EastEnders Autumn 2025 Preview: Joel story explodes, Sharon returns, Lauren and Peter wedding drama

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Well, September well and truly kicked off a dramatic Autumn for EastEnders.

Last week, the popular BBC One soap opera brought back Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan, who has been a long-time resident of Walford. In her return, she disclosed several secrets about herself, one of which was an unexpected link to Max Branning, another prominent character portrayed by Jake Wood!

During a press event for the popular soap opera EastEnders on September 3rd, 2025, executive producer Ben Wadey shared that an exciting autumn season is starting, filled with numerous dramatic events affecting various families.

So, just what do we have to look forward to

EastEnders Autumn Preview 2025

1. Joel Marshall’s misogyny storyline explodes

A captivating plot point that’s sparking much conversation among viewers revolves around the character of teenager Joel Marshall, portrayed by Max Murray. His narrative takes a dark turn as he becomes increasingly influenced by extremist misogyny, leading him to commit several acts of sexual transgressions.

Joel’s father, Ross Marshall (portrayed by Alex Walkinshaw), hasn’t enforced any consequences on his son yet, despite the cautionary advice from his companion, Vicki Fowler (played by Alice Haig).

How severely might things escalate as Joel continues to sway Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) and cause chaos in the town square?

Executive producer Ben Wadey remarks: “Joel’s tale will reach its climax within the coming few months.

That sounds rather ominous…

2. Lauren Branning and Peter Beale’s wedding day

It seems that Lauren Branning (played by Jacqueline Jossa) and Peter Beale (portrayed by Thomas Law) may soon be tying the knot, as wedding plans are in the works for these long-time sweethearts.

In the midst of our lives, my partner and I have been navigating challenges, particularly caring for our little boy, Jimmy, who faces severe visual impairment. Amidst this, we’ve also been entangled in numerous family turmoils involving the Beales and the Brannings.

Indeed, life has never been smooth sailing for this pair, particularly given that Lauren’s exuberant younger brother, Oscar Branning, portrayed by Pierre Moullier, resides with them currently.

Wadey noted: “We’ve got Lauren, Peter and Oscar. There’s plenty of drama to unfold there…”

In the meantime, Jacqueline Jossa made a comment saying: “There will definitely be wedding bells, but since it’s a Walford wedding, perhaps you shouldn’t spend on an expensive hat. It won’t be smooth sailing, that much is certain.

Will Lauren become the next Mrs Beale?

3. Zoe Slater continues to bring the chaos in a wild period for the Slaters

In a new turn of events, Zoe Slater returns to Walford after a hiatus, currently recuperating from a gunshot injury, concealing her romantic involvement with Max Branning, suspected of homicide, and intensely pursuing the search for the son she gave up as a baby without disclosing his father’s identity.

Well, only a few things to deal with!

Wadey commented on the story: Undoubtedly, Zoe has returned to the square once again. Their relationship between Zoe and Kat is complex, having been apart for two decades. Upon Zoe’s return, Kat may have had certain expectations, but meeting her grown daughter proves to be more intricate than anticipated. There’s a lot for them to work through in terms of understanding each other better.

This fall, Zoe is carrying many hidden truths with her, so the Slater family can expect an exciting journey as they uncover these secrets within the Square.

4. Sharon Watts returns to Walford

Another thing many fans have been crying out for – Hurricane Sharon is returning to Walford.

In the latest update, it’s been confirmed that actress Letitia Dean has returned to set for her character Sharon Watts. Previously, executive producer Ben Wadey hinted at a conflict brewing between Sharon and her longtime romantic adversary, Zoe.

Beyond her own challenges, Sharon finds herself embroiled in half-sister Vicki’s issues and the complex romantic entanglement with former husband Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), making her life all the more complicated.

Life is never simple for Walford’s original ‘princess’.

5. Max Branning returns – and faces drama from Cindy Beale

Max Branning makes his comeback in the soap opera, setting the stage for an important change in the Branning family dynamics, with a permanent return scheduled for later this year.

Of course, there’s so much for Max to deal with, including Zoe and his estranged children.

At the press conference, Jake Wood remarked, “His life is filled with quite a lot right now. Clearly, it’s been a while since he last saw his son. He hasn’t caught up with Lauren either.

He further added: “Clearly, there’s the connection with Zoe…and as Ben [Wadey] pointed out, the Brannings interact with a multitude of characters who often drag other characters into their stories. Consequently, there are numerous possible directions, and many individuals on that Square who have outstanding issues with Max.

In addition to another individual, Wood specifically mentioned Cindy. He believes that Cindy holds Max responsible for the demise of Steven [Beale, in 2017].

Later on, when asked about the encounter between the two characters from the story who had children together, Wadey remarked, “I believe it would create quite a spectacle.

He continued by saying, “Just as Jake mentioned, Cindy holds Max responsible for the death of her son. Now, Max is coming back at a time when Lauren and Peter are together. With such a long history between the Brannings and Beales, I’d say it’s bound to be quite a drama if they cross paths. Don’t you think watching it would call for some popcorn?

6. Linda Carter must deal with Max Branning finding out about Annie

Currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation, Kellie Bright’s character Linda Carter (formerly the proprietor of Queen Vic in Walford) is sailing around the globe with her youngest children.

Upon Linda’s arrival, she encounters an unexpected surprise: her ex-lover Max Branning is back, along with a secret that they, together with his family, have managed to conceal from him – their child, Annie Carter.

Wadey noted: “He’s unaware of another child he may have fathered somewhere, and there’s much for him to discover upon his return. However, Max is quite influential in ‘The Square,’ which means he has friends, but also adversaries. So it’s exciting to have him back because people react differently when they see him again, not all responses are favorable.

How will Linda be impacted by having Max back in her life?

7. Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati face the aftermath of the shooting

Originally adversaries due to love, police officer Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and criminal Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) find themselves in a shared predicament, trying to hide their involvement in the shooting incident involving Zoe Slater.

Scott Masen reflected on the audience’s vote between him and Denise Fox (played by Diane Parish) during her 40th anniversary episode: “It was challenging because Jack and Denise have been together for a long time, so the audience has invested a lot in their relationship. However, Aaron, let’s not forget about Ravi – he’s another talented young actor like Pierre [Moullier]. He’s been doing an excellent job and genuinely cares about his work. He’s involved and determined to excel. Plus, he’s learning on the job, which is expected in his line of work. We’re all constantly learning.

In reference to their current situation and impending interactions, Maslen commented: These two individuals have absolutely no fondness for one another; they are as much foes as Nemesis and Achilles.

As they prepare to engage in a new dance together, Maslen noted that these two individuals harbor intense dislike towards each other, almost like sworn enemies.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that we’re venturing into uncharted territory. Unlike the predictable symphony of familiar tunes, these characters hold discordant notes between them, displaying an intense dislike for each other. Yet, the writers have crafted ingenious ways to maneuver around this animosity, making their interactions feel effortlessly authentic. Reading through the script, I find myself whispering, “This is going to be a delight to bring to life on the silver screen!

He went on to say, “I am genuinely thrilled about everything. My venture with Ravi is merely getting started. It’s reaching far and wide… and it ought to reach far and wide because that’s what we aim for!

8. Callum Highway loses his dad – and reunites with brother Stuart Highway and husband Ben Mitchell

Over the next few weeks, police officer Callum Highway, played by Tony Clay, will grapple with the loss of his father, Jonno Highway, with whom he had a strained relationship, portrayed by Richard Graham.

As Callum grapples with his mixed emotions towards friend Johnny Carter, portrayed by Charlie Suff, he’ll face the challenge of reconnecting with his imprisoned spouse, Ben Mitchell, during their joint attendance at a funeral.

Might we ask if Callum admits to his dishonesty concerning the affair with Johnny? And what could possibly be Stuart’s (portrayed by Ricky Champ) reaction towards his younger brother in this situation?

9. When – and how- will Stacey Slater leave Walford?

Prepare for this news, fellow fans: Actress Lacey Turner will be taking a lengthy hiatus from the soap, which inevitably means we’ll have to say goodbye to Stacey Slater for a while.

In the recent episode, the show subtly suggested that Stacey might be considering leaving Walford, as she openly expressed dreams about departing from this place filled with sorrow and tough times in her past.

One question on everyone’s mind is if she’ll meet up with Max before she leaves – and actor Jake Wood hinted at some unresolved matters ahead.

When prompted, he acknowledged that Stacey is single since Martin Fowler (James Bye) passed away this year: “Indeed, she’s alone now, while Max isn’t entirely alone either. Still, there will always be a bond between them and Max. No matter where they are or who they’re with, I believe they’ll have an emotional connection that runs deep.

Wood added: “They’ll stay linked, no matter their activities or if it’s not always convenient for them to rekindle at a deep level, and even if they don’t necessarily desire to.

Will Stacey get away from Walford happily or sadly?

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2025-09-06 23:59