5 EastEnders spoilers next week: Mark Fowler Jr returns as Joel Marshall trial twist rocks Vicki

There could finally be some closure for Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) in EastEnders next week, as her vile step-son Joel Marshall (Max Murray) heads to court.

She’s terrified of the outcome and falls on Zack Hudson (James Farrar) for support. But will the return of her brother Mark Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) be another cause for concern?

Meanwhile, Max Branning (Jake Wood) makes it his mission to shut down Jasmine Fisher’s (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) plan to leave Albert Square, and some news from George Knight (Colin Salmon) enrages Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe).

Elsewhere, Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) continues to fight his inner turmoil, and Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona) impresses Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota).

Here’s a look at everything happening in EastEnders between Monday 26th and Thursday 29th January 2026.

1. Mark Fowler Jr hides the reason for his return

An angry looking Phil watches Vicki and Mark hugging in his living room in EastEnders — Mark Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) reunites with sister Vicki (Alice Haig). BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron

Mark Fowler Jr, the son of Michelle Fowler and Grant Mitchell, returns to Walford after years of living in Florida.

Vicki, Phil and Sam are stunned to see him and demand answers, and he quickly covers, explaining that he’s there to support his big sister ahead of Joel’s trial.

In her absence, he explains the true story to his uncle Phil and pleads for help. However, Phil is too preoccupied with his plan to take Nigel to Portugal that night.

Phil stands looking at Julie, who is looking at her phone, in a scene from EastEnders — Phil (Steve McFadden) has some explaining to do with Julie (Karen Henthorn). BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron

In a bid to make him stick around, Mark divulges Phil’s secret plan to an oblivious Julie.

Wiill this help Mark or make his problems worse?

2. Max Branning exposes Jasmine Fisher’s intention to flee

Oscar smiles, pointing at a piece of paper and looking at Jasmine in the market in a scene from EastEnders — Jasmine (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) is still eager to leave with Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier). BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron

Jasmine is more desperate than ever before to leave Albert Square, having dropped a bombshell about Max and lying to Kat about giving a statement to the police regarding Chrissie’s involvement in Anthony’s murder.

As we know, Jasmine is the real killer and has allowed mum Zoe to take the rap since Christmas.

When Max discovers that she has no intentions of saving Zoe, he decides to use this intel to force her to stay away from Oscar.

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Later in the week, Oscar lets his mouth run and spills to Kat about his and Jasmine’s plan to run away. She’s in disbelief, and even more so when Patrick pins the blame on Kat, saying she’s put too much pressure on Jasmine to help free Zoe.

Meanwhile, Max explains to his son that he confronted Jasmine, and he’s furious. Kat decides to get to the bottom of Jasmine’s deceit.

3. George Knight breaks some big news to Elaine Peacock

Elaine looks upwards to George in The Queen Vic, as Nicola sits behind in a scene from EastEnders