BBC Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 21 May 2026, 20:05 By Claire Crick 21 May 2026, 20:05 As Julie leaves Walford, EastEnders lines up two more huge exits next week - but who? Who else could be leaving Walford? Grant Mitchell Julie Bates Phil Mitchell Sam Mitchell Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 21 May 2026, 20:05 By Claire Crick 21 May 2026, 20:05 Today’s EastEnders saw Julie finally opening Nigel’s letter, something she has put off doing for weeks. But while she was nervous to hear what her late husband had to say from beyond the grave, nothing could prepare her for what was inside. Julie had already told Phil that she was planning to move back to Scotland, a place that held happy memories of her life with Nigel. However, when she opened her letter from Nigel, she had no idea that he would have other ideas. Phil helped Julie open Nigel’s letter (Credit: BBC) Julie read Nigel’s final message in EastEnders With Phil’s support, Julie opened Nigel’s letter, and she sobbed as she read it aloud. In the letter, Nigel told her that he’d left her some money in an old pension. However, it wasn’t to be spent on bills. Instead. Nigel wanted Julie to go to India, a trip they had both planned to take together before he got ill. Julie was overcome with emotion and offered Phil some of the money as a thank you for taking good care of Nigel. But Phil refused to take it and decided they needed to celebrate Julie’s upcoming trip. The pair headed to The Vic, where they celebrated with Patrick and Kim. Alfie heard the news of Julie’s departure, and he suggested they should have a big ‘going away’ party in the pub. However, the fuss was too much for Julie, and she pretended to pop to the toilet, but instead slipped out of the pub unnoticed. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Phil managed to catch Julie before she left EastEnders (Credit: BBC) Julie left EastEnders It was only when Phil got home to look for Julie that he found her note, revealing she had left. Phil raced to the tube and just caught Julie in time before she headed off on her adventure. The pair said a heartfelt goodbye, and Julie reminded Phil to ‘look to the future for Nigel’ before heading off to catch her train. Fans were sad to see Julie go – but unfortunately, she isn’t the only departure looming.Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your EastEnders newsIt's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news & schedules to share with our community of loyal readers. Click here and tick TVGuide.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search. Grant tries to escape the police next week (Credit: BBC) The drama continues next week Next week’s spoilers have revealed that there could be two more main characters leaving EatsEnders. Grant steps up for Mark when Max works out that he has been selling dodgy cars through the car lot, and claims he was behind the scam, and not Mark. No one believes Grant, but soon the police are on their way after getting a tip-off. Amongst the chaos, Grant talks about returning to Portugal, and Sam suggests she could go with him. The siblings have become closer again since Grant returned to Walford, and it seems Sam is keen to maintain their relationship. But as the police arrive on Albert Square looking for Grant, time is running out for him. Phil and Sam wait in the car, ready to leave, but will Grant escape the law and make it back to Portugal without getting caught? And the big question is, will Sam be getting on the plane with him? What else happened in EastEnders today? As well as Julie leaving for India, Mark punched Grant, and Lauren won her bet with Max. Mark and Grant fell out Grant offered to take Mark for a birthday breakfast, but he wasn't keen. Phil pointed out it was the least he could do, seeing as Grant bailed Mark out with Russell the day before, and he reluctantly went along. While there, Mark made it clear that Grant would never be his dad, leaving Grant heartbroken. Grant went to The Vic to drown his sorrows and soon picked a fight with Kathy and Harvey, which got him thrown out. He then clashed with Mark again, leading to Mark punching his dad and telling him everyone would be better off without him in their lives. Lauren won her bet with Max Lauren was thrilled to win her bet with Max, earning herself half of the car lot. But Max saw her talking with Mark and knew they were up to something. Lauren went to The Vic to celebrate and gave Mark his half of the cash. However, Max found the keys Mark had dropped the night before and grilled Priya. She tried to keep quiet, but Max promised to keep whatever she said to himself. Eventually, she revealed that Mark was caught up in the same gang as Ravi and was very dangerous. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 21 May 2026, 20:05 By Claire Crick 21 May 2026, 20:05 Next Story
