Unexpected Ian twist and Linda breakthrough as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next

Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) was left in tears and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) was on a mission as the credits rolled on yet another high-octane EastEnders.

Longtime Walford stalwart Ian, as viewers know, was devastated when he was sent to prison earlier in the year and, despite being released in the latest visit to the Square, the ordeal has taken its toll on him.

The businessman struggled to adjust to life back in Walford and, after learning that Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) missed an inspection at the chippy, he saw red and punched him.

When he realised what he’d done, Ian apologised and headed back to No. 45, saying aloud that he cannot go back to prison. Mum Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) offered support as he sobbed in her arms.

Over at the B&B, Linda made it her mission to find out what Lee Carter (Danny Hatchard) is hiding about ex Jess, who he claims abandoned him and their unborn child – who sister Nancy (Maddy Hill) is carrying.

She made a plot to track Jess down, much to the chagrin of Lee – but will she get the answers she’s looking for? Elsewhere, Ryder Hawkins (Felix Uff) was shown the ropes of Harry’s Barn by Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), though Ned’s (Jamie Bamber) attitude towards the young lad raised her eyebrows.

For a first look at what tomorrow’s edition of the soap entails, here’s everything you need to know.

What happens next in EastEnders? New spoilers for Thursday, October 8

Ian pushes his loved ones away in the wake of what transpired and things go from bad to worse when he discovers that Beales Eels has been vandalised.

Ned, who showed an interest in Ian earlier this week, comes to the Walford legend’s aid, helping him clean off the graffiti and urging him to face the reality of what happened on the night of the accident.

Ian subsequently reaches out to Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) and later reconnects with Ned, thanking him for his support.

Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine), meanwhile, is left worried when Rose (Marian McLoughlin) and Jodie (Anna Constable) comment that Ethan doesn’t look like Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota).

Elsewhere, Nicola and Ryder continue to bond. Nicola, however, gets a shock when Ryder brings his date to Harry’s Barn. Afterwards, he asks to speak to Nicola alone. But just what does he want to say?

And as for Linda and Lee, the aftermath of their showdown will no doubt take centre stage.

Will Lee be able to talk Linda out of trying to track down Jess? Or will Linda persist and work out what really happened between her son and his ex?