Given that EastEnders fans are an eagle-eyed bunch who can spot the next big plot twist a mile off, we thought it was time to dive into the latest pool of fan theories doing the rounds.

As alway, some are a bit off the wall, while others could be bang on the money. But which is which? Let's take a look...

1. Whitney and Gray to have an affair

Whitney Dean speaks to Gray Atkins in prison in EastEnders
BBC

Let's start with one of the biggest theories flying around at the moment: could Whitney and Gray embark on a scandalous affair?

The pair have been spending an increasing amount of time together over the last few months, with lawyer Gray desperately trying to fight Whitney's corner over Leo's death.

And while Gray's interest in Whitney appears to be mainly platonic at the moment, there have been a few telltale signs to suggest that this isn't entirely the case for her.

Show bosses have always been open about the long-term story arc they've mapped out for Whitney, but is an affair with Gray part of the plan? It's likey.

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2. Phil and Sharon to take over The Queen Vic?

Phil and Sharon Mitchell in EastEnders
BBC

Another big talking point in the EastEnders fandom at the moment is about The Queen Vic, and more importantly, who will be crowned as the new owner.

The Carters have recently revealed their plans to sell up and start a fresh somewhere else, as part of Linda's ongoing road to alcohol addiction recovery.

We've already hedged our bets, but of course, fans have been busy speculating too and there is one or two names that just keep popping up: Phil and Sharon.

A recent episode confirmed that Phil could very much be in the running and fans seem pretty happy about the prospect of this – especially if he brings Sharon in with him. But it remains to be seen whether Phil's dreams can and will become a reality.

3. Sharon to con Phil

sharon mitchell in eastenders
BBC

While many fans are pondering if the recent episode is confirmation that the estranged Mitchell couple will reclaim their positions as King and Queen of The Vic, another burning theory could suggest otherwise. And we don't think Phil would like this one as much.

That's because, some eagle-eyed viewers reckon that Sharon hasn't actually forgiven Phil for the part he played in her son's death – and that their amicable conversations of late are all part of a much wider plan.

With the Queen Vic now up for grabs, could Shazza simply be playing Phil in order to get herself back in the door? Ooh scandalous.

4. Isaac's got a secret

Linda Carter and Isaac Baptiste in EastEnders
BBC

We've always thought there was something a little mysterious about Sheree's son Isaac, and fans seem to think so too.

Isaac was introduced to us over Christmas, with Sheree later revealing that Patrick was his dad.

Although Isaac is still in the dark over his connection to Patrick, speculation is rife on Twitter that all is not as it seems with him.

5. Phil is Kayden's father

Phil and Karen in EastEnders EMBARGO 10PM 19/2
BBC

The Sheanu saga sparked more theories than we can keep track of over its two-year lifespan – and we're not done with them just yet.

One particular theory about Phil being little Kayden's dad has been doing the rounds ever since Keanu was 'confirmed' as the baby daddy, and the tweets just keep on coming.

Show boss Kate Oates teased back at Christmas that there could be one final twist for the estranged Mitchel pair, but it remains to be seen whether she was referring to Dennis's recent death, or something else…

6. Ash is the show's new villain...

Vinny and Ash Panesar in EastEnders
BBC

Iqra has seen a whole new side to her girlfriend Ash this week, leaving her unsettled – and seemingly fans, too.

Ash shocked Iqra when she stepped in and callously took charge of a very shady situation, which had seen her brother Vinny brutally attack his friend Harri. Could Ash be following in her mum Suki's scheming footsteps as the show's new villain?

7. And the Panesars are hiding something else

the panesar family in eastenders
BBC

Amid her actions above, Ash alluded to her family's sinister and secretive past saying: "I thought we moved on from that. Vinny, that's not our family anymore."

Last year Ash's complex history history with her family was referenced from the start and became a prevalent problem in the early days of her relationship with Iqra.

It also seems like Suki's scheming will be taking some darker turns later in the year, so could the Panesar clan be the ones to watch?

8. Nancy to return?

Nancy Carter says goodbye to Linda Carter in EastEnders
BBC

She's not been seen since 2016, but could a Nancy Carter comeback be on the cards?

Following the news that Maddy Hill is bowing out of her role as Ruby Spark in Casualty, with her final scenes airing this weekend, many fans have been predicting a return for Mick and Linda's daughter. But we're not so sure.

That's because, since leaving Casualty, Maddy was cast in Bruce Norris play in Clybourne Park at Park Theatre in London, which was initially due to run from March to May before being delayed.

9. Dennis's message from the grave

eastenders bobby and dennis
BBC

Fans spent weeks speculating about who was going to lose their life in EastEnders' 35th anniversary boat crash, only to be left with even more questions than answers afterwards.

However, the biggest bugbear of the aftermath has to be that voicemail/voice note message that Dennis left Sharon before the boat went down – and where on Earth it is now.

Since then, another message from a frantic Dennis has been used as leverage in Dotty's feud with Ian, leaving us to wonder if his original attempt at contacting Sharon has found its way into Soapland's everlasting mysteries.

While there is every chance that the ephemeral nature of the voicenote audio means that it was deleted shortly before it reached Sharon, some fans reckon that Dennis could still haunt Ian with it – even from beyond the grave.

EastEnders is currently on a reduced schedule due, airing on Monday nights at 8pm and Tuesday nights at 7.30pm on BBC One.



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