EastEnders: Series 28
Season 28 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of EastEnders Season 27.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 28 Progress Shield
4348-4349
Jan 1, 2012 · 60 min
As residents of the Square gather round a bedridden Pat, which faces from her past and present will make an appearance, and what will they have to say? Janine reveals a big secret.
4350
Jan 2, 2012 · 30 min
It is a dark day in Walford, and the whole Square is in shock as they come to terms with the loss of one of their own. The Mitchells anxiously wait for news about Phil.
4351
Jan 3, 2012 · 30 min
Denise takes a stand against Phil with a very public campaign, but what will Phil say when he finds out? Ricky stumbles across a letter that could have dire consequences.
4352
Jan 5, 2012 · 30 min
Denise takes matters into her own hands, but how far is she prepared to go? It seems there is still a spark between Carol and David, but could another resident get in their way?
4353
Jan 6, 2012 · 30 min
Derek tries to rekindle an old feud by taunting David about Pat's death - before threatening to make him suffer as well. Syed pleads with Christian to give him another chance to pr
4354
Jan 9, 2012 · 30 min
Carol rediscovers what first attracted her to David, but their renewed romance runs into trouble when she considers asking Max to help pay the bill for Pat's funeral. Whitney decid
4355
Jan 10, 2012 · 30 min
David's attempt to persuade Derek to end their feud fails - so Michael offers to help get rid of their mutual enemy. Whitney meets Ray and discovers Bianca has been keeping a big s
4356
Jan 12, 2012 · 30 min
David contemplates fleeing Walford again after Michael's scheme to plant stolen goods in Derek's flat goes awry - but his decision leaves Carol with a huge dilemma. Mandy tells Ric
4357
Jan 13, 2012 · 30 min
Pat's relatives struggle to keep their emotions under control as the residents of Albert Square gather for her funeral. Kat and Jack pay an emotional visit to the grave where baby
4358
Jan 16, 2012 · 30 min
Bianca fears she cannot trust Ricky any more, and Carol insists she needs to end their relationship for good. Max and Tanya try to tackle Lauren's self-destructive behaviour, Lucy
4359
Jan 17, 2012 · 30 min
DCI Marsden brings back disturbing memories for Ben when she asks him about Phil's behaviour in the moments before Stella died. Jane gets an unexpected job opportunity when her for
4360
Jan 19, 2012 · 30 min
Ben is filled with pride after Phil compliments his work on the demolition derby car - but his hatred soon resurfaces following a humiliating incident in the Square. Bianca angrily
4361
Jan 20, 2012 · 30 min
Zainab tries to save Tamwar's marriage, searching for a way to break his silence, and urging Afia to make amends with him. Whitney criticises Liam for not doing enough to help his
4362
Jan 23, 2012 · 30 min
Ben is delighted with himself following Phil's arrest, but starts to panic when confronted by his family, and pretends he did not tell the police anything. Tanya and Max struggle t
4363
Jan 24, 2012 · 30 min
Derek tries to take advantage of the discord among the Mitchells, and his poisonous words leave Shirley, Jay and Ben feeling increasingly distant from each other. He also sneaks in
4364
Jan 26, 2012 · 30 min
Jane worries about the effect her departure will have on her family and friends - and begins to have second thoughts about leaving Walford. However, Tanya still refuses to make ame
4366
Jan 30, 2012 · 30 min
Anthony panics as he realises he and Tyler do not have the money they owe Derek. However, his plan to make up the shortfall runs into trouble once Amira gets involved. Tyler throws
4367
Jan 31, 2012 · 30 min
Derek forces Anthony and Tyler to help him steal copper cable after they fail to meet his deadline, and a guilt-ridden Patrick reluctantly agrees to help. However, when Michael dis
4368
Feb 2, 2012 · 30 min
A furious Derek doubles the amount Tyler and Anthony owe him - but Michael refuses to let Janine pay off their debt. Shirley tries taking a gentler approach with Ben, hoping he wil
4369
Feb 3, 2012 · 30 min
Shirley tries to persuade Ben to visit Phil in prison, but he dismisses the idea - until Derek offers him some advice. Mandy is irritated when Ian decides to spend time with Lucy,
4370
Feb 6, 2012 · 30 min
Roxy criticises Jack after Amy hurts herself playing on the swings, and a bitter argument ensues between the former lovers, with each accusing the other of being an unfit parent. M
4371
Feb 7, 2012 · 30 min
Michael spots Roxy and Jack together at the cafe, and worries they may be about to resolve their differences - until he makes a discovery at the gym that could drive them apart for
4372
Feb 9, 2012 · 30 min
The Mitchells and Brannings prepare for the custody hearing - but Jack is appalled when Roxy's lawyer tries to attack his character by bringing up unsavoury incidents from his past
4373
Feb 10, 2012 · 30 min
The outcome of Roxy and Jack's custody hearing is revealed - but while one family is overjoyed at the news, another is left heartbroken. Bianca is forced to ask Ray for help as her
4374
Feb 13, 2012 · 30 min
Heather tells Andrew she is planning to have a night out with Shirley, but is shocked by his angry reaction. Tanya and Max both worry about how her illness has changed their relati
4375
Feb 14, 2012 · 30 min
Alfie confronts Derek after discovering he has been storing stolen goods at the Vic - but is stunned when the ex-convict asks him to take part in a new scam. Whitney feels suffocat
4376
Feb 16, 2012 · 30 min
Whitney dismisses Tyler's attempts to make amends - but is left speechless when he kisses her. Andrew softens toward Heather after she makes a moving speech at the launderette, whi
4377
Feb 17, 2012 · 30 min
Shirley's attempt to defuse the tension between herself and Andrew backfires, leaving Heather feeling torn between her best friend and her fiance. Tamwar finally summons the courag
4378
Feb 20, 2012 · 30 min
Derek is left feeling humiliated following an argument with Roxy - and as his anger grows, he starts to plot her downfall. Whitney tries to make amends with a heartbroken Fat Boy,
4379
Feb 21, 2012 · 30 min
Jack discovers a more vulnerable side to Derek when his elder brother reveals a sorrowful secret. Meanwhile, Roxy plans to intercept one of Derek's contraband alcohol shipments, bu
4380
Feb 23, 2012 · 30 min
Derek instructs Andy, the hitman he has hired, to intimidate Roxy without hurting her - but when he discovers what happened to his alcohol shipment, his plans become far more extre
4381
Feb 24, 2012 · 30 min
Jack violently confronts Derek after discovering his plot to exact revenge on Roxy - but his brother refuses to apologise for his actions. Max and Tanya argue about the future of t
4382
Feb 27, 2012 · 30 min
Max struggles to fight his attraction to Roxy when he takes part in a poker game at Alfie's. He is joined at the table by his brothers - and while Derek sets about intimidating the
4383
Feb 28, 2012 · 30 min
Lucy digs deeper into Mandy's suspicious behaviour and enlists Lauren's help to find evidence that will prove she only wants Ian's money. Cora clashes with Janine about the mess le
4384
Mar 1, 2012 · 30 min
Michael grows frustrated with Janine's lax attitude during a pregnancy class and angrily accuses her of forcing him out of their baby's life. Lucy is shocked when she discovers who
4385
Mar 2, 2012 · 30 min
Janine fears she has driven Michael away for good, but is distracted from her worries by news of a meeting with a potential business partner. However, she discovers Michael waiting
4386
Mar 5, 2012 · 30 min
An increasingly bitter and resentful Lauren drinks herself into a stupor on a night out, and ends the evening lying in a gutter. Her friends retrieve her and take her to safety - b
4387
Mar 6, 2012 · 30 min
Zainab accidentally offends Kim and Denise, but faces a bigger problem when Fat Boy discovers a note suggesting Tamwar is about to leave Afia - and Walford - for good. She races to
4388
Mar 8, 2012 · 30 min
Zainab tries to reveal what happened on the night of the fire - but Afia is in an unforgiving mood and forces her to look at Tamwar's scars. Distraught, Zainab fears she has ruined
4389
Mar 9, 2012 · 30 min
Mandy confronts Lorraine after discovering she has started drinking again, but her mother viciously belittles her. Ian then arrives and, sensing the tension, suggests a family meal
4390
Mar 12, 2012 · 30 min
Shirley discovers how much Phil is suffering in prison, and visits Ian to ask him to speak to Ben. However, he turns her away - but she reacts by smashing her way into his house, a
4391
Mar 13, 2012 · 30 min
Tanya fears the worst as she awaits the results of her scan, while Max struggles to keep his composure - forcing Cora to intervene. Ian tries to make Ben see sense by taking him to
4392
Mar 15, 2012 · 30 min
The Brannings discover the results of Tanya's scan, and Lauren tries to help her think positively about the future - while Derek feels shut out by his brothers. Andrew admits his d
4393
Mar 16, 2012 · 30 min
Heather feels uneasy as she goes on her hen night, and Shirley urges her not to marry Andrew. Things get more awkward at R&R when Rose accuses the bride-to-be of stealing her son,
4394
Mar 19, 2012 · 30 min
Heather is heartbroken when Shirley refuses to forgive her - and after discovering Rose has ruined her wedding dress, she decides to get away from the stresses of the Square and el
4395
Mar 20, 2012 · 30 min
Phil furiously confronts a terrified Ben, determined to make him pay for lying to the police - but is faced with a terrible dilemma when he realises his son could be in serious tro
4396
Mar 21, 2012 · 30 min
A distraught Shirley returns from Heather's flat with George in her arms - giving Phil, Ben and Jay the excuse they need to visit the crime scene. However, the police soon arrive t
4397
Mar 22, 2012 · 30 min
Police officers question Ben and Jay separately, and Phil hopes their alibis will hold up - but as the evening unfolds, DS Crisp and his officers identify their chief suspect. Mean
4398
Mar 26, 2012 · 30 min
The Mitchells' home life becomes increasingly fractured, as a grief-stricken Shirley cannot stand to be around Ben, while Phil despairs about what kind of person his son has turned
4399
Mar 27, 2012 · 30 min
Jay struggles to cope with his guilty conscience when George comes to stay with the Mitchells. He leaves the house in an attempt to clear his head - but receives a chilling reminde
4400
Mar 29, 2012 · 30 min
Jay summons the courage to talk to the police. Lauren realises her 18th birthday might not be a happy one, when she discovers Whitney cannot afford a big night out. Alfie considers
4401
Mar 30, 2012 · 30 min
Jean throws an 1980s-themed night at the Vic to pay tribute to Heather - but Shirley is disgusted, and accuses everyone of mocking her friend's memory. Tanya tries to cheer Lauren
4402
Apr 2, 2012 · 30 min
Ian tracks Mandy down and begs her to return home by offering back her engagement ring.
4403
Apr 3, 2012 · 30 min
A poker game between the males of Albert Square separates the men from the boys.
4404
Apr 5, 2012 · 30 min
Alfie fights back after becoming embroiled in another of Derek's dodgy deals.
4405
Apr 6, 2012 · 30 min
Dot's conviction about Andrew's guilt wavers after his declaration of love for Heather.
4437
Jun 1, 2012 · 30 min
Jean panics when Roxy begins to question the missing money from the Vic accounts, and asks Michael for her investment back. Denise is left unimpressed by Kim's efforts at the B&B's
4438
Jun 5, 2012 · 30 min
Jean is horrified to discover from Jack that the gym's investment scheme does not exist and, with the Vic low on stock, Roxy soon becomes suspicious. Michael and Janine return to t
4439-4440
Jun 6, 2012 · 60 min
Michael is forced to go to extreme lengths to discredit Jean - but will his devious plan pay off? A suspicious Roxy decides to break into the boxing gym to uncover the truth about
4441
Jun 7, 2012 · 30 min
Tamwar and Afia are forced to confront the problems in their marriage, but do they have the strength to overcome them? Derek offers to help Lucy with supplies for the cafe, but her
4442
Jun 8, 2012 · 30 min
A newly-returned Kat reasserts her authority by kicking Roxy out of the Vic and vowing to uncover the reason for Jean's meltdown. A fearful Michael keeps his distance when he disco
4443
Jun 12, 2012 · 30 min
A heated argument leads to the spark being reignited in Max and Tanya's relationship.
4444
Jun 14, 2012 · 30 min
Tanya reveals she’s accepted Abi’s Eco-scholarship place. Abi refuses to go and wants the summer with Jay. Tanya spots Abi crying after arguing with Jay. Assuming Abi’s told Jay ab
4446-4447
Jun 20, 2012 · 60 min
A marquee’s been erected in the Square for Janine and Michael’s wedding. Kat panics when Tommy disappears, but Jean’s just taken him for a walk. Eddie’s wedding invitation is retur
4448-4449
Jun 22, 2012 · 60 min
Wedding bells are ringing for Michael and the heavily pregnant Janine as their big day dawns, but will everything run smoothly for the wickedest couple in Walford? A desperate Jay
4451
Jun 26, 2012 · 30 min
Janine panics when things take a turn for the worse at the hospital, while Jean offers some words of comfort to a guilty Michael. An angry Lola lashes out when Lucy fires her, whil
4452
Jun 29, 2012 · 30 min
Kat is stunned when Jean suddenly starts defending Michael.
4455
Jul 4, 2012 · 30 min
Kat enjoys some flirty banter with Derek, Jack, Max, Michael and Ray.
4456
Jul 5, 2012 · 30 min
Kat hopes to put yesterday's events behind her - but it won't be so simple.
4457
Jul 6, 2012 · 30 min
Shirley finds herself in a dangerous position - who will rescue her?
4460
Jul 12, 2012 · 30 min
Jay's next move could affect his life forever - what will he do?
4464
Jul 19, 2012 · 30 min
Kat takes her affair a step further as she remains unsatisfied with Alfie.
4465 (1)
Jul 23, 2012 · 30 min
The Olympic torch arrives in Walford - will the day go according to plan?
4467
Jul 24, 2012 · 30 min
Derek is livid to find out that he is a pawn in Joey's scam.
4468
Jul 25, 2012 · 30 min
Tanya realises that Cora has been hiding something for many years.
4469
Jul 30, 2012 · 30 min
Cora refuses to elaborate on her shocking revelation to Tanya.
4470
Jul 31, 2012 · 30 min
Lucy Beale's struggle to cope without her dad, meanwhile, reaches a head.
4471
Aug 2, 2012 · 30 min
Tanya and Max aren't convinced by Lauren's sighting, however.
4506
Oct 1, 2012 · 30 min
Phil's determined to put the Vic back on the map, but his moment in the limelight does not go to plan - especially when the party is interrupted by a surprise arrival. When the Bra
4507
Oct 2, 2012 · 30 min
Kat and Alfie return from their time away, but will their splintered relationship survive a return to normality? When a face from Lola's past turns up on the Square, she is tempted
4508
Oct 4, 2012 · 30 min
Resigned, Alfie scans adverts for a new pub lease. Kat appeals to Phil to let them stay and pawns a ring to pay their rent plus £100 compensation. Phil accepts the money but still
4509
Oct 5, 2012 · 30 min
Lola is ecstatic to finally get her tag off, but her happiness is short-lived when she is forced to confront her worst nightmare. A broken Michael makes a shocking decision about S
4510
Oct 8, 2012 · 30 min
Galvanised by Cora's tough love, Lola is determined to win Lexi back and enlists Billy's help. After Alice's make-over ends in disaster, Derek is determined to make Tanya pay. Syed
4511
Oct 9, 2012 · 30 min
Lola, distraught at losing Lexi, lashes out at those closest to her. Abi's 16th birthday doesn't go as planned when Derek makes a shocking announcement. Under pressure, Syed desper
4512
Oct 11, 2012 · 30 min
Sharon's secret is out, and she struggles to keep her old demons at bay. As Derek continues his vendetta against Tanya, Alice is forced to reveal some home truths; will he see the
4513
Oct 12, 2012 · 30 min
Can Sharon face telling Dennis the truth about his father? Worried for Lola, Billy swallows his pride and seeks help from Phil. Syed feels the pressure mounting from both his debts
4514
Oct 15, 2012 · 30 min
It is the day of Christian and Syed's stag do. Christian is looking forward to it, but Syed's mind is on other things. During the celebrations, someone catches Fat Boy's eye, and h
4515
Oct 16, 2012 · 30 min
On the day of their civil partnership ceremony, Syed finally owns up to Christian about the mess he has got the family into. But is he ready to reveal all his secrets? Fat Boy cann
4516
Oct 18, 2012 · 30 min
The Masoods realise the full extent of their financial problems, and Masood desperately tries to get to the bottom of what has happened before it is too late. Fat Boy plucks up the
4517
Oct 19, 2012 · 30 min
Masood and Zainab's relationship is pushed to breaking point as the truth about Syed's deceit emerges. Will they be able to salvage their relationship and business? Meanwhile, Fat
4518
Oct 22, 2012 · 30 min
The Masoods adjust to life without Zainab. Will AJ be able to stop fooling around and pitch in with the rest of the family? Billy worries that Lola does not fully understand what P
4519
Oct 23, 2012 · 30 min
Phil, worried about his residency case, tries to dodge immigration officers. An old friend comes to Phil's rescue, giving him an idea that stuns Sharon. Preoccupied with their fina
4520
Oct 25, 2012 · 30 min
Phil receives news about Ben's sentencing, and makes an impulsive decision that panics Lola. Cora is terrified about what she will find when she enlists Jack's help to track Rainie
4521
Oct 26, 2012 · 30 min
With question marks over Lexi's residency case, is Ian Phil's last resort? Lauren, Whitney and Lucy decide that today's the day to make Joey pay, but can they hold their nerve?
4522
Oct 29, 2012 · 30 min
Carol arrives home to discover Derek's been up to his old tricks. Can Derek charm his way out of the hole he's in? Sharon is furious with Phil can he convince her to go along with
4523
Oct 30, 2012 · 30 min
Christian takes matters into his own hands when Danny arrives back on the Square. But Danny has a revelation that rocks Christian to the core. Annoyed about the measures Phil has g
4524
Nov 1, 2012 · 30 min
Lola's left devastated as her hopes for Lexi's return evaporate. Will anyone step up to help? Syed is worried about Christian when he refuses to go to the police. Can Syed get thro
4525
Nov 2, 2012 · 30 min
Syed is shocked to discover the truth about Christian's attack and does all he can to protect him. But with Danny determined to make him pay, is he too late? Carol tries to build b
4526
Nov 5, 2012 · 30 min
Masood, AJ and Tamwar pull together to give Bonfire Night a bit of sparkle, but there is one final firework that none of them were expecting. Lucy persuades Christian not to give u
4527
Nov 6, 2012 · 30 min
Lola and Billy wait anxiously to hear whether Phil and Sharon can convince Social Services that they are the perfect couple to foster Lexi. Syed's life with Christian and Yasmin is
4528
Nov 8, 2012 · 30 min
Zainab resolves to change her ways in an attempt to win back her family's trust, while Syed is left alone to make one of the toughest decisions of his life. Kim desperately tries t
4529
Nov 9, 2012 · 30 min
Kat pulls out all the stops to enjoy a romantic evening with Alfie, but is shocked when she makes an unexpected discovery on their return home. Syed has some heartbreaking news for
4530
Nov 12, 2012 · 30 min
Cora finally admits the shocking truth about her recent behaviour to a stunned Patrick.
4531
Nov 13, 2012 · 30 min
Stunned by Cora's revelation, Patrick tries his best to get her to open up - but things don't go to plan, leaving Cora's day to go from bad to worse. Thinking he's doing the best f
4532
Nov 15, 2012 · 30 min
Billy tries to make Alexa see sense and drop the case against Lola, but his attempts backfire leaving Lola worrying that he may have jeopardised her case. With neither Syed nor Chr
4533
Nov 19, 2012 · 30 min
Tanya spends the night searching for information about Ava after last week's bombshell, but how will Cora react to her meddling with her deepest secret? Lauren and Joey are drawn c
4534
Nov 20, 2012 · 30 min
Patrick reluctantly agrees to accompany Tanya to meet the sister she never knew she had - but will she live to regret digging up the past? Joey and Lauren struggle to deal with the
4535
Nov 22, 2012 · 30 min
Reeling from yesterday's events, Tanya plans to spend the day bonding with Cora - however, their afternoon takes an unexpected turn. Lauren and Alice are horrified when Derek and J
4536
Nov 23, 2012 · 30 min
Cora is forced to confront her demons and explain herself to Ava, but will she forgive her mother as they rake up the past? A terrified Tanya seeks out Max as the truth of her rece
4537
Nov 26, 2012 · 30 min
Derek races to Joey and Lauren's assistance after hearing about their accident from Alice. Meanwhile, a panicked Joey attempts to free Lauren from the wreckage as flames appear fro
4538
Nov 27, 2012 · 30 min
Tanya is determined to protect Lauren at whatever cost, but Derek forces her into an impossible situation. Bianca returns home after her release from prison and is determined to bu
4539
Nov 29, 2012 · 30 min
Alfie's big plan to save Christmas gathers support but Kat worries her lover has an ulterior motive for sending Alfie away. A desperate Lauren decides to come clean to the police a
4540
Nov 30, 2012 · 30 min
As Alfie leaves for Cologne, Kat's lover piles on the pressure for her to go to him - but can she resist? With Jay dreading his court hearing, Abi is determined to show him that sh
4541
Dec 3, 2012 · 30 min
Sharon supports Phil on the day of Ben's sentencing, and a familiar face returns.
4542
Dec 4, 2012 · 30 min
Shirley is determined to stop Phil from getting his way, but can Sharon, Jay and Lola convince her he is a changed man? Desperate to discover why Lauren is so upset, Abi is shocked
4543
Dec 6, 2012 · 30 min
Panicked by a sudden visit from Social Services, Phil is left wondering just who grassed him up. Alfie discovers more reasons not to trust Kat when he receives some conflicting inf
4544
Dec 7, 2012 · 30 min
Still desperately craving Joey's attention, Lauren is distraught when Joey makes a play for an old flame. Alfie feels guilty for not trusting Kat but he soon makes a shocking disco
4545
Dec 10, 2012 · 30 min
Still struggling to contain his suspicions about Kat following his shock discovery last week, Alfie decides to confront his fears head on. Phil and Sharon are thrown into a panic w
4546
Dec 11, 2012 · 30 min
It is Alfie's big night as he prepares to switch on Walford's Christmas lights. Yet with his paranoia about Kat escalating, he turns to Michael for advice - only for Michael to dro
4547
Dec 13, 2012 · 30 min
Lola and Phil brace themselves for their day in court as Lexi's fate hangs in the balance. When Derek lets slip Sharon's secret, the pressure mounts on Phil as he worries it could
4548
Dec 14, 2012 · 30 min
Convinced he now knows the truth about Kat, Alfie summons Michael to the Vic for a showdown with his cousin. Derek continues to throw his weight around about Tanya and Max's weddin
4549
Dec 17, 2012 · 30 min
Alfie is still plagued with doubts of Kat's infidelity and, in an attempt to push them aside, he pulls out all the stops to turn the Queen Vic and Albert Square into a Christmas ex
4550
Dec 18, 2012 · 30 min
After last night's shocking discovery, a heartbroken Alfie realises that there is only one option left for him. Max wonders if he should come clean to Tanya about his secret, but D
4551
Dec 20, 2012 · 30 min
Desperate for answers, Alfie finally pieces together Kat's web of lies and deceit.
4552
Dec 21, 2012 · 30 min
In a web of lies and betrayal, deep secrets begin to unravel. Alfie's world is torn asunder and, as the truth dramatically unfolds, his heart is ripped apart. With her feelings bot
4553
Dec 24, 2012 · 30 min
Max is livid when he hears the full extent of Derek's manipulation of Tanya, and sets to put his brother in his place. However, being the head of the family, Derek does not heed Ma
4554-4555
Dec 25, 2012 · 30 min
The Brannings pull out all the stops for a wonderful Christmas, but one member of the family sets out to do everything they can to destroy the day. As deep family secrets get expos
4556
Dec 26, 2012 · 30 min
News spreads around Walford of the eventful Branning Christmas, but can the family survive or will the recent events tear them apart forever? Kim wakes up ready to celebrate Christ
4557-4558
Dec 27, 2012 · 30 min
Tensions continue to run high in the Branning household following the Christmas bombshell, and Tanya demands answers. Lola gets excited about planning Lexi's christening, but when
4559
Dec 31, 2012 · 30 min
With the help of AJ's meddling, the Masoods' New Year's Eve party goes off with a bang and Ayesha is left worse for wear when she takes a liking to the fruit punch. Bianca is uneas