EastEnders: Season 4
EastEnders Season 4 continues the overarching saga across 104 episodes, focusing on the everyday lives of the working-class residents of Albert Square, a traditional Victorian square of terrace houses. Created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland, the British television soap opera has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. The series explores drama, crime, and the personal experiences of its characters within the
Season 4 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- The series is a British television soap opera broadcast on BBC One since February 1985.
- It was created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland.
- The narrative is set in Albert Square, a traditional Victorian square of terrace houses.
- The show follows the everyday lives of the working-class residents living in the area.
Season overview
EastEnders Season 4 continues the overarching saga across 104 episodes, focusing on the everyday lives of the working-class residents of Albert Square, a traditional Victorian square of terrace houses. Created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland, the British television soap opera has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. The series explores drama, crime, and the personal experiences of its characters within the square, featuring cast members such as Adam Woodyatt, Steve McFadden, Jane Slaughter, and Letitia.
Episode Guide
Season 4 Progress Shield
304
Jan 5, 1988
Ethel says her goodbyes in Walford before she moves into sheltered housing. Sharon comes to Simon's rescue when he is left in the lurch at The Dagmar. Ian offers to cook Donna a me
305
Jan 7, 1988
Pat is summoned by Lou to discuss a family matter. Colin intends to act on some helpful advice and the Osmans seek an expert's opinion on their troublesome neighbour.
306
Jan 12, 1988
Colin is feeling low due to Barry moving out of the flat. Pauline is considering taking on a cleaning job at The Dagmar now Angie's not working there. Lofty is over the moon about
307
Jan 14, 1988
Lofty continues to tell people about Michelle's pregnancy, whilst Michelle phones the hospital. Barry considers moving into Ethel's old flat and Arthur is offered a job.
308
Jan 19, 1988
Sharon and Duncan talk about Angie. He reassures her, and tells her, that her mother's drinking is not her fault or responsibility. Arthur finds out from Darren that Michelle is pr
309
Jan 21, 1988
Michelle reaches a decision which stuns Lofty and her family and Arthur is confronted by the loan shark.
310
Jan 26, 1988
Arthur and Pauline struggle with Michelle. Lou receives another letter from Kenny. Lofty repaints the flat.
311
Jan 28, 1988
Pauline yet again sees Den chatting to Michelle. Den hires Frank to help out at the Queen Vic. An indoor fete at the community hall goes awry for Sue and Kathy. Lofty accepts Willm
312
Feb 2, 1988
Pete is being hounded by an unsatisfied customer, and he tells him to get lost. Rod is stitched up by Darren regarding a job he wants him to do. Dot seems to be being watched by a
313
Feb 4, 1988
Pete is nervous about his brother Kenny turning up after 23 years away. Dot gets worried when a man with a beard keeps hanging around Bridge Street Café. Rod tells him not to step
314
Feb 9, 1988
Kathy receives a worrying call on Samaritan duty and believes it is someone from the Square she may know. Pete is becoming moody about his brother Kenny coming to Walford from New
315
Feb 11, 1988
Ethel returns to the Square to see Dot, having heard about Kenny's visit. Den gets fed up of Darren dealing in his pub. Chris gets advice from Willmott-Brown about him potentially
316
Feb 16, 1988
Conversation about Kenny is rife among the Beale and Fowler family. Dot is excited to write an article for the local church newsletter. Barry invites Colin for a drink at the Vic b
317
Feb 18, 1988
Pat is in a foul mood the day after seeing Kenny. Ashraf and Sufia are pleased with Arthur's work at the shop. Elizabeth is impressed with Ian's cooking.
318
Feb 23, 1988
Sue worries about the baby as she has not felt it kick. Darren wants to join Ian and Barry in their disco business.
319
Feb 25, 1988
Kenny and Pete want answers from Pat as to who the father of Simon is. Sue is worried that her second baby may die another cot death. Carmel says that someone to have a second baby
320
Mar 1, 1988
It is Ian's 18th birthday and he receives an adult book from someone but he doesn't know who. Kenny and Pete start to get along well. Magda hounds Willmott-Brown for an answer abou
321
Mar 3, 1988
Den is in a happy mood and visits Angie in the hospital. They talk about looking for a pub in Richmond and she says she has a proposition for him, which she will explain later. Mag
322
Mar 8, 1988
Preparations are in full swing at the Vic for Angie's homecoming. Den is snappy, while Sharon is excited. Wicksy arrives to talk to Den and is sent packing.
323
Mar 10, 1988
Den tells Simon to get over Magda and move on with his life. Mary is angry with Rod. The Beales and Fowlers have a party before Kenny leaves.
324
Mar 15, 1988
Magda searches for Willmott-Brown, desperate to know if her offer on his house has been accepted. Pete misses Kenny now he is gone. Donna waits for a phone call from Simon. Pauline
325
Mar 17, 1988
Elizabeth's presence in the Beales' flat causes tension between Ian, Kathy and Pete. Sue refuses to sit around and wait for her baby. Donna tries to get Den's attention at the Vic
326
Mar 22, 1988
Wicksy arrives home from holiday and spends the day playing Magda and Donna off against each other. Elizabeth gives Ian the run-around. Darren's 'African Culture' evening is not al
327
Mar 24, 1988
Dot saves the day at the laundrette, and Den warns Pat that he's selling up. Sue busily cleans the flat, convinced the baby won't arrive until Saturday. She then goes into labour,
328
Mar 29, 1988
Ian bails Arthur out of a tight spot, whilst Frank discusses the tenancy of the Queen Vic with Mr Sparrow. It is the first day at the Dagmar for Kathy and Willmott-Brown celebrates
329
Mar 31, 1988
Den continues to get information on pubs to look at, and goes with Angie to see two in Epping Forest, but she seems less interested now. Angie tells Kathy how good her holiday in S
330
Apr 5, 1988
The presence of Elizabeth at the Beales' flat continues to cause problems. Frank and Pat learn that the brewery want a married to couple to own the Vic.
331
Apr 7, 1988
Ali and Sue learn that Alan has bought Number 43 off Willmott-Brown and is converting it into luxury flats. Sharon invites Duncan round for afternoon tea. Angie sees how Kathy is g
332
Apr 12, 1988
Donna continues to flirt with Ian, seeming to want to get at Simon. Kathy is not impressed with Donna, worrying she will hurt Ian. Dot helps Mary out at the launderette, leaving Et
333
Apr 14, 1988
Chris brings a JCB to the Square to renovate the old tyre site into his new business. Kathy acts differently following Donna's revelation, but refuses to tell Pete what is up. Arth
334
Apr 19, 1988
Kathy tells a shocked Pete that Donna is her long-lost daughter. Lofty confronts Michelle in the Square as he prepares to leave for his new job in Bedfordshire. He has a long conve
335
Apr 21, 1988
Residents complain about the party in the squat. Den starts a shady deal with the Firm. Sue is anxious about her baby. Tom has a heart attack and dies in the toilets of the Vic, le
336
Apr 26, 1988
Carmel is fed up with taking on everyone else's problems and wants some support herself. Dot is touched when she finds the late Tom's memento.
337
Apr 28, 1988
It's the day of Tom's funeral, and Dot is sad at the lack of a congregation that includes just her and Ian. Colin is feeling lonely, and finds some potential new friends, which goe
338
May 3, 1988
Angie talks to Duncan about Sharon. Pat hears something about her tenancy application for the Vic with Frank. Den overhears Angie on the phone to a mystery man and phones her frien
339
May 5, 1988
Carmel persuades Darren to take the children out for the night, so she can cook for her new date. Colin isn't sure he can face the trauma of reporting his assault to the police.
340
May 10, 1988
Angie and Pat make up for their recent digs at each other. Guizin wonders where Sue is when she does not show up for work. Junior is caught vandalising Turpin Road with paint.
341
May 12, 1988
Kathy is surprised by an expensive birthday present from Willmott-Brown. Sharon is surprised to find Angie up and early. Pat prepares for a visit from Frank's teenagers, Ricky and
342
May 17, 1988
Michelle and Sharon move into Number 43. Wicksy takes Mary out. Ian is still annoyed with Kathy for interfering with him and Donna - he's giving her the silent treatment. Carmel is
343
May 19, 1988
Sharon and Michelle have a house warming party. Some of Mary's friends bring some 'gear', but Rod grabs it away and tells her it's a mug's game. Ian is not speaking to Kathy after
344
May 24, 1988
Willmott-Brown is still making a nuisance of himself with Kathy, and Pete is getting jealous. Sharon seems depressed following Angie's sudden departure to Spain, so Den invites her
345
May 26, 1988
It's a busy day ahead for Chris as it's the day of the opening of his new haulage business. A depressed Mary asks Chris for some money. Unbeknownst to Chris, Mary needs the money t
346
May 31, 1988
Ian finds his loyalties split between family and friends over Donna's parentage. Charlie's return to Albert Square starts Dot planning.
347
Jun 2, 1988
Den advises Frank on how to treat his customers. Darren has his ear to the ground for business openings. Lou puts her oar in again to fix a problem for grandson Ian.
348
Jun 7, 1988
Willmott Brown shows too much interest in a certain rival business. Kathy meets up with Donna's adoptive parents. Wicksy goes for a ride on Cindy's motorbike, making Donna jealous.
349
Jun 9, 1988
With Doctor Legg on his case, Ian has to decide where he is going to live. Colin asks for Richard's opinion on his latest work project. Wicksy's girlfriends Donna and Cindy meet he
350
Jun 14, 1988
Ali continues to find it difficult running the café without Sue, who is staying at home with baby Ali. Frank and Pat return from their management course in Brighton and prepare for
351
Jun 16, 1988
Pauline kicks Ian out from the house when his disco set makes too much noise. Brad brings Joanne Francis, the wine bar's new manager, to the Vic to meet Den. He also gives Den more
352
Jun 21, 1988
Wicksy asks Cindy to Den's opening night at the wine bar. Willmott-Brown is troubled that he can no longer get credit from his suppliers. Den takes Joanne to the Dagmar.
353
Jun 23, 1988
Den and Joanne prepare to open their new-look wine bar with a champagne supper, while Pat and Frank celebrate taking over the tenancy of the Queen Vic.
354
Jun 28, 1988
Detective West arrives at the Vic and questions Frank about money laundered during Den's tenancy. Lou is unwell and there is friction between Kathy and Ian, who is living at the Fo
355
Jun 30, 1988
Pete is put out by Kathy working two jobs. Pat continues to have problems adjusting to life with Ricky and Diane. Carmel holds her youth disco in aid of the Community Centre Fund
356
Jul 5, 1988
Michelle looks forward to her first day as a receptionist at the new-look surgery. Sue and Guizin join forces against their husbands. Pat has something to tell Ricky and Diane
357
Jul 7, 1988
Lou is off to the seaside, but does not leave in a very good mood. Pete and Kathy are still having problems. Wicksy celebrates his birthday with a party in Pete and Kathy's flat bu
358
Jul 12, 1988
Simon's birthday party continues. Michelle supports Kathy. Den seeks out revenge on Willmott-Brown.
359
Jul 14, 1988
Kathy goes through an ordeal. Simon is mortified to find out what happened on the night of his birthday. Willmott-Brown returns to the Dagmar to find it burnt down.
360
Jul 19, 1988
Willmott-Brown is interviewed by DI Gray about raping Kathy and is later arrested and charged. Donna hears about Kathy's ordeal and visits her. The news starts to spread around the
361
Jul 21, 1988
Barry tells Colin he's got a new job on a cruise ship via his new friend Trevor, who's swung it so Barry can run the disco. He's just sold his record stall to Rod and is leaving Wa
362
Jul 26, 1988
Lou continues doing her rounds around the Square, telling certain people a few home truths. Pat confides in Donna about maternity and parenting issues. Colin and Barry enjoy themse
363
Jul 28, 1988
It’s a sad day in Albert Square when Pauline discovers a deceased Lou in her bed, after the matriarch died peacefully in her sleep.
364
Aug 2, 1988
The police are on patrol around the Square. The passing of Lou takes a toll on Pat. Frank discusses visiting his mother. Colin’s been up all night with physical pains.
365
Aug 4, 1988
Dot's on the warpath to get some antibiotics that will wheel her away from her smoking addiction. Carmel has managed to pay off some of Darren's debts, and Brad gives Rod a job - t
366
Aug 9, 1988
The Firm give Den an ultimatum, but Den has thought of a compromise. Kathy books herself a doctor's appointment with Doctor Legg.
367
Aug 11, 1988
Roly goes missing. Guizin has her eye on a resident, keen to hire them to work at the café. Brad meets with Mantel to discuss Den. Donna angrily confronts Simon in the Square about
368
Aug 16, 1988
Police swarm the Square and search Den's room in the B&B. Pete thinks Ian is being taken for a fool being given commission by Guizin whilst working at the café. Simon tries to get
369
Aug 18, 1988
The day arrives for Simon to return to work at the Vic and Ian to start work at the café. DS West questions Pete over Den's whereabouts. Pauline gets angry with Dot for her lack of
370
Aug 23, 1988
Pauline is nervous about her first shift at the Vic. Sue wants change at the playground. Rod receives an eviction notice from the council for living in Mary's flat.
371
Aug 25, 1988
The Beales and Fowlers are in for a day of shocks and surprises, but Pauline once again pulls the family together. Doctor Legg and Ethel welcome an old friend. Dot is devastated to
372
Aug 30, 1988
Donna asks a favour of Michelle and Sharon. Ricky lands a job. Frank receives a letter from his mum Mo. Ashraf worries about Shireen. Sharon pays Joanne a visit.
373
Sep 1, 1988
Frank prepares for his mother's arrival and her reaction to Pat. Donna gets on Michelle and Sharon's nerves. Den tells Christine he won't be pushed around. Rod gets evicted from sq
374
Sep 6, 1988
Sharon and Michelle are at odds, due to Donna's mischief-making. Mo is upsetting everyone at the Vic. Ian lands an important catering order. Pete is meant to be on a diet, so when
375
Sep 8, 1988
Den is alone in the hideaway, but there are heavies outside. Sharon and Michelle plan to get rid of Donna, and Mo plots to stay at the Vic.
376
Sep 13, 1988
It's charity music hall night at the Vic with Big Ron first up on stage to play the spoons. Den is returned to Walford in police custody and interviewed by Detective West. Wicksy t
377
Sep 15, 1988
Pat visits Den in prison. Den wants to write Sharon a letter, but doesn't know what to say. Carmel, Matthew, Junior, and Aisha all spend the day at London Zoo. Matthew subsequently
378
Sep 20, 1988
Matthew moves into the Square. Colin is anxious about his latest test results. Dot rallies friends for a new venture. David confronts Doctor Legg about Colin's health and reveals h
379
Sep 22, 1988
Colin again asks Doctor Legg about his test results, who falsely assures him everything is fine. Michelle misses the surgery. Dot is not above a little blackmail. Kathy is at a low
380
Sep 27, 1988
Pete receives advice from Doctor Samuels about Kathy. Ian is worried about Donna. Den is given a warning by Johnny. Mo arrives in the Square with unpleasant news for Pat - she is m
381
Sep 29, 1988
Benny prepares for his first date with Ethel. DS West visits Den at the prison. Kathy goes to court.
382
Oct 4, 1988
Pauline grows tired of Ian and Simon's careless ways of living. The day of Den's bail hearing arrives. Cindy and Ian continue to grow closer.
383
Oct 6, 1988
Cindy helps Ian out with another catering contract. Guido meets Colin for a meal at the Wine Bar. Sharon talks to Pat after visiting Den.
384
Oct 11, 1988
Donna tries to wheedle a favour from Ian. Wicksy wakes up to the fact that Cindy is spending a lot of time with Ian. Sharon and Michelle approach Ali for some work at the café. Ian
385
Oct 13, 1988
Frank decides to have a fatherly talk with Ricky. Mantel and Brad look after the preparations for the evening's entertainment in the wine bar. Dot continues her obsessive interest
386
Oct 18, 1988
Pauline awakens Ian and Simon and has harsh words with the pair of them. Donna steals a loaf of bread from the shop whilst Sohail is not looking. Mo continues to irritate Pat.
387
Oct 20, 1988
Brad falls foul of Mantel. Pauline has some good advice for Donna. Sharon and Michelle have a double date. Ian asks the girls to do some waitressing for him. Colin meets Guido at t
388
Oct 25, 1988
Mr. Sparrow ups his party guest list and Frank begins to think that he will not be able to cope with the pressure. Den receives another visit from D.S. West. Joanne tells Cindy tha
389
Oct 27, 1988
Sharon has an unnerving encounter with D.S. West. Doctor Samuels gives confidential advice on separate matters to Matthew and Duncan. Carmel is organising a girls-only volleyball m
390
Nov 1, 1988
Kathy and Pete return from their 'second honeymoon'. Ian and Simon continue to leave Number 45 in a mess. Johnny continues to disbelieve Den over him not grassing the Firm up to DS
391
Nov 3, 1988
Pat tries to resist throttling Mo. Cindy helps Colin make a decision about Guido. Pete confides in Arthur about his problems. Den's troubles cause Barnsey to lose his temper.
392
Nov 8, 1988
Ian and Wicksy plan to get Pauline and Arthur off their backs. Dot hits the headlines. Mo helps out at the Vic. Den and Barnsey anger the Firm.
393
Nov 10, 1988
Guizin and Mehmet search for a new cab driver. A badly beaten Den is placed into a solitary cell. Mo continues to put her mark on the Vic. Pauline talks to Arthur about a letter Ke
394
Nov 15, 1988
Matthew leaves Carmel speechless with his knowledge quiz presented by solution to her quandary. Diane agrees to help Ricky out - for a price. Cindy and Colin keep Wicksy and Guido
395
Nov 17, 1988
Sharon and Michelle are worried that their hours at the café are going to be cut. Michelle and Arthur continue to argue, despite their best efforts. Donna leaves the café with a st
396
Nov 22, 1988
Arthur tells Pauline that Michelle is going to be spending Christmas with Sharon. Wicksy tries his hand at selling dodgy goods. D.S. West continues his investigation into Den.
397
Nov 24, 1988
Arthur, Ian, and Wicksy continue to decorate the house. Kathy receives a letter from Willmott-Brown, and turns to Michelle for advice. Matthew and Carmel celebrate their engagement
398
Nov 29, 1988
Donna reappears and wants a talk with Rod and Ian. Carmel and Matthew are at odds. Ricky meets Shireen. Kathy invites Michelle and Sharon round. There's more trouble at Dicken's Hi
399
Dec 1, 1988
Ian lends money to Ali, at a hefty interest rate. Shireen and her father come to blows about her future and her arranged marriage. D.I. Ashley introduces himself around the Square.
400
Dec 6, 1988
Pat tells Wicksy to stop selling his dodgy CDs. Ian lends Ali and Mehmet more money - again at a premium. Rod attempts to talk to Donna about her drug problems.
401
Dec 8, 1988
Kathy is disgusted to receive Christmas post from Willmott-Brown. Dot eagerly awaits a Christmas card from Nick. Pauline is in full swing with Christmas preparations and asks Ian t
402
Dec 13, 1988
D.I. Ashley maintains his pressure on the Firm. Ashraf takes Shireen to see Doctor Legg and continues to prepare for her arranged marriage. Pete continues to drink more than usual,
403
Dec 15, 1988
Joanne decides she wants to pay Den a visit in the prison. Doctor Legg and Pauline get the surgery staff room ready for the Christmas party.
404
Dec 20, 1988
Ian offers Ali and Mehmet a solution to their money problems. Pat and Frank plan their first Christmas at the Vic. Sharon questions Michelle about her tryst with David.
405
Dec 22, 1988
Nick repulses Barnsey with his eating habits. Pat and Simon both remember Lou with the keepsakes she gave them. Pete is in the Christmas spirit whilst Kathy's mind remains on Willm
406
Dec 27, 1988
Benny and Ethel hit a rocky patch. Matthew and Carmel receive a setback. Sharon sorts out a financial matter. Guido has advice for Colin. Den sorts out his fellow inmates.
407
Dec 29, 1988
Pete is in court. Ian takes his driving test. Kathy confides in Ian about her rape and marriage. Brad is dogged by the police. Nick has a hard time in prison.