EastEnders' couple Mick and Linda Carter appear to be drifting further and further apart

EastEnders fans will finally get to learn Linda Carter’s big secret on the soap next week.

The Albert Square resident, played by Kellie Bright, has been keeping something from husband Mick (Danny Dyer) since she returned to the programme after some time away.

However, rather than telling Mick what has been plaguing her, she will spill the beans to Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).

Viewers have seen Linda battling with something that has been plaguing her, but have yet to discover exactly what it is.

She will also be seen making a huge decision about the future of her marriage, which has been on a knife edge following the reveal of Mick’s kiss with Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty).

After a meeting with Whitney, Linda is surprised to be assured by her that Mick only has eyes for her. But Whitney’s words only add to Linda’s turmoil over what to do about her relationship.

This will all take place within a dramatic week in EastEnders, as it is due to be rocked by a huge gas explosion during the Walford In Bloom celebrations.

Panic ensues as the Mitchells realise that Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) was near the site of the explosion, and Martin Fowler (James Bye) becomes concerned when he is unable to find Stacey Fowler (Lacey Turner).

Kellie recently returned to EastEnders after being away for maternity leave.

These episodes will screen from Monday, September 4 on BBC1.

A torn Jack battles to keep his family intact. Will he forget Ronnie's wishes and leg Charlie have custody of Matthew?

Jack Branning’s struggling to work out what’s best for Matthew in EastEnders, while Louise and Travis grow closer, Stacey has a pregnancy scan, and Lauren and Steven's relationship is at freezing point.

Charlie, Jack Branning, Matthew

Tensions surface as Jack battles to keep his family intact. But Charlie is adamant that Matthew would be better off living with him in Ireland.

Charlie, Jack Branning, Matthew

Tensions surface as Jack battles to keep his family intact. But Charlie is adamant that Matthew would be better off living with him in Ireland.

As Jack struggles to work out what’s best for Matthew, will he go against his promise to Ronnie that he’ll always care for the youngster?

Would Matthew really be better off living with Dot’s grandson?

Over at Walford Comp, Louise catches the eye of school hottie, Travis.

Louise's green-eyed friends, Alexandra and Madison, try to cast doubts in her mind about Travis's real intentions.

Even Keegan gets into the act by winding Louise up.

When Travis tries to kiss her, Louise rushes off. But the pair soon have a heart to heart…

Stacey and Martin are over the moon as Stacey has her first pregnancy scan, but she's worried what others will think after her traumatic last pregnancy.

A jealous Steven is interrupted by Ian as he tries to track Lauren. How far will he go to keep Lauren?Find out in EastEnders on BBC1 from Monday, June 5

It's a busy week coming up in EastEnders with Jack making plans and jealous Steven tracking Lauren's every movement...

As Patrick returns to EastEnders this week, will he be able to see the distress and desperation Denise is in? And what help will he be able to offer his broken friend?

As Jack contemplates the reality of Matthew being taken from him, will he go too far with a plan or will Max talk him out of it when he realises what's going on? Honey steps in to sort out Charlie, but will her firm words work? Meanwhile, Ben upsets Abi unwittingly when she walks in on a conversation about her party celebrations...

And will jealous Steven take things too far when he starts to monitor Lauren's every move while she's out or will he just ask her boss Josh outright what's going on when he invites him for dinner?!

Max is shocked when he cottons on to desperate Jack's plan and tries to talk it out with him…

While Honey helps Jack with the children, Charlie turns up and she has a stern word with the persistent dad. Will it do the trick?

Paranoid Steven starts to track Lauren's movements… Will she find out about his sneaky behaviour?

When Josh drops Lauren home, jealous Steven insists he stay for dinner. What is he planning?

Patrick returns, and having found a broken Denise at home, gives Kim a reality check about not supporting her desperate sister…

An upset but supportive Kim visits Denise and shows remorse, but will Denise forgive her?

With Abi fast approaching her 21st birthday, she walks in on Jay, Donna and Ben discussing her celebration... But it's not all good

Stacey tries to make Jack wake up the reality of his situation with Matthew, but Jack has made his decision…

With Max realising how desperate Jack is, will he be able to talk him round? And will the brothers realise that Amy and Ricky have been listening in? Watch EastEnders on BBC1 from Monday, May 29

With Max realising how desperate Jack is, will he be able to talk him round? And will the brothers realise that Amy and Ricky have been listening in? Watch EastEnders on BBC1 from Monday, May 29

How far will Jack go to ensure Charlie doesn't take his son back to Ireland?

Charlie is back in Walford seemingly intent on having a huge say in the future of his biological son, Matthew, in EastEnders.

While Dot is delighted her grandson is back, Jack – needless to say – isn't. In the wake of Ronnie's death, the stepdad has been bringing up the lad as if he was his own flesh and blood, and is likely to do anything to stop Matthew from being taken away from him… Can Dot possibly find a way to resolve the pair's bitter battle?

Dot takes it upon herself to get Jack and Charlie to sit down and talk in a bid to resolve Matthew's future

Dot takes it upon herself to get Jack and Charlie to sit down and talk in a bid to resolve Matthew's future

Earlier, it's scheming Max who steps in to persuade his brother to take part in the discussion

When Charlie turns up at Dot's for the meeting, she's horrified to see the extent of his injuries…

He's recently been beaten up by Max – an assault for which Jack was taken into custody

When Max turns up hoping to sit in on the talks, Dot insists they should involve just her, Charlie and Jack

Will it be possible for the pair to come to an agreement against all the odds?

It seems not, as later, Jack takes drastic action to keep Charlie away from Matthew. But what does he do? Find out by watching EastEnders on BBC1 from Monday, May 22

Jack Branning's fight to hold onto little Matthew, the return of Mick Carter and the arrivals of the Murrays and the Taylors feature in EastEnders' new promo

It’s set to be a dramatic summer of lies, betrayal and revelations in Albert Square as residents struggle with the burden of their dark secrets. It will be an especially challenging time for Jack Branning – after already losing his true love, Ronnie, he must face the prospect of life without Matthew as Charlie Cotton battles to take him back to Ireland.

Unaware of Max’s involvement, Jack does everything in his power to keep Matthew with him leading him to take drastic action.

As Max focuses on destroying Jack’s happy family,  he'll soon be thrown a curveball of his own when the Chairman makes an appearance in the Square…

 The Murrays, Ted and Joyce, will soon be arriving in Albert Square after being rehoused from a nearby estate. It doesn’t take long for Joyce to learn that Ted has brought a piece of the past with him. But what is he hiding?

 However just as Ted and Joyce settle in, the residents are in for a rude awakening when the Taylors (featuring Benidorm star Danny Walters) burst onto the scene. Immediately getting off to a bad start with some of their neighbours, just what trouble will the family cause?

Tensions are running high at The Vic as Mick returns home, oblivious to the fact that he no longer owns his cherished Queen Victoria. With Shirley struggling with the burden of her secret, it’s only a matter of time before the truth is set to explode … but how will Mick react to the news and will he be able to forgive Shirley and his beloved Linda.

Watch EastEnders' spring trailer:

https://youtu.be/fkiobax0XPQ

Things aren’t much easier for Whitney as she faces the reality of everything that’s happened over the past few months. Feeling lost and damaged, Whitney does her best to move on from Lee and start a fresh but as she faces reality, it’s clear she’s struggling but which path will she take?

Denise is set to face one of the toughest times of her life in the coming weeks. With no income, a proud Denise continues to suffer in silence as she struggles to make ends meet. But will she be able to swallow her pride and accept the help she so desperately needs?

Across the Square, Lauren puts all her efforts into impressing her new employer leaving a paranoid Steven feeling like he’s losing her. Already going to desperate lengths to keep Lauren close, just how much further will Steven go to get his way? For Lauren, as things grow more difficult at home, work becomes a good distraction, but with Josh struggling to hide his feelings for her, will she reciprocate?

 As well as the arrival of new families, Walford will be welcoming home some familiar faces this summer as characters including Robbie, Sonia and Linda return. What has brought Robbie and Sonia back to Walford and can Mick and Linda ever get back on track?

Can the widower father Jack Branning pull himself together for the sake of his children in EastEnders?

It's only been a few months since the tragic death of his new bride, Ronnie, in EastEnders, so it's understandable that grieving Jack Branning is still coming to terms with his loss.

The fact he has three young children to look after only makes the Albert Square businessman's situation even more difficult, and it's clear to family and friends how much he's struggling.

Is there anything anyone can do to help Jack, or will he simply have to buckle down and make a plan to get his life back on track?

Dot visits Jack, knowing he's finding life as a single parent difficult looking after young son Ricky, daughter Amy and stepson Matthew…

Dot visits Jack, knowing he's finding life as a single parent difficult looking after young son Ricky, daughter Amy and stepson Matthew…

Jack's grateful for Dot's offer of help and he tells her he's determined to finally get his life back to normal.

After Dot leaves, an exhausted Jack reads a bedtime story to Matthew and Amy…

Jack knows he has to sort his life out for the sake of his children.

Meanwhile, Jack's brother, Max, shares his own concerns about him with Dot…

Max catches up with Jack in the cafe… Is there anything he can do to help his brother?Watch EastEnders on BBC1 from Monday, 1 May.

Jack Branning is utterly heartbroken following Ronnie’s death and feels his future lies away from Albert Square, as Scott Maslen reveals to Soaplife

It’s hard to see where Jack Branning goes from here. After finally getting his on/off relationship with Ronnie Mitchell back on track, he finds himself a widow after less than 24 hours of marriage.

“He’s devastated,” says Scott Maslen who plays Jack. “Losing Ronnie has ripped his heart out.

 “His whole world has fallen apart and he is really struggling to hold everything together. He loved Ronnie and was the happiest he had ever been on their wedding day.”

Is he coping with his kids, Amy (he had with Roxy) and Ricky, and Ronnie’s son Matthew (she had with Charlie Cotton)? “They are finding it hard to accept the fact that Ronnie [Samantha Womack] and Roxy [Rita Simons] are gone forever. He keeps having to explain it to them and that is really painful. It will take them all a long time to come to terms with what happened. Jack will never get over it. He will just have to learn to live with it.”

What are his plans? “He wants to move away with the children. It is so painful for him being in Walford and he feels it will be easier if he gets as far away as possible.”

How will he cope with the funeral? “It’s going to be extremely tough for him. There was an unbreakable bond between him and Ronnie and he can’t believe she’s gone. The funeral will really bring it home.”

How is Jack’s relationship with Ronnie’s mum Glenda at this point? “At first things between them were extremely fraught for obvious reasons, but since then they have been trying to support each other for the sake of the children. However, just when Jack thinks he can rely on Glenda [Glynis Barber] she throws a spanner in the works, which leaves him reeling.”

Is Jack pleased to have Max back? “Yes. I don’t think Jack could have got through these past few weeks without Max’s [Jake Wood] support. His son Bradley died, so he knows what is like to lose somebody you love.”

EastEnders, BBC1

As devastated Jack prepares to bid farewell to wife Ronnie, will he manage to go through with his final goodbye to her?

After losing Ronnie, the love of his life, and having to deal with her sister Roxy's death, too, Jack will have to muster all his strength to try and cope at their funerals in EastEnders.

Understandably, emotions are high all around Albert Square at this time and certain residents are having to keep their real feelings to themselves. With all the grief and tension, will the Mitchell sisters get the send-off they deserve?

A grief-stricken Jack does all he can to hold it together as he stands by wife Ronnie's graveside – but will he remain strong?

A grief-stricken Jack does all he can to hold it together as he stands by wife Ronnie's graveside – but will he remain strong?

Beforehand, Jack tells a concerned Dot and Glenda that he's coping in the run-up to the funerals…

Trying to do the best he can by Ronnie and her sister, Roxy, Jack asks Phil to say a few words on the sad day. Will temperamental Phil agree?

As the grim day arrives, everyone gathers and waits for Jack…

Life will never be the same for the sisters' grieving loved ones as they try and come to terms with the double death…

Distraught Jack pays his respects and says goodbye to his wife for the last time. How will he and children cope?

The sisters' mum Glenda loses it as son Danny comforts her…

At the cemetery, Phil and Sharon contemplate a future without Ronnie and Roxy…

Later on, after an emotional day, Glenda drops a bombshell on Jack. Will the widower be able to cope with much more and what has Glenda said? Watch EastEnders on BBC1 on Monday, January 16

EastEnders has released new pictures of Ronnie and Jack at their wedding tonight – and neither look completely certain about their big day

Something dramatic’s going to happen in EastEnders tonight, but what’s it going to be?

First-look photos have been released of Ronnie and Jack’s 'dream' wedding in EastEnders tonight – but even the look on their faces suggests something is about to go awry.

While the happy couple are set to tie the knot in Sunday’s episode, Roxy is continuing to cause a trouble...

Will they be allowed to start the new year in marital bliss, or is disaster waiting for them?

Considering the soap's track record of New Year’s Day weddings (ahem, Ronnie and Charlie/Mick and Linda), we can probably hazard a guess…

> See more photos of Ronnie and Jack's wedding day

Watch EastEnders on BBC1 at 7pm to find out!

Harsh words are shared when Roxy suspects Jack is cheating on sister Ronnie in EastEnders

These are difficult times for Roxy: Jack, the father of her daughter, is about to marry her sister and head out of Walford, taking young Amy with her.

What's more, Roxy suspects – wrongly – that there's something go on between Jack and Honey, and tells Ronnie. Has she wrecked her sister's chance of happiness?

Having spied Jack and Honey having a furtive conversation recently, Roxy can't help but feel suspicious about the pair

Spotting them looking close again, Roxy's suspicions grow

When Roxy tries to explain her feelings about Amy to Jack, he accuses her of not wanting Ronnie to be happy

When Roxy tries to explain her feelings about Amy to Jack, he accuses her of not wanting Ronnie to be happy

Taken aback, Roxy then tells Ronnie she thinks Jack and Honey are having an affair, leading Ronnie to confront Jack

Will Jack realise that it's Roxy who has stirred up trouble for him?

Meanwhile, there are more problems for Roxy when she faces awkward questions from Amy. Is Roxy's world about to fall apart? Watch EastEnders on BBC1 from Monday, December 5

Jack’s back! But what does this mean for his ex, Ronnie, in EastEnders? Scott Maslen has some answers…

When did you find out you'd be returning?

“It’s been kept a secret for some time. I had a meeting with Dominic [Treadwell-Collins, executive producer] and Julia [Crampsie, casting director]… It was quite a few months back now.”

How did you react when you found out?

“EastEnders is a home away from home for me. I’d been away for a good couple of years but I felt very good about the return. I felt refreshed and recharged and had missed the people I worked with. There’s a whole new bunch of cast members there now and new management. Everything’s changed so it’s exciting to go back. The show’s got lots of exciting things going on at the moment. It was like coming back to my family.”

Was it hard to keep it a secret?

“Yes … kind of! A few people like my family knew but I had to say don’t say anything. It’s going to be interesting seeing the response because I don’t think anyone’s expecting it. I’m constantly getting tweets saying they want Ronnie [Samantha Womack] and Jack back together so it will be good to see how everyone reacts.”

Ronnie is shocked to see Jack Branning is back in Albert Square

Can you give us a little tease about why Jack is back in the Square?

“He's actually back to see his daughter, Amy [the child he had with Roxy]. Everyone will probably think he’s back for Ronnie but that wasn’t his initial plan. Of course, though, if Ronnie and Jack see each other then something’s going to happen. As much as they avoid each other, as soon as they see each other things tend to spark off and that’s the case here. It shows they are destined to be together. But it’s not straightforward. It will be interesting because he has no idea what’s been going on with Ronnie. Jack’s not stupid, though and knows when Ronnie is performing. So he’s back to see his daughter but ends up spending time trying to work out what's going on with Ronnie.”

Jack sees Ronnie - but does he want her?

How did it feel to be part of Christmas in Albert Square?

“It felt great. You sometimes don’t realise how big an institution the show is at Christmas. People sit down with their families and watch it together, it’s a big event. So it felt good to be asked to come back for this time of year.”

EastEnders, BBC1

Scott Maslen tells TV Times magazine why he’s decided to leave EastEnders, but why he's decided to leave the door open to a return...

What was it that made you leave the show after six years?

"I only had two weeks off between leaving The Bill [Scott was in it for six years] and starting EastEnders, and when I got into acting, I never saw myself staying in one or two jobs for as long as I have. I like the nomadic nature of acting, but then I had a son."

What influence did that have on you?

"When you have a baby, a light clicks on in your head. You suddenly have a responsibility and I knew I had to go out and get a job and a regular pay cheque. It gave me 12 years to live as a normal person, to look after my family and live where I wanted to live, but now I need to explore and test myself. I don’t want to get bitter and twisted about 'What ifs…' I’ve got a great agent and I am getting a lot of interest both here and in America."

Do you want to make a name for yourself in the States, then?

"I am not mad on going there unless I have to because I have got my family here. I’ve got a son in school. If you are in something syndicated and are going to make loads of dosh, then you can move everyone over and rent the house out. However, I am an actor and I do accept that you have to go where the work is."

There are no explosions, deaths or destruction when Jack bows out of EastEnders. Why is that?

"If you are not going out with a bang, you need to make it low key and that way the door is always open. Jack realises that the life he wants with Ronnie is just a dream. It’s not going to happen and he can’t live near her, he has to get away and decides to go to France to see his daughter."

You've now finished filming. Are you missing EastEnders?

‘I miss not going into the studios at Elstree, but this is new. I am going to auditions, watching films and meeting casting people. I’m enjoying it. As for Jack, well he’s not dead, so who knows?"

What are your immediate plans for the future?

"I'm playing Abanazar in Aladdin at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre. He is the bad guy. I’m really going to work it. I have been asked to do panto a few times. A few of my friends such as Paul O'Grady say it is a blast and when I chose to leave eight months ago, I was asked and thought at least I will be working at Christmas. It’s going to be great."

How do you cope with being a celebrity?

"You have to focus on the more important things in life – like your family and not be prey to the obvious pitfalls of celebrity. You have to be even more exemplary in your behaviour when you are in the public eye. Besides, I don’t really want to go out. I am 42 years old and the only way you will get me out is to push me there and wheel me in. I go fishing and there isn’t even enough time for that."

Did you get a leaving gift from everyone at EastEnders?

"A portable loo. There are cut outs of all the cast members heads around it. It’s a joke, but I won’t go into details!"

 *VOTE NOW for your most-loved stars and shows in the TV Times 2013 Awards and enter a draw for 47in LED TVs, YouView boxes and John Lewis vouchers.

Scott Maslen reveals to Soaplife why he and Jack have to leave EastEnders… but he’s not ruling out a return!

Ronnie and Jack are all loved up… How can he leave her and Walford?

“Jack does love Ronnie - he always will - but there’s just too much history between them. This is really brought home when Lola asks them to look after little Lexi for an afternoon. If their baby James hadn’t died, this is what their life would have been like.”

And that’s something they can’t get past?

“They have a very emotional discussion and when Ronnie decides she can’t be with Jack, he realises he must leave Walford. He has to get away.”

It doesn’t sound like the most dramatic exit…

“Maybe not, but I’m happy about that. A dramatic exit would probably mean Jack being killed off and I didn’t want that. I asked the producers not to kill him off, they went away and thought about it, and fortunately decided they wouldn’t. It means Jack may return one day.”

You and Sam [Womack] are good friends… You must be sorry you haven’t got to work more with her now she’s back as Ronnie?

“We didn’t plan it that she’d come back then I’d leave. It just worked out that way. It would have been good if she’d come back earlier, but she was busy with other stuff. I’m delighted she returned before I left, though. It wouldn’t have felt right if she hadn’t have been there. Our last scenes together were very emotional.”

What’s made you decide to leave now?

“I made the decision about eight months ago. What with The Bill and EastEnders, I’ve had 12 years in either a serial drama or a soap. I’m tired and a bit bored. I’ve been playing Jack since 2007 and some of his storylines now are a bit repetitive. It happens in all the soaps. I want to see what else is out there. I’m ready for it and feel very excited.”

Have you got any work lined up?

“I’m in panto in Bournemouth over Christmas. After that…who knows?”

EastEnders love rivals Jack Branning and Phil Mitchell are set to brawl again.

The pair previously came to blows when Jack, played by Scott Maslen, punched Phil (Steve McFadden) after warning him to stay away from his fiancee Sharon Rickman (Letitia Dean). The hunky boxing club owner was then locked up in jail before being released.

This time, the duo begin to wind each other up after they find themselves locked in the office at R&R nightclub when the stag do prank goes wrong. Phil questions Jack about his relationship with Sharon, while relishing his secret kiss with her in his mind.

Their arguing is interrupted by Jack's ringing phone, and when Jack ignores it, Phil tries to grab the phone when he realises it is Jack's estranged wife Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack).

After the two men fight over the phone, Phil listens to the voicemail and realises that Jack has met up with Ronnie, questioning if he has moved on from his ex and is ready to tie the knot with Sharon.

This episode of EastEnders will be shown on BBC One on April 9, with Sharon and Jack's wedding screening on April 11.

Jack is desperate to get Phil out of Sharon's life and suggests that Sharon would make more money working for a West End club than for Phil. When Sharon asks for a payrise, Phil refuses, offering a stake in R&R. Furious that his plan to keep Sharon away from Phil hasn't worked, Jack visits Phil at the Arches and punches him. Phil falls backwards into the pit and isn't moving. What has Jack done?

Alice needs payment for babysitting Scarlett. A skint Michael pays her in counterfeit notes. When Alice tries to buy something in the Minute Mart, Denise spots the fake money. Jack convinces Denise not to report it to the police, but gets nowhere trying to find out where Alice got the money from. Michael feels bad, but hasn't any other money to pay her with.

Ayesha wants a date with Masood and enjoys winding up Carol by mentioning it. When Carol tells Denise, both women can't believe what Masood is playing at. Knowing that Tamwar is angry about Ayesha, Masood is torn over what to do. When AJ tells Masood he should go for it, Masood agrees to the date.

Also, Kirsty suggests throwing a birthday party in Derek's memory to comfort an upset Alice.