Sudden DEATH SHOCK heading for THIS EastEnders legend next week

There's tragedy heading for EastEnders next week when a shock death leaves the Slaters stunned...

Next week's EastEnders will see Jean Slater's world shattered when her new friend and fellow cancer sufferer Daniel suddenly dies.

Daniel's tragic demise comes during a big week for Jean when Martin arrives back on the Square on Monday 7th October (8pm, see our TV Guide for full listings)

Jean is thrilled at the prospect of seeing Stacey again, but her hopes are crushed when Martin reveals it's still not safe for Stacey to come home and he's returned alone.

EastEnders Daniel Cook and Jean Slater — Daniel annoyed Jean when they met at the oncology centre (Picture: BBC)

But just when Jean thought her week was bad enough, she is left heartbroken when news of Daniel's death reaches her.

EastEnders fans will remember that Jean and Daniel didn't get off to the best of starts when they met at the hospital as Jean started her treatment for ovarian cancer.

EastEnders Jean finds Daniel upset. — Jean was upset when she discovered Daniel's cancer was terminal (Picture: BBC)

The pair originally clashed as Daniel's blunt view on life left Jean upset, but as they have both fought their battles against cancer their bond has grown stronger.

And it seems the pair's relationship could go from friendship to romance after the new EastEnders autumn trailer shows the pair sharing a kiss.

Jean and Daniel take a ride on his motorbike — The former enemies have become firm friends (Picture: BBC)

But sadly for Jean it doesn't look like this romance is set to last, and by Friday 11th October she is facing the devastating task of going along to Daniel's memorial service.

The rest of the Slaters are worried about Jean when she puts on a brave face after getting the tragic news.

Kush is concerned about her complacent reaction and the pair have a heart-to-heart about Daniel, leading to Jean realising just how much her new friend meant to her.

Jean asks Daniel about his bucket list — Jean is set to be left devastated when Daniel suddenly passes away (Picture: BBC)

Kush even supports Jean by going along to Daniel's memorial, which is hosted by Daniel's neighbour Mike.

Since they became close Daniel has been by Jean's side through all her appointments at the hospital... how will she cope without her sidekick now?

EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.