EastEnders: Series 6
Season 6 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 5.
- 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 6 Progress Shield
512
Jan 2, 1990 · 30 min
Hazel tries to persuade Rod to squat in Colin's empty flat, Pauline tries to recuperate from her operation, while Trevor eagerly looks forward to his date with Shireen.
513
Jan 4, 1990 · 30 min
It's Diane's 16th birthday and her family are planning a surprise party for her. Pete meets Barbara for lunch in the Vic and finds she has invited Kathy and Laurie to join them.
514
Jan 9, 1990 · 30 min
What has become of Diane Butcher? Frank is determined to find her.
515
Jan 11, 1990 · 30 min
Michelle waits for word from Danny. Frank returns from his search for Diane to a family desperate for news.
516
Jan 16, 1990 · 30 min
There's turmoil in the Butcher family following the disappearance of Diane, and Frank is only making matters worse. Sharon decides it's time for some straight talking...
517
Jan 18, 1990 · 30 min
The Beales are waiting to celebrate the homecoming of Cindy's baby - and Wicksy is waiting, too, no longer sure that he can live with the lie that the baby is Ian's.
518
Jan 23, 1990 · 30 min
While proud parents Ian and Cindy are centre stage, will Wicksy find out who knows his guilty secret? Arthur and Pauline's shopping plans are disrupted by an unwelcome visitor - an
519
Jan 25, 1990 · 30 min
Frank returns from finding out his legal rights regarding Diane. Meanwhile, Danny is back and staying at Michelle's - and her family's having none of it
520
Jan 30, 1990 · 30 min
Ricky has to go to court today - and he wants his father with him. Kathy decides it is time to stand up to Laurie and have her say.
521
Feb 1, 1990 · 30 min
Danny receives an ultimatum. Who will he choose - Michelle or his family?
522
Feb 6, 1990 · 30 min
Sharon has had enough of Simon's suspicious behaviour. Marge has something to tell Dot, and Dot has something to tell Marge.
523
Feb 8, 1990 · 30 min
Danny is determined to leave Albert Square, but who will he take with him - his wife, or Michelle?
524
Feb 13, 1990 · 30 min
Michelle must confront family and friends with the news of her move to Newcastle, but Danny seems to have other things on his mind.
525
Feb 15, 1990 · 30 min
Pauline tries to warn Michelle not to trust Danny, but can Michelle be swayed? Cindy is planning baby Steven's christening and Sharon notices Wicksy's special interest.
526
Feb 20, 1990 · 30 min
Michelle and Danny are all packed and ready to leave. Wicksy is stressed and turns to drinking - he is to be the Godfather at baby Steven's christening.
527
Feb 22, 1990 · 30 min
Danny's going to Newcastle - but will Michelle go with him? Two new arrivals seem set to cause trouble, and there's a vital development in the search for Diane.
528
Feb 27, 1990 · 30 min
Rod makes an exciting decision, but can he face telling Dot? Arthur tackles the Mitchell brothers, while Michelle, still missing Danny, finds an unwelcome visitor on her doorstep.
529
Mar 1, 1990 · 30 min
Frank scours cardboard city looking for Diane, while Trevor and Paul plan for the future and Cindy prepares a surprise for Ian's 21st birthday.
530
Mar 6, 1990 · 30 min
Pat has booked the Butchers in for family therapy, but there's no way Frank will allow her to wash their dirty linen in public.
531
Mar 8, 1990 · 30 min
Blood is thicker than water, and business is business - but that won't help Grant when he mixes business with pleasure and tangles with Julie Cooper.
532
Mar 13, 1990 · 30 min
Dot awaits the arrival of the morning's Gazette to see if she's won a prize. Cindy has great news for Ian - she's received a letter from Colin, agreeing to let his flat to them.
533
Mar 15, 1990 · 30 min
Julie has one day left to find a buyer for the shop, while Pete has to make some tough decisions about the future, and Ian is off to get a bank loan.
534
Mar 20, 1990 · 30 min
Now £10,000 richer, Dot is in for a less welcome surprise. Meanwhile, Pat is delighted to be making some progress with Janine.
535
Mar 22, 1990 · 30 min
There's chaos in Albert Square as the Mitchell boys decide the market must move - stall by stall. Meanwhile, in the Butcher household there's news at last from Diane.
536
Mar 27, 1990 · 30 min
While Frank waits anxiously at King's Cross station for Diane to turn up, she is reliving the memories of her three months away from the Square.
537
Mar 29, 1990 · 30 min
There is an emotional reunion between Frank and his daughter, but it soon becomes clear that she's a different person from the Diane who ran away.
538
Apr 3, 1990 · 30 min
There is an emotional reunion between Frank and his daughter, but it soon becomes clear that she's a different person from the Diane who ran away.
539
Apr 5, 1990 · 30 min
Wicksy helps Cindy to decorate, while an unwanted statue of Diane stretches Frank's patience.
540
Apr 10, 1990 · 30 min
If Nick Cotton believed he could walk back into Albert Square and get away with it, there's a number of people ready to put him right.
541
Apr 12, 1990 · 30 min
The day has arrived when Shireen gets to meet the man her parents want her to marry. Meanwhile, Cindy is with the man she should have married.
542
Apr 17, 1990 · 30 min
Nick takes an interest in Dot's diet, while Arthur makes a strange discovery down on the allotments. Sharon also makes a disturbing discovery.
543
Apr 19, 1990 · 30 min
The past comes back to haunt both Sharon and Michelle, and prompts the police to search a local canal.
544
Apr 24, 1990 · 30 min
Dot doesn't seem to be feeling the benefit of Nick's cooking, while Frank is determined to track down the man who has a hold over his daughter.
545
Apr 26, 1990 · 30 min
Pauline and Arthur are not prepared to let bygones be bygones, and when Michelle is left to organise the funeral, a conflict looms in the Fowler household.
546
May 1, 1990 · 30 min
Den Watts is buried, but will the most important mourner be present at the funeral? Meanwhile, Nick Cotton gets an unwelcome blast from the past.
547
May 3, 1990 · 30 min
Diane has to decide whether or not to leave Taylor once and for all.
548
May 8, 1990 · 30 min
Will Shireen bury her differences with Ashraf and meet her husband-to-be?
549
May 10, 1990 · 30 min
Tensions between Sharon and Wicksy are growing. Ian plans an intimate birthday party for Cindy.
550
May 15, 1990 · 30 min
Dot decides to change her will, and Kathy ends up spending the evening with Cindy.
551
May 17, 1990 · 30 min
Shireen's romance blossoms despite her father's affair. Sharon decides to get to know Cindy better.
552
May 22, 1990 · 30 min
Ethel reappears in the Square, determined to catch up on gossip, but Dot's news fills her with fear for her friend's life.
553
May 24, 1990 · 30 min
Born-again Nick Cotton finds himself under investigation from Ethel Skinner - but Dot cannot decide if her son is truly a reformed character or the worst thing since Dr Crippen.
554
May 29, 1990 · 30 min
Sharon comes close to finding her mother. Dot hasn't been seen for days.
555
May 31, 1990 · 30 min
The police visit Dot, threatening to scupper Nick's plans. And Ashraf's infidelity finally lands him in big trouble
556
Jun 5, 1990 · 30 min
A visit from Jabbar's father leaves Ashraf with some bad news for Shireen, while Sharon tackles Simon on the subject of marriage.
557
Jun 7, 1990 · 30 min
Shireen is determined to discover the secret behind her broken engagement. Charlie Cotton looks for evidence against Nick but is shocked to find it has been eaten.
558
Jun 12, 1990 · 30 min
Sharon and Wicksy's future hangs in the balance and, if Charlie Cotton is right, so does Dot's life.
559
Jun 14, 1990 · 30 min
Dot and Nick settle down for a special meal. Will it be their last?
560
Jun 19, 1990 · 30 min
Wicksy waits to hear from the brewery, Sharon sets off to find her real mother, Stuart Kendle wants to discuss the market with Pete, and Pat is concerned about Wicksy.
561
Jun 21, 1990 · 30 min
The Karims leave Walford, but there's a spark of hope for Shireen and Jabbar's future. Wicksy extracts a confession from Cindy.
562
Jun 26, 1990 · 30 min
Michelle's slippery boss offers Ian a bribe, while Janine gives Pat a bad scare. Meanwhile, Sharon prepares to meet her mother.
563
Jun 28, 1990 · 30 min
Pat decides to teach her family a lesson. Pete receives bad news from Michelle, Kathy is shocked when she overhears a private conversation, and Sharon sets off to meet her mother.
564
Jul 3, 1990 · 30 min
Kathy overhears a private conservation and is determined to find out the truth about Cindy and Wicksy.
565
Jul 5, 1990 · 30 min
The Tavernier family move into Albert Square and right into the middle of a pitched battle between residents and developers.
566
Jul 10, 1990 · 30 min
Are the market traders celebrating too early? A surprise visitor leaves Sharon with a dilemma.
567
Jul 12, 1990 · 30 min
Frank and Pat make preparations to hand over the Queen Vic. Cindy is touched by Ian's generosity.
568
Jul 17, 1990 · 30 min
Wicksy walks out of the Square - can he persuade Cindy to leave Ian and come with him? Frank senses the strain Pat's under but she faces a dilemma when Sharon and then Cindy visit.
569
Jul 19, 1990 · 30 min
Diane decides it's time to brighten up the Square, especially the part that belongs to her dad.
570
Jul 24, 1990 · 30 min
While Pat and Frank are on holiday, havoc reigns at the bed and breakfast.
571
Jul 26, 1990 · 30 min
It's crunch time for Cindy and Ian. Ricky and Diane discover something very serious about Mo.
572
Jul 31, 1990 · 30 min
Michelle gives the Mitchell brothers the lowdown on the council offices. All they have to do now is get the lowdown on Stuart Kendle.
573
Aug 2, 1990 · 30 min
Almost everyone knows about Wicksy and Cindy - except Ian. Cindy decides it's time to tell him.
574
Aug 7, 1990 · 30 min
Ian is shattered by Cindy's confession. How will his family cope with the situation?
575
Aug 9, 1990 · 30 min
Ian's supportive family comes to his aid. Pete considers an offer from Phil, and Michelle prepares to confront Stuart. Grandad Jules arranges a special dinner and a mystery guest.
577
Aug 16, 1990 · 30 min
Ian is not going to let go of Cindy and Steven without a fight, but Cindy is still set on breaking free.
578
Aug 21, 1990 · 30 min
Michelle gets a letter from Newcastle and an unexpected visitor. Pat has some advice for Wicksy, and Sam has a suggestion for Ricky.
579
Aug 23, 1990 · 30 min
How will the Fowlers cope with a face from the past? How will Ricky cope on his first date with Sam?
580
Aug 28, 1990 · 30 min
Ricky has a secret - her name is Sam Mitchell, she's 15, and she's spending the night in his bedroom. The Mitchell brothers are not amused.
581
Aug 30, 1990 · 30 min
Nobody knows why Mark Fowler has come home. But Pauline is determined not to let him go. Diane gets her exam results.
582
Sep 4, 1990 · 30 min
It's Martin's first day at school, but the Fowlers have other things on their minds. It's back to school too for Lloyd and Hattie, while Wicksy is making secret plans.
583
Sep 6, 1990 · 30 min
Pete talks to Ian and learns the truth about Steven. Frank finds Mo's behaviour difficult to accept but is cheered by Diane's decision about her future. Michelle is closer to findi
584
Sep 11, 1990 · 30 min
Simon and Cindy are determined to enjoy a holiday in Devon. Meanwhile, Ian is finally preparing to leave hospital, Mo's condition gets worse and Sam stands up to her brothers over
585
Sep 13, 1990 · 30 min
While in Devon, Wicksy and Cindy discuss their future, unaware that Ian is on his way to see them both. After Mo's outburst, Pat is determined that Frank should see some sense.
586
Sep 18, 1990 · 30 min
Cindy and Wicksy return from Devon to find Pete hell-bent on revenge.
587
Sep 20, 1990 · 30 min
Arthur plans a surprise for Pauline for their Silver Wedding, while she hopes Mark will return in time. News of Wicksy and Cindy's return causes rifts between the Butchers and the
588
Sep 25, 1990 · 30 min
Ian is determined to rid his life of the last traces of Cindy and Steven.
589
Sep 27, 1990 · 30 min
Mark's mysterious reasons for coming home provoke a conflict in the Fowler household, while Pete decides its time to take his unhappy son in hand.
590
Oct 2, 1990 · 30 min
Kathy is back from holiday and in fighting form, but Ian has ideas of his own. Eddie has romance on his mind and a crisis occurs at Mo's flat.
592
Oct 9, 1990 · 30 min
Pauline and Arthur return from their second honeymoon to a surprise reunion with Mark. Eddie finds he's involved in a Butcher-Beale feud. Clyde is suspicious of Lloyd's disappearan
593
Oct 11, 1990 · 30 min
Lloyd is still exerting himself on his newspaper round and Hattie is concerned for him. Cindy tells Wicksy that her parents know about them, and that their gun is missing.
594
Oct 16, 1990 · 30 min
The police are looking for a missing shotgun. Cindy suspects she knows who has it. Phil and Grant settle into their new flat and sister Sam is still seeing Ricky behind their backs
595
Oct 18, 1990 · 30 min
Frank faces a tough decision about Mo's future and Sam throws a party in Ricky's van.
596
Oct 23, 1990 · 30 min
Mark tries to prove to Arthur that the Mitchell brothers are up to no good.
597
Oct 25, 1990 · 30 min
Ian asks Kath and Pete out for a meal in the hope that they'll help him make the right decision over Steven. However, Pete hopes that there might be a chance for a reconciliation.
598
Oct 30, 1990 · 30 min
Can Arthur save Mark from facing criminal charges? And can Jules protect John from his debtors?
599
Nov 1, 1990 · 30 min
It's bonfire night in Albert Square, but Jules and John have a poker game on their mind. Sharon makes a decision about her mother.
600
Nov 6, 1990 · 30 min
If Phil doesn't take the rap, Mark will go to prison. Can Arthur persuade Phil to do the decent thing?
602
Nov 13, 1990 · 30 min
Eddie is the talk of the town when he receives a visit from the police. Dot is in her element fuelling the gossip among the locals about the Queen Vic's governor.
603
Nov 15, 1990 · 30 min
Eddie is determined to protect an old friend, but risks losing the Vic. Grant gets ready to share Sharon's flat, and decides to take her for a slap-up meal.
604
Nov 20, 1990 · 30 min
Mo's illness means that Frank and his sister Joan must try to get along with each other. And what is the result of Ian's blood test?
605
Nov 22, 1990 · 30 min
Phil persuades Arthur to try new business methods. Pauline is sceptical of the results of baby Steven's blood test. Frank is preoccupied with something at Mo's flat.
606
Nov 27, 1990 · 30 min
Mo wants Frank to put her out of her misery. His family worries that that's exactly where he's heading.
607
Nov 29, 1990 · 30 min
Time is running out for the thief in the Vic, and the finger of suspicion is already pointing at Clyde. Frank must prepare himself to part from Mo.
608
Dec 4, 1990 · 30 min
Eddie lays a trap and catches the thief at the Vic. But can he be sure he is firing the right person?
609
Dec 6, 1990 · 30 min
Wicksy is determined not to let his recent setback last long, Pete has decided to befriend Jason, despite warnings, and Ian is busier than ever, so he rewards himself with a treat.
610
Dec 11, 1990 · 30 min
Wicksy's search for work comes to nothing, and now he has only one offer on the table - Ian's. Cindy is even more determined to leave.
611
Dec 13, 1990 · 30 min
Diane returns to old haunts, searching for her friend. She must find her before it's too late.
612
Dec 18, 1990 · 30 min
Phil is determined that Sharon shouldn't spend Christmas with him and Grant in Scotland.
613
Dec 20, 1990 · 30 min
Frank and Pete make a desperate bid to restore harmony before Christmas, but Ian and Wicksy seem determined to battle it out.
614
Dec 25, 1990 · 30 min
A special Christmas delivery holds a surprise for Diane. Ian is determined to drive Wicksy away - dead or alive.
615
Dec 27, 1990 · 30 min
Diane shares a secret with Mark and once again he finds himself on the wrong side of the law.