BBC Share By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 Phil's cut off from Nigel and Ravi's a dead man walking... all the terrible consequences as Mark's return continues Mark's arrival sent shockwaves around the Square... Mark Fowler Jr Phil Mitchell Ravi Gulati Share By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 The real reason Mark Fowler has returned to Walford was finally revealed in today’s EastEnders (Monday, January 26) and it marks the beginning of a fresh batch of drama in the soap. As Mark was greeted by his big sister, Vicki, there was little time for a happy family reunion. Vicki might have believed Mark’s lies that he was back to support her in her trial against Joel, but his fibs didn’t wash with the Mitchells. With Vicki out of earshot, Sam and Phil demanded the truth out of Mark’s son. Mark admitted that he worked for some dangerous drug gang leaders, roughing people up when they didn’t do as they were told. But with someone now snitching to the police, he revealed his bosses think he is the informant. Although this finally explained Mark’s battered face, Phil still wasn’t keen to help his nephew out of his pickle. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers EastEnders Mark was thrilled to see his sister, Vicki (Credit: BBC) EastEnders: Mark made a shocking plan Determined to still get Nigel on a plane to Portugal that evening, Phil told Mark he’d got himself into this mess, and so he could get himself out of it again. But when Phil told Mark no, he didn’t take it kindly and took matters into his own hands. When Julie got home early from Edinburgh, he told her all about Phil’s plans to take Nigel abroad. She was stunned, upset that she had believed they were both agreed on what was best for Nigel. Soon Julie demanded Nigel’s passport back from Phil, before packing his things and moving them both into Elaine’s boutique hotel across the Square. Unaware that Mark was the one who ruined his plans to escape, a reluctant Phil eventually agreed to help his nephew. Mark needed Phil’s help (Credit: BBC) Ravi’s oblivious to the danger he’s in Mark told Phil he had spent a while searching for the police informant, shocking him. He said he had tracked them down to Walford, but Phil was unaware that the person Mark was looking for was one of his neighbours. Fans already know that the informant is Ravi. When Mark explained that the snitch is a dead man when his bosses find them, Ravi was blissfully unaware. After organising a day out for Nugget and Denzel, things were looking up for the troubled dad. Ravi felt thrilled to see Nugget’s panic attacks fading into the past. But little does he know, trouble is about to come knocking at his door. How long will it take Mark to find out who the real informant is? Julie grew upset when she found out what Phil planned for Nigel (Credit: BBC) The drama continues tomorrow As Vicki adjusts to having her little brother around, Joel’s upcoming trial weighs on them. She opens up to Zack about how much she’s dreading the trial, so he invites her round to his flat while he practises some new recipes for The Vic. Vicki is grateful for the distraction and Zack’s kindness – but are they just friends? Or is that spark still there between them? What else happened in EastEnders tonight? While Mark roped Phil into his plan to help clear his name, Elaine had her heart broken by George. Also, Jasmine found a way to get out of Walford - fast. George dropped a bombshell on Elaine When George asked her out for a drink, Elaine started to wonder if he might want to get back together. After some encouragement from Bea, Elaine was looking forward to meeting up with her ex. However, her hopes were crushed when he revealed that the reason he wanted to meet was to tell her he is having a baby with Nicola. As Elaine struggled to put on a brave face, Ian tried to offer his support, only for him to have his head bitten off. Jamsine planned her escape Adamant that she needed to get out of Walford as soon as possible, Jasmine met up with Patrick. Taking advantage of his vulnerable state, she asked him for some money to go on a 'holiday', which he gladly agreed to. Jasmine couldn't wait to tell Oscar the good news. However, her excitement was soon dashed when he said he couldn't take money from an elderly man. But that wasn't the only problem Jasmine had to contend with. Max also found out from Jack that she had lied about giving a statement to the police. Using this to his advantage, he told Jasmine to stay away from Oscar, otherwise he would go straight to Kat and tell her the truth. Will his plan work? Read more: Are Mark and Zack actors related? EastEnders fans spot a surprising resemblance Share Good to Know Share By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 Previous Story Next Story
