Eastenders Spoilers 25th - 30th January

[alan45]

Vicki bravely faces evil Joel in court as the trial begins...

Ian solemnly swears revenge on business rival Elaine!

The Mitchells demand answers - but who is in for a grilling

[Perdita]

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eas...losive-return/

The Fowlers and Mitchells are reeling from a surprise return next week ? as Mark Fowler Jr settles back into Albert Square! The love child of Grant Mitchell and Michelle Fowler quickly makes his presence felt as he reconnects with his families ? but what?s the real reason for his visit?

"It?s been almost a decade since Mark Jr was last in Walford," begins our EastEnders insider. "He seemed to be a chip off the old Mitchell block back then, and still seems to be taking after his dad 10 years later as it transpires he?s hiding a massive secret that could spell serious trouble for his relatives!"

Mark wasn?t raised in the Square, and was actually born in the United States. He was conceived as a result of an illicit one-night stand in The Vic in the mid-90s that filled Michelle with such shame, she fled the country.

A decade ago he came to visit his mum?s childhood home and discovered his true paternity, having believed Michelle?s husband Tim, who she met in America, was his biological father.

Mark, named after his mum?s beloved late big brother, has more on his mind than his complicated backstory as he gets reacquainted with his family next week.

There?s obviously a reason behind his unexpected reappearance, and everybody wants to know what it is. Under pressure from sister Vicki and uncle Phil, Mark starts talking?

"Mark is acting very strangely indeed, which doesn?t go unnoticed by Phil," continues our source. "He?s clearly in trouble but assures Vicki he?s there to support her through Joel?s trial. However, it turns out there?s more to the story as he later confides in Phil what?s really going on?"

Phil can?t believe what his nephew has got caught up in. Mark desperately needs the kind of help that only a Mitchell can provide, but can he convince his estranged uncle to step up?

Mark?s timing is lousy, as Phil is about to whisk Nigel off to Portugal. Playing the family card, Mark pleads with Phil to get him out of this tight spot, but to no avail.

Adopting a new tactic, Mark realises he has to play dirty to save his own skin. There?s only one way to keep Phil in Walford, and that?s by going behind his back!

"Mark knows Phil hasn?t told Julie about his plan to take Nigel away," says our insider. "He sneakily fills Julie in, knowing she?ll be angry and put a stop to it. It?s a risky move?"

Will Mark?s manipulation work, and will Phil and Nigel be forced to stay in Walford?

[Perdita]

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eas...l-vicki-twist/

EastEnders? Joel Marshall faces Vicki Fowler in court next week, as he stands trial for his horrific crimes against both her and Avani Nandra-Hart. Will the vile teenager finally get his comeuppance? With support from Ross as well as returning Mark Jr, Vicki makes her way to the court room.

There, Joel tries to keep up appearances as Tommy gives evidence against him. Vicki then takes the stand, prompting Joel?s team to fire their best defence tactics at her. How will Vicki fare in the heat of the moment?

"Vicki ends up rushing out of court!" reveals our EastEnders source. "The way that Joel?s defence goes about things is too much for her to stomach.

"It?s just awful because Vicki has been dreading this moment for so long, and it turns out to be as terrible as she imagined. Here?s hoping that the judge will be understanding of her position."

The week begins with Vicki turning to Zack for comfort about the upcoming trial. Sympathetic, Zack invites Vicki to keep him company at his flat while he tests out new recipes for The Vic.

Over a glass of wine, the pair crack a smile and build on their close bond. Vicki is thankful for not only Zack?s kindness, but the distraction from all the thoughts racing around her mind.

"Vicki knows she can count on Zack," notes our insider. "They can be honest with each other and chat away like two good friends would. Although, this time, Vicki is at Zack?s to be distracted rather than to talk her problems over."

The next day, Vicki?s head is all over the place, but she summons up the courage to attend the court room, where all the drama with Joel?s defence team takes place.

After a brief pause following Vicki?s exit, the trial resumes with both Vicki and Avani feeling emotional. Later, Ross receives a request from Joel to visit him, but he decides to turn it down.

As a result, Joel changes tack and asks to see another Walford resident instead of his dad. Could the local in question swing the trial one way or another?

"Joel doesn?t give up after Ross shuts him down," reveals our source. "He requests a visit from somebody else ? you?ll have to wait to find out who ? but it doesn?t go to plan.

"It looks as though Joel has run out of options, but with the trial still ongoing, who knows what twists could be around the corner. After all, court rooms in Walford have a long history of throwing up surprises when you least expect them?"

As Joel?s trial takes a turn, will the teenager finally pay for his crimes? Or will he somehow walk away scot-free?