24 huge EastEnders storylines to come in 2018, from Kat and Mel's returns to Ben's shock exit
Updated! Our full preview gallery taking a look at what's ahead for EastEnders in 2018.
1. Aidan's criminal plan
New Year starts off with a bang on EastEnders, as the first episode of 2018 concentrates on Aidan's criminal heist with Mick, Vincent, Phil and Keanu. Show bosses are already warning that it'll end in tears as someone is shot!
2. Masood's family arrive
Masood's Auntie Mariam and Uncle Arshad make their arrival on New Year's Day, stumbling across their new neighbours' criminal plans in the process. Things only get worse when a mistake from Masood threatens their fostering plans!
3. Mel returns with a darker direction
Fan favourite Melanie Owen is back in January and she's sure to be involved in some huge storylines. Show boss John Yorke has warned that we'll see a very different Mel, as she's "fiery, damaged, and carrying a lot of secrets". We're intrigued!
4. Mel's son arrives
Mel won't be returning to Albert Square alone, as EastEnders has confirmed the casting of Charlie Winter as her son Hunter. John Yorke has revealed that he's "uncannily like his dad Steve".
5. Abi's exit
Doctors have declared that Abi is brain dead and has zero chance of recovery, but Max is still in denial over her condition. We know Abi is leaving the show, but how long before Max realises he needs to say a devastating goodbye?
6. Lauren's exit
Lauren survived her Christmas Day horror and is recovering in hospital, but she's still definitely leaving the show. Will she go ahead and move to Glasgow with Josh as planned?
7. Max's future is revealed
2018 is sure to be another huge year for Max, as we find out what's next for him after all of his scheming. Max has committed some shocking crimes this year, but Jake Wood has always said that he isn't irredeemable. Can he get his life back on track?
8. Stacey and Martin's future is revealed
After Max and Stacey slept together over Christmas, it's a pretty safe bet that Stacey and Martin's marriage will be one to watch in the New Year. Can they survive the inevitable storm?
9. The Slaters reunite
EastEnders recently announced the news that fans have been desperate for, confirming that Jessie Wallace will reprise her role as Kat in the spring. Just like Mel, she won't be returning alone, as she'll be bringing Big Mo and Jean with her.
10. Alfie's fate is revealed
Although there have been rumours that Alfie could return to EastEnders too, nothing has been confirmed just yet. But hey, at least we'll find out the outcome of that Redwater cliffhanger – it'd be pretty odd if Kat didn't mention it!
11. Kat introduces a new Slater to Walford
The Slater reunion will include the arrival of at least one new family member. John Yorke has said that we'll be introduced to a "brand new Slater" as the clan get together to "sort out Stacey once and for all".
12. Tiffany Butcher returns
Maisie Smith is reprising her role as Bianca's troublesome daughter, who'll be returning in the week commencing Monday, January 8. Her first storyline sees Whitney suspecting that Tiffany is pregnant, but is it really true?
13. Ben's exit
Ben's shock departure is expected to air in early 2018 following the decision to write out Harry Reid's character. Harry was spotted filming with Tamzin Outhwaite a few weeks ago, so it seems he may play a role in her comeback story before he goes.
14. Johnny's exit
Okay, so based on his history of never having a proper storyline, we wouldn't be surprised if Johnny gets a quiet exit! But as Ted Reilly recently finished filming in his role as Johnny, it's thought that we'll see him bow out at the start of the year.
15. Sharon's big storyline
After way too long on the Albert Square sidelines, John Yorke has also confirmed that there'll be a big storyline ahead for Sharon in the New Year. Just what we like to hear!
16. The Taylors' big storyline
At the recent EastEnders press event, John Yorke also named the Taylor family as characters who'll get a big story in 2018. Just like with Sharon, nothing specific was revealed – but let's hope it's something different from loan sharks and debts.
17. Whitney's new love interest
John Yorke has also promised a new love interest for Whitney in 2018. Bad news for Lee Ryan's character Woody.
18. The Queen Vic's future is revealed
One of the biggest questions at the start of the year will be what happens to Albert Square's iconic pub. Will Mick's criminal plans give him a chance to stay at The Vic?
Quizzed on this recently, John Yorke would only say: "You'll have to keep watching! We love Mick and Linda. They're fantastic. It's really hard to be at the centre of the show and hold that pub and they do it brilliantly."
19. Michelle's future is revealed
Michelle's storylines with Preston and Stalker Tom both flopped, but EastEnders insiders have insisted that she hasn't been written out despite her recent absence from screens. With John Yorke now in charge, could we see Michelle go in a new direction when she returns from Australia in the New Year?
20. Woody returns
Lee Ryan's cheeky chappy character is another familiar face who's currently off screen, but EastEnders sources have said that we haven't seen the last of Woody. What will bring him back to the Square? Will Whitney have moved on with her new man by then?
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