EastEnders’ Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) has only just got ensconced behind the bar of The Albert, but it seems another new chapter is already on the horizon for the former Queen Vic landlady.

Having spent her working life serving punters, the long-standing publican was lost earlier this year after agreeing to sell off the iconic Walford boozer at the request of her daughter and co-owner Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).

However, she was offered a surprise lifeline from her enemy Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), who, having recently bought the local gay bar, offered her the chance to manage The Albert.

While Elaine has been relishing putting her own glittering stamp on the place, it becomes apparent that she has loftier ambitions next week.

Currently in the process of buying No. 5 from Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), forthcoming scenes see Elaine reveal her plan to turn the property into a boutique hotel.

Her idea surprises pal Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter), who is no stranger to the hospitality industry herself, having previously owned the former B&B at No.20 with husband Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker).

Elaine faces a stumbling block, however, from local developer Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian).

Teddy, who also oversaw the reconstruction of the Queen Vic following the gas explosion earlier this year, leaves Elaine flabbergasted with his quote for the building work and her dream of becoming Walford’s answer to Weatherfield’s Debbie Webster hangs in the balance…

Meanwhile, her grandson Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) finds himself staring down the barrel of a career reinvention when he is fired from his job at a legal firm.

The lawyer lands himself in hot water after drunkenly sending a business proposal to all of his clients, including his boss.

Now unemployed, will he team up with Elaine on a new family business?