliances forged out of necessity or fear, devastating betrayals that tear families apart, and unforeseen consequences that ripple through the lives of beloved characters. The potential for such a high-stakes reveal promises to redefine the landscape of crime in Albert Square, elevating the current storyline beyond street-level dealings into a far more expansive and sinister narrative.

EastEnders consistently weaves returning characters into major storylines, expertly leveraging their past to amplify current drama and shock viewers. As the soap continues its enduring evolution, Ravi’s deep entanglement with a criminal mastermind from his past could be the perfect catalyst for a thrilling and unforgettable new chapter. Whether it culminates in Vincent’s long-anticipated return from the shadows or Aunt Babe’s astonishing rise to a position of true criminal power, the unfolding drama surrounding Ravi’s drug operation is poised to keep fans utterly captivated and on the very edge of their seats. With such tantalizing twists on the horizon and the prospect of iconic characters re-entering the Square, EastEnders is primed to deliver an array of explosive storylines, jaw-dropping revelations, and emotionally charged moments. Viewers are undoubtedly eagerly anticipating the next developments, as the show continues to elevate its dramatic intensity, promising a gripping, unpredictable journey through the dark underbelly of Walford’s criminal empire.