Upcoming EastEnders spoilers: Denise is diagnosed with cancer, Bea makes a sickening revenge plan, and Penny plays a dangerous game

Here's what's coming up on EastEnders
Claire Crick

That was quite a week in EastEnders spoilers, wasn’t it?! And the drama is going to keep on coming as show boss Ben Wadey keeps on bringing the good stuff.

In last week’s episodes, Julie found a letter from Nigel as she cleared out his room at the care home, killer Eddie Knight manipulated Nicola, and Ian won the council election and celebrated by kissing Elaine!

There’s even more drama ahead in spoilers for May 11 – 14 as Bea’s lies finally catch up with her, Patrick returns to Walford, and Grant makes a huge mistake with Mark, causing a massive family divide.

Read on for our pick of the best upcoming spoilers for EastEnders.

Joel in the court meeting room
Joel is coming back to Walford! (Credit: BBC)

1. Joel causes drama for Ross and Vicki

Vicki was thrown when Joel’s sentencing was brought forward, and she was forced to face her trauma all over again. As Ross and Vicki discussed the fact that Joel could be back on the Square before Christmas. Little did she know, her fear was about to become reality.

It has been confirmed that Max Murray, who plays the troubled teen, is reprising his role as Joel and has already begun filming. He is due to appear on screen in the coming weeks – but where does this leave Ross, Vicki and their wedding plans? Is Joel going to return as a reformed character? Or is Vicki’s nightmare only just beginning?

Denise at the doctor
Denise gets diagnosed with a type of blood cancer (Credit: BBC)

2. Denise is diagnosed with a form of blood cancer

After weeks of complaining that she has been feeling under the weather and tired, Denise finally went to her GP. But while she was told it is likely that she has an iron deficiency, she also had a blood test to make sure.

It soon turns out Sam was right to be worried, as there is something seriously wrong with Denise. In the coming weeks, she will be diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a form of blood cancer.

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The storyline, which will play out across the rest of the year, will follow Denise in the wake of her diagnosis, exploring its impact on her and her loved ones in the months that follow.

EastEnders has been working closely with Blood Cancer UK to ensure the story is portrayed as accurately and sensitively as possible.

Executive Producer, Ben Wadey, said: “It was vital to us that Denise’s storyline is portrayed with sensitivity and care. We’re grateful to Blood Cancer UK for their advice in helping us tell this story accurately. As viewers follow Denise, we hope to shine a light on the realities and challenges of an acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosis and the impact it has on the person affected and those around them.”

Oscar and Josh flirt in The Albert
Josh and Oscar have hit it off (Credit: BBC)

3. Marriage for Oscar and Josh?

Jasmine’s twin brother, Josh, has already spent the night with Oscar, not knowing he was his twin’s boyfriend. But despite the pair agreeing to be friends, sparks are still flying.

Fans were thrilled to see that their prediction that the pair would get together had proven to be correct. But they also think this could be a long-term romance, which could even turn into marriage, even though Jasmine and Oscar are currently an item.

Fans spotted in the flashforward episode that Oscar being with a Trueman was mentioned… but they think this reference was to Josh now that he is living with the Truemans, and not Jasmine. Could they be right?

Bea looking guilty in EastEnders spoilers
Bea is forced to confess what she has been doing (Credit: BBC)

4. Bea lies are exposed in EastEnders spoilers

After months of muscling in on Honey’s life before moving on to an oblivious Ian Beale, Bea’s lies are finally about to be exposed. Soon she will be forced to confess what she has been doing when Ian works out that she paid for votes in the council election using a fraudulent credit card in Honey’s name.

Meanwhile, Hiney has been suspicious that someone has stolen her identity as credit card bills keep coming through the post. Bea will be forced to confess, but as she takes revenge on those around her, someone’s life will be left in huge danger. But who is it?

Penny looking sad as she looks at a baby scan in in EastEnders spoilers
Penny discovers Vinny might not be the father of her baby (Credit: BBC)

5. Penny plays with fire in EastEnders spoilers

Parents-to-be Penny and Vinny are loved-up at the moment, but fans have guessed there could be heartache on the way.

Viewers think that baby Ethan in the EastEnders New Year flashforward could be Penny’s son. But if that’s Penny’s child, why is Jack caring for him and not her? Fans are worried this could mean Penny either dies in childbirth or there is an accident on the cards… but only time will tell if their theory is correct.

We recently saw Penny fake a DNA test that showed Vinny is the father of her baby. Nicola might have bought her lies for now, but something tells us this lie is going to come back and haunt Penny when she least expects it.

Julie looking sad in EastEnders spoilers
Julie was shocked to find a letter in Nigel’s belongings (Credit: BBC)

6. Nigel’s message from beyond the grave in EastEnders spoilers

Poor Nigel lost his battle with dementia and sadly passed away at the end of April. There wasn’t a dry eye in Walford when it happened, and he has left a huge hole in Albert Square now he has gone. But as Julie and Phil try to adjust to life without Nigel in it, they’re in for a shock when Julie finds a letter addressed to her and written by her late husband.

So far, Julie has lied to Phil that she has read the letter, but we know it remains unopened. But what does it say, and how will it change things for Julie going forward?

Max Branning in a promotional image
A special flash-forward episode revealed what the future has in store for Max (Credit: BBC)

7. It’s the year of Max Branning

EastEnders made history with a whole episode dedicated to Max Branning’s future. Set on January 1, 2027, this explosive flashforward revealed that a tumultuous year is on the cards for Max – not least his impending wedding to a mystery woman.

But who’s Max marrying? And what of the pregnant woman in his bed? Who’s the gunman threatening Oscar and Lauren? And does the baby in Jack’s care belong to Penny?

So many questions! Thankfully, EastEnders promises to answer them all before the year is out. One thing’s for sure – fans won’t want to miss a moment of it!

Libby and Patrick in EastEnders
Libby’s coming back to EastEnders! (Credit: BBC)

8. Libby returns in EastEnders spoilers

Among the revelations of Max Branning’s flashforward episode was the news that Libby Fox will be returning to Albert Square! Denise’s booksmart daughter left Walford in 2010, and hasn’t been seen since.

Viewers won’t have to wait much longer for her return, though – as Max’s flashforward revealed that she’ll be back before the year is out!

But what brings Libby back to Walford?

Lauren and Mark having a cosy chat in EastEnders spoilers
Lauren has a big year ahead of her (Credit: BBC)

9. Lauren cheats on Peter?

Lauren was seen texting someone to come and meet her in the New Year flashforward… but who was it? And does this mean she is having an affair?

We recently saw Mark Jr flirting with Lauren as he test-drove a car. But was that a simple red herring? Or could it mean something more?

Fans are convinced that Lauren has got a huge year ahead of her in the lead-up to Christmas. Initially, they thought Mark and Lauren would have a fling, but spoilers have revealed the pair going into business together… so could their flashforward link be more business than pleasure?  

As Mark manipulated Lauren into selling luxury motors at the car lot, things didn’t go to plan when she unearthed his dodgy ways. But Mark can be very persuasive… will Lauren change her mind?

Honey Mitchell in EastEnders spoilers
Honey is facing more drama (Credit: BBC)

10. Honey’s health takes a worrying turn

As Bea gets her claws deeper into Honey… and now Ian Beale, it sounds like there is more drama on the horizon.

The BBC has announced that a new storyline is on the cards for Will Mitchell as part of the BBC’s Caring Matters week in May. The special week intends to shine a light on unpaid carers and will see Will attempt to juggle caring for his sister Janet whilst supporting his family as Honey recovers from an injury.

While the injury that Honey sustains is under wraps for now, it seems like Honey’s luck is going to go from bad to worse.

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns