2023 has been one of EastEnders’ biggest years yet, but 2024 already looks set to rival that as it kicks off with a bang!

Following the dramatic Christmas Day episode where we finally found out that it was Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) who was killed after a very long ten month build up, The Six will continue to band together in the new year as they deal with the fallout of events.

Elsewhere, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and cousin Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) are set to make a dramatic return to Albert Square and no doubt set the cat among the pigeons.

When Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) smells a rat, she is quick to turn detective, while the Square’s teens cause chaos over the New Year, and George Knight (Colin Salmon) learns the shocking truth about his past.

Elsewhere, Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) and Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) make the big step of moving in together, while the Mitchells get some heartbreaking news.

So, without further ado, here is what’s in store for 2024.

Penny and Lauren’s dramatic return
While spending time together in Paris, Lauren and Penny’s evening takes a dramatic turn, and they both decide that it is time to return to Walford.

However, it is only Penny that arrives in Albert Square with Louie, and she soon faces questioning from Lauren’s horrified loved ones. As she struggles to cope in the wake of recent events, Penny ends up making a difficult decision.

Several days later, Lauren also returns, desperate to be reunited with her son.

Penny and Lauren at a party in France in EastEnders

Penny and Lauren make the decision to come home (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
It is then she runs into Peter Beale (Thomas Law) and, despite leaving things on bad terms last summer, he manages to convince her to stick around for a little while longer.

Following their chat, Lauren goes to see Penny and check that she is okay.

It isn’t long before a torn Lauren wonders if she’s best off moving elsewhere, but keen Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) is determined to plead Peter’s case. Ever the peacemaker, Bobby manages to convince Lauren to stay for a little while longer after giving her pause for thought.

Meanwhile, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) is horrified to see that Lauren is back, and terrified that she will find out the truth about Annie’s paternity. Though Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) promises not to tell, Sonia soon breaks the news to Lauren herself, and it isn’t long before she storms into the Vic to confront Linda.

Lauren and Sonia in the doorway of the Queen Vic in EastEnders

Lauren’s return is as dramatic as you would expect (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Following her discovery, Lauren tells Peter that she will be sticking around and will let him see Louie, Penny and Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) overhear, leaving Penny hoping that Lauren will thaw towards her too.

But when Lauren remains frosty, Sonia takes matters into her own hands…

Needing somewhere to live following their sudden move back to the Square, Lauren and Penny begin flat hunting, but soon Peter has thrown a spanner in the works.

Desperate to convince him that she’s a good person, Penny launches a charm offensive, but will it work?

George’s nightmare
George Knight sitting on sofa looking worried in EastEnders

George discovers a shocking secret from his past (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
George is set to be caught off guard in the new year when former flame Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) asks him if he’s happy with his life choices, leaving Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) shocked.

However, as George tries to explain himself, he is rocked by two unexpected visitors in the form of his parents, Eddie and Gloria.

George’s reaction to their sudden arrival sets alarm bells ringing for Elaine, but he refuses to open up about what is bothering him. Cindy is quick to put Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) in the picture, informing him that George was adopted.

Meanwhile, Gloria is over the moon to be reunited with her grandchildren Anna (Molly Rainford) and Gina (Francesca Henry), but things are tense between Eddie and eldest granddaughter Gina.