EastEnders continues to plunge viewers into a whirlwind of emotions as secrets simmer in the Slater family. Next week, Alfie Moon and Kat Slater, a legendary couple who have endured more than two decades of love, heartbreak and reunion, hit a rough patch when Alfie begins to act suspiciously, leaving Kat with no choice but to question his intentions.

After proposing and hastily organising a wedding to promote their new limousine hire service, Alfie and Kat thought they had found stable happiness. But as every loyal EastEnders viewer knows, peace in Walford never lasts.

Things start to fall apart when Jean Slater discovers that Kat has co-financed a business car with her philandering ex, Harvey Monroe. The fact that Harvey even paid for half the wedding leaves Jean so betrayed and angry that he nearly ruins his new job. Luckily, Alfie intervenes, promising to be there for Jean during her difficult post-breakup period.

However, Alfie is drawn to a mysterious phone call – from Stacey Slater. Stacey is currently away in Walford with her cousin Lynne, but something serious has clearly prompted her to call Alfie at a time when things are in turmoil. Is Stacey hiding something? Or is Alfie hiding something much bigger from Kat?

Suspicions continue to mount when Kat tries to find Alfie to talk, but he disappears without a trace. When they finally meet, Kat senses that Alfie is hiding something – his evasive gaze, his vague answers, and his uncharacteristic confusion.

But that’s not all. The story takes a different turn when Kat begins to have serious concerns about her son Tommy’s behaviour. Tommy is spotted with a new friend – Joel Marshall – making a dirty joke on the tube. Kat immediately senses Joel’s negative influence, but once again, she can’t find Alfie to share her concerns.

And then, as they prepare to go to the office to officially register their marriage, Alfie appears confused, flustered and even… gives an unbelievable explanation: he needs to go to Australia urgently because his brother Spencer is in serious trouble. This reason sounds reasonable, but everything Alfie does – from his messages, to his eyes, to his avoidance – makes Kat feel that something is completely wrong.

More importantly, rumors of the sudden return of Zoe – Kat’s daughter, who left Walford 20 years ago – are stirring up the viewing community. Are all of Alfie’s secrets related to Zoe? Is this the start of another family drama, where truths buried for two decades are revealed?

EastEnders has been relentless in its quest to keep viewers on the edge of their seats: Who is Alfie really helping? Is he hiding a terrible truth to “protect” Kat? Or has their long-standing love come to an end because of unforgivable secrets?

Next week, all will be revealed – in a series of tense, emotional and gripping episodes.