TIME’s up for Mick Carter as he prepares to wave goodbye to Albert Square after nine years and months of anticipation.
The Vic landlord faces harsh truths as his world crumbles tonight in EastEnders. But there’s more to come.
Mick Carter is living his last day in Walford
Time is running out for Janine Butcher
But there’s romance on the horizon for one couple
Shirley Carter (played by Linda Henry) has no trust in Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) and is adamant on exposing her.
The end of the year celebrations won’t stop the tough woman from shining a light on the truth, although she has yet to piece the full puzzle together.
But in tonight’s trip to Walford, Shirley heads to the Vic alongside Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) as they try to make peace with Mick (Danny Dyer).
Janine panics when she spots Jada Lennox (Kelsey Calladine-Smith) arrive and is determined to keep her away from Linda to cover her tracks.
This prompts the blonde bombshell to invite both Linda and Shirley to Christmas lunch – but there’s an even bigger shock ahead for her.
Unfortunately for Janine, this doesn’t mean Shirley will be giving up on trying to expose her.
A vicious row ensues at the Christmas dinner table as Janine tries to shrug off all of her Shirley’s accusations.
However, her daughter Scarlett Moon (Tabitha Byron) walks in – could she tell the truth about her mother?
Secrets and lies are finally uncovered and all hell breaks loose in the Vic.
Will Mick see Janine for who she really is?
One fact is certain – Christmas will be his last day in the Square…
Meanwhile, Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) goes above and beyond this Christmas to spread some magic for Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and their kids.
Alfie dresses up as Santa and gets ready to descend from the roof of the Mitchell house.
Sadly, things don’t go to plan.
His son Bert lands him into a lot of trouble by telling Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) that Kat told Alfie he could stay until the New Year.
The tension between the two men was already palpable but Phil is having none of Alfie or his shenanigans in his home.
He goes outside to see Alfie is stuck on the roof – but will he help him?
Elsewhere in the Square, Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) tries to make the best of her Christmas despite her brain tumour.
She wakes up to find her daughter Lexi opening presents and Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) later surprises her with a lovely gift.
But that won’t be his only present to her.
When Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) commends Jay for sticking by Lola, the mechanic reveals he’s going to propose.
Jay enlists the help of Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and organises an outdoor Christmas miracle.
He asks for Lola’s hand in marriage – but how will she respond?
EastEnders airs tonight from 7.30pm on BBC One.
Jay is ready to fully commit to Lola Pearce
But how will Christmas go for other residents?
