Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) receives some mortifying news amid The Queen Vic auction in EastEnders next week.

The famed boozer goes until the hammer in upcoming scenes, following Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) decision to sell-up.

As viewers of the BBC soap will recall, Linda decided that she had far too many bad memories in the building, and with her business partner mum Elaine Knight (Harriet Thorpe) separating from husband George (Colin Salmon), it was time for a fresh start.

In this week’s episodes we’ll see Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) proudly tell his family that he’s ready to expand the family business empire – and he’s got designs on The Vic.

The Slater clan immediately begin to worry about what that would mean for Jean’s (Gillian Wright) job, given she hasn’t been on the best of terms with the clan recently.

Later, Stacey (Lacey Turner) produces a scratchcard worth £100k, and with her fortunes suddenly changed, she decides to put a bid in for the pub.

By next Monday, the Slaters are convinced that it’ll not be long before Kat moves in to take charge, but the other residents have their doubts.

Both Ian and Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) cast a shadow over her plans, and she’s left disheartened. Of course, Ian’s motive is purely for his own gain, still wanting to take charge himself.

His ex-wife Cindy (Michelle Collins) is less than impressed when he announces his intentions to sell restaurant Beale’s Eels.

Ahead of the auction, Jean receives a call from Kat’s husband Alfie (Shane Richie) – who is in Barcelona trying to track down her daughter Zoe (Michelle Ryan) – and fails to pass on a message to Stacey.

What does Alfie want?

As everyone gathers for the sale, Jean finally tells Stacey that Alfie has been in touch, and she drops a huge bombshell. She can no longer lend the money to Kat to buy the bar.