EastEnders: Season 5
EastEnders season 5 continues the overarching saga across 104 episodes, following the everyday lives of the working-class residents of Albert Square, which is a traditional Victorian square of terrace houses. Created by Tony Holland and Julia Smith, the British television soap opera has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. The series combines soap, drama, and crime genres to portray the experiences of its c
Season 5 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.
- The programme was created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland.
- The narrative centers on the everyday lives of working-class residents living in Albert Square.
- Albert Square is described as a traditional Victorian square consisting of terrace houses.
Season overview
EastEnders season 5 continues the overarching saga across 104 episodes, following the everyday lives of the working-class residents of Albert Square, which is a traditional Victorian square of terrace houses. Created by Tony Holland and Julia Smith, the British television soap opera has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. The series combines soap, drama, and crime genres to portray the experiences of its characters in London. Cast members associated with the series include Adam Woodyatt, Steve McFadden, Jane Slaughter, and Letitia Dean, among a large ensemble of actors contributing to the long-running programme on television.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
408
Jan 3, 1989
Ian prepares to see his bank manager for a loan. Mantel tells Joanne that the Firm's outstanding accounts will be settled. Willmott-Brown turns up at Michelle and Sharon's flat.
409
Jan 5, 1989
The residents want Frank to open the Vic in the afternoons. Pete visits Den at the prison to tell him about Willmott-Brown's re-arrest.
410
Jan 10, 1989
Frank and Pat begin to plan seriously for all-day opening. Ethel covers for Dot at the launderette. Carmel and Matthew have trouble planning their wedding.
411
Jan 12, 1989
Guido thinks Colin is making a fuss over nothing when he makes a doctor's appointment. Donna is becoming even more unpopular in the Square. Pete has cross words with Ashraf in the
412
Jan 17, 1989
Carmel and Matthew's wedding plans continue to go awry. Ashraf discovers Shireen has gone missing from the boarding school. Colin receives some shocking news from Doctor Legg
413
Jan 19, 1989
The Vic prepares for the first day of opening all hours. Den is worried by news of the Walford police raids. Ethel and Benny's relationship hits a rough patch.
414
Jan 24, 1989
Matthew and Carmel prepare for their imminent wedding. Kathy tells Pauline she has left Pete, but he appears to be in denial. Pat is annoyed when she finds Frank helping Ian.
415
Jan 26, 1989
Kathy phones a cab firm for a taxi to take her out of Albert Square immediately. Matthew returns to the flat after spending the night at the B&B. Pete wallows in self-pity.
416
Jan 31, 1989
Ian is on hand to solve the problems at the café. Michelle and Sharon both have their eyes on a telephone engineer.
417
Feb 2, 1989
Frank tries explaining himself to Pat but gets nowhere. Dot visits Nick in the prison and gets upset when he tells her his trial is in June. Pete gets drunk again, with disastrous
418
Feb 7, 1989
The police question Pete. Nancy Jacobs, an Australian, turns up at the Vic for a trial shift as the first day of the all day opening arrives. Rod struggles to help Donna.
419
Feb 9, 1989
Donna receives a mysterious phone call that leaves her distraught, and a surprise visitor scuppers her plans. Pat and Frank have cross words, but finally settle their argument. Ric
420
Feb 14, 1989
The women in the Square all receive the same Valentine cards from an unknown sender. Colin has a dinner party and invites Carmel and a very drunk Matthew, who have just returned fr
421
Feb 16, 1989
It is Den's last day in prison before his case goes to court and he gets a visit from Sharon, who tells him she doesn't want his money. Colin invites Donna to dinner in the hope th
422
Feb 21, 1989
Michelle prepares herself for Den's court hearing. Kathy returns to the Square to see Ian and Pete.
423
Feb 23, 1989
Wicksy asks Pat if he can move into the spare room at the Vic. Michelle goes to the wine bar to ask Mantel if he knows where Den is, while Den desperately tries to contact Michelle
424
Feb 28, 1989
Donna persuades Guido to let her stay in the flat. Pat asks Cindy to work full-time at the Vic. DI Ashley continues to probe the residents of the Square about Den's whereabouts.
425
Mar 2, 1989
Dot allows Donna to stay at hers, determined not to give up on her. Pete continues his self-destructive ways.
426
Mar 7, 1989
Michelle tells Doctor Samuels that Doctor Legg was unhelpful to Donna. Ian and Cindy plan their engagement party. Pauline quizzes Sharon about Den, prompting Michelle to shout at h
427
Mar 9, 1989
Doctor Samuels confronts Doctor Legg about his treatment of Donna, and tells him he is taking over her case. Pete has his day in court. Frank tells Pat he is open to the idea of a
428
Mar 14, 1989
Ali and Mehmet are gambling again without Sue or Guizin's knowledge. Pat takes in a distraught friend, annoying Ricky, who has to share a room with him, but Diane is quite pleased.
429
Mar 16, 1989
Sharon's mind fixates on learning where Den is. Donna tries her hardest to get Rod's attention.
430
Mar 21, 1989
Youths vandalise Ashraf's shop. Rod gives Donna more harsh truths at the launderette. Matthew pours his heart out to keep Carmel.
431
Mar 23, 1989
Dot is determined for Donna to start afresh and offers to help seek her a job. Ricky offers to clean the show cars for Frank. As Ian and Cindy host their engagement party, Michelle
432
Mar 28, 1989
The Square come to terms with the death of a resident. Sharon and Simon spend time together at Sharon's flat.
433
Mar 30, 1989
Sue barricades herself in the living room, frightened by Ali's attitude. Cindy is getting frustrated by Ian's long hours. Dot returns from visiting Nick in prison.
435
Apr 6, 1989
Kathy is undecided about making her separation from Pete official by getting her own flat - he has a plan to make her jealous! Sharon tells Wicksy to collect her things from Michel
436
Apr 11, 1989
Arthur confronts Pauline over Michelle's secret. Dot and Mo bond as they talk about their lives.
437
Apr 13, 1989
Arthur confronts Pauline over Michelle's secret. Dot and Mo bond as they talk about their lives.
438
Apr 18, 1989
Dot has to face the sudden death of Donna. Kathy, Pauline and Mo offer their sympathy. Doctor Samuels is furious with Doctor Legg about what he feels was his mishandling of Donna's
439
Apr 20, 1989
Dot tells Kathy all about Donna's funeral in Bromley. A new face arrives in the Square - builder Paul Priestly from Leeds. Sharon finally opens the case Den left behind, with Wicks
440
Apr 25, 1989
Dot is hell-bent on catching the drug pusher who was supplying heroin to Donna, and after Junior identifies the culprit, she hatches a plan for Wicksy to catch her dealing smack in
441
Apr 27, 1989
Willmott-Brown appears at Walford Crown Court charged with the rape of Kathy. Dot continues to pursue Donna's drug dealer.
442
May 2, 1989
As the court case continues, Willmott-Brown twists the events of the night of Kathy's rape, infuriating Pete. Dot receives some post she wants to show somebody.
443
May 4, 1989
Arthur declares Albert Square a "gloom-free" zone for the day. Carmel and Matthew's relationship begins to strengthen again. Ali stresses as bills begin to mount.
444
May 9, 1989
Frank does not like the effort Diane is putting in at the Vic to impress Paul. Aisha has fallen ill, causing Carmel to panic that she will not be able to attend her work meetings.
445
May 11, 1989
Pat secretly meets up with her ex-husband while Frank is away buying cars. Mo is fighting the Council. Arthur and Michelle play a game of bluff. Cindy gives Wicksy the come-on behi
446
May 16, 1989
Frank wants Pat to have a word with Paul about Diane. Carmel receives a visit from some men offering her protection. Doctor Legg is dismissive of Vicki's illness.
447
May 18, 1989
Ricky annoys Ashraf with his meddling in the shop. Dot is unable to find her granddaughter and Vicki is in hospital.
448
May 23, 1989
Sue is hysterical following Little Ali's kidnapping. Arthur and Pauline worry about Vicki. A jealous Cindy watches a happy Sharon and Simon together in the café.
449
May 25, 1989
Pauline cajoles Arthur into going for an interview for the game show. Dot is taken aback when Charlie limps into the Square. Mo is involved in a fundraising scheme. Paul and Diane
450
May 30, 1989
Mo is collecting jumble and volunteers for the Brownies' jumble sale. Over at the Queen Vic, Frank has to eat humble pie over his recent actions. Sharon tells Wicksy the truth abou
451
Jun 1, 1989
Arthur's big moment to appear on the Cat and Mouse television game show has finally arrived and as everyone gathers excitedly at the Queen Vic to cheer on their local celebrity, Fr
452
Jun 6, 1989
Frank is reluctant to tell his family about his and Pat's engagement. Dot is thrilled when Charlie tells her that Hazel is back on the Square. A leaflet on buying council houses ar
453
Jun 8, 1989
Cindy looks at a pregnancy testing kit advertisement she has found in a magazine. Arthur braces himself for a meeting with the mortgage broke in the afternoon. Charlie flogs car ac
454
Jun 13, 1989
Ali finds it tough as a single parent and asks Carmel for help. Wicksy is concerned about Sharon's spending sprees. Trevor earns Mo's wrath. Ian delivers an ultimatum.
455
Jun 15, 1989
Mo encourages Frank to hire Trevor until he finds himself another job. Matthew tries being nice to Junior, but he does not appreciate it. Sharon phones the bank and asks for a mort
456
Jun 20, 1989
Dot receives a phone call from Nick. Arthur, Paul and Pete have a surprise planned for Frank, determined that he will have a stag night whether he likes it or not.
457
Jun 22, 1989
It's the day of Pat and Frank's wedding - and they still don't know what Mo has organised for them. Frank's best man has shingles so Arthur reluctantly has to take his place.
458
Jun 27, 1989
Ashraf and Sufia argue as the day for them to move into 55 Victoria Road arrives. Cindy phones an abortion clinic and makes an appointment.
459
Jun 29, 1989
Paul and Trevor make a start on the wine bar but it causes many arguments with Trevor not knowing what he is doing. Cindy is in a strop at the Vic and is sent home by Sharon but Ci
460
Jul 4, 1989
Matthew accuses Carmel of having an affair with David. Rod returns to the Square and is stunned to hear about Donna's death. Dot receives a cooker, which is claimed to have been pa
461
Jul 6, 1989
Dot agrees to see Hazel, who tricked her over her `granddaughter'. Mo takes Trevor under her wing. Cindy and Pauline have health crises. Rod questions his future in Walford.
462
Jul 11, 1989
Pat and Frank return from their honeymoon. Doctor Samuels is making big changes at the surgery. Trevor prepares for his new lodgings. Arthur is concerned about Pauline's health.
463
Jul 13, 1989
Doctor Legg's return prompts some strange reactions. Pat is nervous about a visitor. Matthew treats Carmel. Wicksy has news for Sharon. Rod gets advice from Dot.
464
Jul 18, 1989
Carmel and Junior are united by a crisis, while Melody is inquisitive. Kathy offers to help. Marge is upset by Doctor Samuels. Arthur continues to worry about Pauline's health. Dia
465
Jul 20, 1989
Doctor Legg confronts Doctor Samuels over what he sees as his failings at the practice. Carmel, still hiding at home, receives a call from Matthew asking her to visit him in hospit
466
Jul 25, 1989
Carmel fears a repeat of Matthew's violent behaviour in front of the children if he moves back home. Pat and Frank continue to worry about Janine, who has been sleepwalking again.
467
Jul 27, 1989
Dot is apprehensive as she receives a letter in the post. Diane and Janine cause Pat grief. Cindy is in a bad mood.
468
Aug 1, 1989
Carmel questions Ali over his son's welfare and discovers the child minder he's leaving Little Ali with is unregistered. Julie shows Michelle around the new salon premises prior to
469
Aug 3, 1989
Sharon arranges a dinner party with Ian, Cindy and Wicksy, so they can meet Michelle's new man. Paul starts work on Julie's salon. Doctor Legg sees Michelle about Pauline's health.
470
Aug 8, 1989
Pete makes a secret trip to court by taxi, leaving Arthur on the stall by himself, then reappears with some surprising news - he's going to New Zealand to visit brother Kenny for 6
471
Aug 10, 1989
Arthur feels that Pete and Pauline are keeping secrets. Frank sets up a lucrative deal. Ian and Cindy discuss their future. Julie is recruiting staff at the new salon. Michelle con
472
Aug 15, 1989
Ian has decided to open the café 24/7 and is on the lookout for staff. Diane returns and Trevor asks her to go to a concert with him. Thugs raid and smash up the car lot in retalia
473
Aug 17, 1989
Vince takes Junior and Aisha for a drive. Paul tries to pluck up the courage to end things with Julie. Ian continues his search for new staff to work the night shifts at the café.
474
Aug 22, 1989
Carmel has to cope with a bereavement. Trevor nurses a broken heart, as Diane has reconciled with Paul. Paul finds Julie is a tough business operator. Michelle arranges to meet lov
475
Aug 24, 1989
Julie opens her hairdressing salon. Ricky gets his GCSEs. Pat discovers a possible theft. Kathy tackles Ali on a family matter. Ruth tells Doctor Samuels why she in the Square. Fol
476
Aug 29, 1989
Arthur falls asleep listening to one of Pauline's hypnosis tapes. Rod does the night shift for Ian at the café. Mo remains adamant that Trevor did not steal the ring.
477
Aug 31, 1989
Mo is still certain of Trevor's innocence, but is having a hard time convincing Frank. Julie cannot understand why her clients aren't turning up for their appointments at her haird
478
Sep 5, 1989
Frank, Mo and Pat are consumed with worry. The search for Janine continues into the early hours of the morning. David and Ruth want to get married.
479
Sep 7, 1989
Sharon does not enjoy working as a receptionist for an agency. Janine changes her behaviour, but does not fool Diane, who sees straight through her façade. Hazel tells Rod she want
480
Sep 12, 1989
Diane continues her campaign of harassment towards Julie, which completely backfires. Pat and Mo both try to persuade Frank that they have to confront Janine to sort out her proble
481
Sep 14, 1989
Arthur wants Mo to take over Pete's stall whilst he is on holiday. Frank is torn over what to do about Janine and her behaviour. Laurie visits Julie at the hair salon for a coffee.
482
Sep 19, 1989
Kathy tells Pauline that Pete is staying out in New Zealand for another month. Diane smells perfume on Paul and gets jealous. They argue. Sharon and Simon plan to hold a pair's dar
483
Sep 21, 1989
Diane has a run-in with Julie. Michelle tackles Pauline about her ill health. Ricky is intent on showing off to his new girlfriend Marie, which goes badly wrong.
484
Sep 26, 1989
Arthur and family are worried about Pauline who is in hospital following her accident. Illegal driver Ricky locks himself in his room. Dot is upset when she finds that Rod and Haze
485
Sep 28, 1989
Pauline is depressed after her accident, and Arthur is doing his best to look after her but has many other things to take care off. Pat is dreading her appointment with Janine's te
486
Oct 3, 1989
Life is looking rosy for Ian, but his fiancée, Cindy seems unable to share his optimism. As the Queen Vic talent night draws near, Ethel and Trevor are both in a dilemma as to what
487
Oct 5, 1989
Ali is being chased by his landlord, McIntyre, for unpaid rent, totalling £900. Ian can't understand why Cindy won't agree to a wedding date and asks Wicksy if he knows why. Ethel
488
Oct 10, 1989
Kathy tries to talk to Cindy, while Ian has a hectic day at the café. At the Queen Vic, Wicksy is surprised at Frank's quick plans, and Pat is concerned by the purchase of the B&B.
489
Oct 12, 1989
Ian is nervous yet excited as his wedding day arrives. Cindy and Michelle have a heart-to-heart. Trevor is convinced he is having supernatural experiences in Mo's flat.
490
Oct 17, 1989
The day for Frank and Pat to leave the Vic arrives. Ian makes amends with Cindy at the café. A skip is put on Bridge Street where Pete's stall usually goes.
491
Oct 19, 1989
Ricky worries about jail and his court appearance in January. Trevor locks himself out of Mo's flat. Pete invites Laurie for a drink at the Vic.
492
Oct 24, 1989
Sharon is concerned about Michelle seeing married man Danny again. Ricky puts ideas into Frank's head about Diane sneaking off to see Paul. Marge bursts into the Vic in tears, expl
493
Oct 26, 1989
Arthur receives a letter from the council telling him to tidy his allotment. Trevor misses a job interview. Simon notices £100 is missing from the till.
494
Oct 31, 1989
Julie apologises to Kathy for leaving her meal early. Diane returns from a friend's house in search of Paul. There's a Halloween party in the Vic.
495
Nov 2, 1989
Laurie's love life is as tangled as ever. Wicksy gives Sharon an ultimatum. The fruit stall wars rage on. Ian plans a quick profit. Frank benefits from a surprising source. Vince p
496
Nov 7, 1989
Arthur is excited about Pauline's return from Leigh-on-Sea, but finds he has his work cut out in trying to restore order at the Fowler household in time to welcome her home. Sohail
497
Nov 9, 1989
The day of Pauline's hospital appointment arrives and Arthur makes her promise to keep it. A stranger arrives in Albert Square eager to track down Trevor. Frank tries to have tactf
498
Nov 14, 1989
Michelle prepares to take Vicki for her six-monthly check-up at the hospital. Kathy panics when Laurie invites her to a weekend away. Shireen and Sohail suggest that Sufia plans a
499
Nov 16, 1989
Dot overhears Laurie slating Pete's fruit and veg stall. Sufia asks Ashraf about his secret lover. Marge quits her job at the B&B.
500
Nov 21, 1989
Trevor continues to worry about his DSS meeting and thinks he will got to prison. Shireen tries to support Sufia. Rod appears emotionless and distant.
501
Nov 23, 1989
Marge relays to Dot how impressed she was with Mo for standing up to Mr. Rhodes. Danny arrives at the flat to spend the weekend with Michelle. Pat takes Janine to the zoo. Trevor w
502
Nov 28, 1989
Diane catches Ricky smoking. Rod continues to mope around. Ashraf tells Sufia he is no longer seeing his secret lover.
503
Nov 30, 1989
Pauline is frustrated to find out her hospital appointment has been postponed. Julie has dire news for both Michelle and Marie. Dot is pleased that Rod and Hazel have reconciled an
504
Dec 5, 1989
Sharon opens up to Pat about missing her parents. Sufia questions Ashraf about his mistress Stella turning up at the shop. Marie and Julie come to blows at the salon.
505
Dec 7, 1989
Ashraf insists he has ended his affair with Stella. Michelle talks to Pauline about her operation. Pat returns to smoking when Janine pushes her teacher into a swimming pool at sch
506
Dec 12, 1989
Dot, Ethel, Mo, and Marge set off with the Walford coach party for a few days in Clacton-on-Sea. Pauline is waiting to hear if she can go into hospital for her hysterectomy. Kathy
507
Dec 14, 1989
Ethel raises concerns among the hotel staff when she keeps taking a duffel bag outside. Meanwhile, Arthur worries about Pauline, who has had her operation and Sufia confides in Kat
508
Dec 19, 1989
Vince is organising the Christmas party for Walford's OAPs. Arthur gets bad news about Pauline. Ian's café is under threat. Ashraf hides a guilty secret.
509
Dec 21, 1989
Pete and Ian make moves to bury the hatchet with Laurie. Trevor tries to tell Diane of Paul's Christmas plans. Marge returns from her mother's funeral.
510
Dec 26, 1989
Ian and Cindy spend Boxing Day giving the café a thorough clean after its closure by the environmental health officer. A mysterious treasure hunt gets under way in the Square.
511
Dec 28, 1989
Cindy is rushed to hospital as she goes into labour five weeks early, while Pete and Kathy tensely wait to hear if the birth will proceed normally.