Eastenders Spoilers Week 17

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THE Queen Vic’s rocked by brotherly bovver as the Brannings brawl on the sofa.

The pair grapple after Max (Jake Wood) taunts Jack (Scott Maslen) over his relationship with Roxy (Rita Simons).

The pair have been feuding since Max found his brother was seeing his wife Tanya (Jo Joyner).

Jack’s ex Ronnie (Samantha Janus) steps in to break up the battle. Catch the EastEnders action on Friday, April 24 (8pm BBC1).

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Masood worries about Zainab
Airs on Monday, April 20 2009 at 20:00 BST on BBC One

Masood confesses to Jane that he's worried about Zainab's sudden change of behaviour. Theorising that it could be because his wife suspects that there's something going on between him and Jane, Masood decides to cook Zainab a romantic meal for their anniversary in the hope of quelling her 'fears'. When Masood returns home, his wife bursts into tears for no apparent reason and their conversation is subsequently interrupted by a phone call. Zainab claims that it's their suppliers.

Jack meets with Roxy to talk about access to Amy, but he's livid when Roxy claims that he'll be able to see her a lot more when Ronnie's feeling better. Jack's furious that Ronnie's having such an impact on when and where he can see his own daughter. A little later, Roxy drops in to see Jack to ask him to stay away from her for a little while so she can get her relationship with Ronnie back on track. However, Jack doesn't seem to care and demands to speak with Ronnie himself.

Back at The Vic, Ronnie's fuming when Roxy reveals that Jack's going to fight for custody of Amy. Rushing over to see Jack, Ronnie lays into his efforts to see Amy and brands him a mere sperm donor. Adamant that he'll play no part in Amy's upbringing, Ronnie claims that she and Roxy will raise Amy together. Fretting that she could be pushed out of Amy's life, Ronnie attempts to persuade Roxy to have her as Amy's godmother.

Elsewhere, Chelsea meets Theo again; Nick turns up on the Square to see Dotty; Ian's unimpressed when he discovers that Jane's been giving the market traders credit; Max warns Nick to stay away from Dot; and Dot tells Max that he's to blame for all his family problems.


Zainab meets with her mystery man
Airs on Tuesday, April 21 2009 at 19:30 BST on BBC One

Masood's concerned about how Zainab's been acting recently and talks to Jane about how his wife has suddenly become distant. When he receives a phone call from Zainab claiming that she's ill and will have to cancel the book club, Jane agrees to rally the book troops together in the hope of cheering Zainab up. Later, Jane, Heather and Denise turn up at the Masoods', much to Zainab's annoyance.

After a discussion with Masood, it's not long before Jane realises that she's been sent there to keep an eye on his wife! As Masood explains to Jane that he thinks Zainab's having an affair with someone who goes by the name of 'Bob' on her mobile, we see Zainab meeting with a stranger - their estranged son, Syed.

Meanwhile, Roxy's concerned when she receives a letter stating that Jack's commenced legal proceedings in the hope of securing custody of Amy. Roxy meets Jack alone and he finds himself having to remind her that they should be thinking about what's best for Amy, not Ronnie. Roxy reveals that Ronnie's arranging a christening for Amy and Jack presumes that he won't be invited. Later, Roxy heads to the club, where Jack pulls her close. He tears up the solicitor's letters before kissing her passionately.

Elsewhere, Nick and Dotty conspire to make Dot's life a living hell; Patrick pays a visit to Ruth's family; Heather helps out at the local Brownie group; Nick returns the money he took from Dot at Christmas; Patrick confesses that he wasn't able to go to Ruth's funeral all those years ago; a drunken Phil nearly reveals himself to a group of Brownies; Patrick agrees to go and see Tommy in the hospital; and Nick and Dotty plan to make Dot's 'sudden death' look as genuine as possible.

Patrick visits Tommy in hospital
Airs on Thursday, April 23 2009 at 19:30 BST on BBC One

Zainab arrives to meet Syed and the pair begin to reminisce about the family's happier times, while also catching up on their lost years. Syed takes Zainab to his apartment and she's amazed at how well he's doing. While Syed shows his mother all of his possessions, she's surprised to hear that he's a property developer.

Syed goes on to explain how, despite the slump in the property market, there's a fantastic investment opportunity on the horizon. Later, they return to the Square and when Syed asks Zainab how she's going to convince his father to invest, she reassures him that she'll win Masood around.

Meanwhile, Patrick goes to the hospital with Denise to visit Tommy. Tommy's constant apologies for killing Ruth fall on deaf ears, prompting Patrick to rush out of the room. Denise suggests that the mere fact Patrick turned up at the hospital is enough to show that he's forgiven him. Patrick later re-enters the room and extends his forgiveness to the person who killed his fiancée all those years ago. Moments later, Tommy passes away with Patrick holding his hand.

Elsewhere, Phil tells Shirley about his incident with the Brownies; Roxy legs it after her kiss with Jack; Heather's happy to see Shirley and Phil together; Roxy discovers that Ronnie's arranged the christening and Jack's invited; and Shirley finally confesses her feelings for Phil.

Masood comes face to face with Syed
Airs on Friday, April 24 2009 at 20:00 BST on BBC One

Following her meeting with Syed the previous day, Zainab talks to Masood about a potential property investment, but he brushes off the suggestion. Frustrated, Zainab calls Syed to let him know that Masood's not willing to stump up any cash. Later, Masood spots Zainab's phone and redials the last number - he's stunned to hear his son on the other end. Masood confronts Zainab about her lies, but she stands firm - Syed's changed and he's now a successful businessman. Not convinced, Masood demands his son's address before heading off to meet him.

When he arrives at Syed's apartment, Masood is firm with his son - he wants nothing to do with his property venture. As they talk, it soon becomes apparent to Masood that Syed's renting the property he's is staying in and doesn't own it as he would have his mother believe. Infuriated by their son's deception, Masood storms off but Syed chases after him, pleading for his help. It's not long before he confesses that he has no job, home or money. Reality soon hits for Masood - Syed was trying to con money from them.

Meanwhile, Christian confronts Jack and tells him to keep away from Roxy. Later at The Vic, Max watches as Jack arranges a time to talk with Roxy. However, Max provokes Jack into a fight and Ronnie has to interject. Outside on the kerb, Jack confesses to his brother that he still loves Ronnie, but knows he really needs to concentrate on his daughter Amy.

Elsewhere, Heather's worried about Shirley and Phil's drinking; Patrick cancels his trip to Trinidad so he can go to Tommy's funeral, but Theo tries to convince him otherwise; Dot begins to worry that she's losing her mind, but she's wary when Nick tries to help her out; a drunken Shirley and Phil kiss passionately, before she tells him that she loves him; Denise is happy to see that Chelsea and Theo are back on track; Dot agrees to let Nick stay for a while; and Shirley soon realises the true nature of her relationship with Phil.

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Ahead of next week's arrival of EastEnders' Missing Masood, Syed (Marc Elliott), I caught up with comedy legend Nina Wadia - who plays Zainab - to see what she thinks about the new family dynamic, how she laughs too much on set and how she's jealous of Himesh Patel's one-liners.

How's Marc settled in?
"It's like he's been there longer than we have – it's like we've worked with him for years. He's slotted in really, really well. He's a really lovely guy. We laugh on set all the time and we get told off for laughing too much!"

How has Syed fitted in?
"What I like about the way they've introduced him is that you get to see the gentle side of him first – the repentant side. Then you see what he's really like over the subsequent weeks. He's a dark horse this one.

What's the dynamic like between father and son?
"It's very explosive. The truth came out on screen a few weeks ago on screen that Masood was protecting Syed because Zainab loves him so much. Masood even accused Zainab of loving Syed more than him… He might be right.

"Syed was Zainab's first born and she can't really get over the fact that Masood sent him away after cheating money out of the family business. There are a lot of issues between father and son that need to be sorted out. It's explosive. Zainab will no doubt end up being the arbitrator between them."

It'll be great to see Himesh [Patel] have his screen brother back, too…
"Talk about one-liners! He gets the best lines in all the scenes. I'm so jealous! He's come along no end. He's a different person from when he started. His confidence as an actor has grown such much and his performance level has gone through the roof."

It's such a shame about Zahra Ahmadi not being there to complete the family, isn't it?
"It is, but you never know in this business, she may return some day. I hope she does because we miss her."