EASTENDERS - While I was away...

As I've just done with Hollyoaks, I also managed to catch up with the comings and goings in Walford while I was on my Jolly's.

The main focus is still, of course, surrounding Lucy Beale's murder.

Jay is the guy on the bus in the beanie hat (which he subsequently burnt!) and was clearly going to visit Ben Mitchell. Hence, not wanting to tell anyone why he was there and where he was going. Either that, or Ben was the person on the bus in the hat, which could open up another whole can of worms - especially as the online rumour mill has already named Ben as a potential suspect!

The walls are also closing in around Ian, as the police have totally cottoned on to the fact he's hiding something. As did Phil Mitchell. Ironic really. He should be a copper, you know. Anyhow, it's obviously going to come out sooner rather than later that Ian paid Rainie for a bit of the other, especially as it's whispered that Rainie soon makes a return (blackmailing the Carter's!) and wasn't permanently gotten rid off by Phil after all! I can't wait for Ian to get found out - as sorry as you feel for his loss, and once you really start to feel as though he's a good guy who's just misunderstood - he un-redeems himself! This week it was being nasty to Patrick, who's still recovering from a stroke and getting Denise to palm him off into a care home for his own selfish reasons. Secondly, he really let Mick take the brunt of covering for him over Rainie. As nice as it is seeing Phil show Ian a friendly hand - I kind of want that Beale head shoved down a toilet again! And that's testament to Adam Woodyatt, and his talents. You laugh, cry, love and hate Ian all at once!

The Walford youngsters were centre-fold again this last week. I like Whitney and Lee's relationship, I think he's a good lad who'll be just the medicine Whit needs, with her past experience of men. Lauren and Dean on the other hand is a disaster - one, because it's embarrassing watching Dean try to make Linda jealous and two because Peter succeeded in turning Lauren off Dean, which will cause heartbreak for poor Lola. Peter is due to dump Lo' and make a move on Lauren... his first love. Will Lauren feel the same? And is Lola's anger at Jay moving away with Abi because she harbours secret feelings? If Peter gets with Lauren, and Lola then gets with Jay - it'll leave Abi all alone and, possibly, angry. Will she lash out and lead a whole new side to her being discovered? (Max + Lucy, Abi fnding out and not wanting her family life ruined once again = in Abi killing Lucy?) Just another theory - not mine - but another one none-the-less.

We also found out that Charlie Cotton IS Dot's real grandson, but works in a care home... not the police... and Nick is stalking him. Firstly, who bets that this will be the care home Denise and Ian visit for Patrick and secondly, lets count down the days til we see Nick reunited with his Ma. I reckon Charlie will end up the good guy, save Dot from ghastly Nick and have a happy ending with Ronnie Mitchell and (possibly their) baby. Well, as happy as you can be with Ronnie around!

Lastly - Stacey was back, too! Hurrah! We all know she'll be out of the nick soon, but what intrigued me was Whitney's text last night which read - 'It's me, Ryan.' Ryan being Whit's brother and Stacey's daughter Lilly's dad. Will this be another shock 'Enders comeback?

Now all we need is the return of Grant and Peggy Mitchell!

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