BBC Share By Joel Harley Dec 17 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 17 2025 All the messy fallout as Lauren reveals she stole the charity money The cat's out of the bag Lauren Branning Max Branning Share By Joel Harley Dec 17 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 17 2025 Lauren Branning was forced to admit that she stole the charity money in EastEnders tonight (Wednesday, December 17), as an ugly confrontation took place between Max and Ian. Back in town and determined to step up for his kids, Max was a man on a mission. After catching up with Linda (and very much not learning that they share a child together), he publicly confronted Ian with his suspicions. Accusing Ian of stealing the money and starting the fire, Max was making quite the scene when Lauren intervened – revealing that she’d taken the money. But where do we go from here? Max smelled a rat (Credit: BBC) Max grew suspicious of Lauren and Ian As the episode began, a doting and uncharacteristically present Max sat vigil as Oscar lay unconscious after yesterday’s fire. Also still there – Jasmine, who wouldn’t be dismissed. Not yet, at least. As for Max, he was full of questions regarding the past few weeks’ activity. Since when had Lauren and Ian been so close? What happened to the charity money? And why was Zoe staying at Lauren and Peter’s, anyway? Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers When Zoe arrived, she filled him in on her recent stalker terror, and he promised to be there for her. Just like he was there for his family, promising to support his children, for once. It wasn’t long before Max was causing a scene again (Credit: BBC) Lauren admitted the truth as Max returned to Walford Linda was shocked to see Max arrive back on Albert Square, and quickly shuffled little Annie indoors. Thankfully he didn’t clock the little girl’s giant ginger head of hair – and was there to ask for a place to stay at the newly-established Peacock Palace. The pair headed to The Albert, where she filled him in on everything (well, not everything) that had happened over the past five years. He revealed his plan to stick around, and told her that he hoped to bring Abi Jr. (currently staying with ex-wife Tanya) back to Walford when he was all set up. Afterwards, still suspicious about the fire, Max headed back to the scene of the fire, where he confided in Jack that something was amiss. He was convinced that Ian had started the fire as some kind of insurance scam. Jack begged Max to keep quiet, but Max wouldn’t be talked down. And, at The Vic, an ugly confrontation took place. Max accused Ian of stealing the charity money and starting the fire. And, as he began throttling his former rival, Lauren was forced to admit that she’d stolen the money. Lauren was forced to come clean (Credit: BBC) What happens next as Lauren admits she stole the charity money in EastEnders As the soap continues tomorrow (Thursday, December 18), the Beales and the Brannings reel in shock from Lauren’s admission. Max, still set on being there for his children, steps up in support of Lauren. But how will Peter and the family react to news that she stole the money? Will Max ignore another crime on the behalf of his family? And can Ian and Max settle their differences? Whatever happens, it seems as though the families attempt to move forward in time for Christmas – with next week’s spoilers revealing that an awkward Christmas dinner between Max, Ian and his children is on the cards. What else happened in EastEnders tonight? As Max's return continued, Kat tried to support Zoe in the aftermath of the fire. She planned on arranging a community dinner for the Albert Square locals - although freshly traumatised Zoe wasn't exactly on board. Elsewhere, Julie worried about Nigel after his dementia symptoms took a drastic turn, while moody Anthony continued to worry his family. Here's everything else that happened in EastEnders tonight. Kat planned for Christmas Kat filled Alfie in on Anthony's bombshell regarding the twins. Hoping to at least give Zoe one good Christmas before breaking her heart, Kat planned to hold a community dinner at The Vic on the big day. After meeting with Max at the hospital, Zoe returned home, where Kat shared news of her Christmas plans. She was determined to put on a show of solidarity for the Slaters' sake - regardless of whether Zoe or Alfie were feeling the festive spirit. One person who definitely wouldn't be there? Vicki, who accused Zoe of starting the fire herself, for attention. Phil hid the truth about Nigel Sam walked in to find Nigel, having an intense discussion with Phil... but without Phil. Chilled to find that he was now having conversations with empty chairs, Julie booked an appointment at the GP. At the surgery, Phil remained stubbornly against filling the doctor in on Nigel's updated symptoms. As Phil accompanied Nigel to the bathroom, the doctor handed Julie a leaflet from a local care home. Back home, having found the leaflet in Julie's bag, Nigel begged Julie not to send him away. Anthony sparks concern Stewing over her lies about the twins, Anthony worried Patrick with his new attitude toward Zoe. Later, Chelsea found him several more drinks in, and had also grown worried about his behaviour. Still, he denied starting the fire - and reiterated his vow to find his children. Avani and Barney In The Vic, Barney filled Avani in on recent events. Across the pub, Vicki and Zack flirted... under the eye of a visibly jealous Zack. Later, armed with ideas, Zack set out to purchase a not-at-all-appropriate for a romantic Christmas gift for his sister's brother. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Dec 17 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 17 2025 Previous Story Next Story
