THE time has come for BBC One viewers to wave goodbye to Mick Carter.
EastEnders star Danny Dyer leaves the show this week as his on-screen lover finally gets comeuppance.
Everything comes to a head this week
Shirley is working hard to try and expose Janine
The villain is caught up by the truth
1. Janine gets exposed
Nobody ever escapes the truth in Albert Square and, unfortunately for her, Janine Butcher (portrayed by Charlie Brooks) makes no exception.
The villain’s lies are FINALLY coming to light in a jaw-dropping Christmas episode.
This week, there won’t be enough scheming for her to throw Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) off her scent.
Coming up on Christmas morning, Shirley is determined to expose Janine for who she really is but still has to fully put two and two together.
She heads to The Vic alongside Linda to make peace with Mick (Danny Dyer).
But Janine is thrown into a panic when Jada Lennox (Kelsey Calladine-Smith) makes her return and she’s determined to keep her away from Linda.
She’s got a trick up her sleeve and stuns Linda and Shirley by inviting them to Christmas lunch – but there’s an even bigger shock ahead for her.
Actor Danny Dyer is bowing out of EastEnders this Christmas
2. Mick spends his last day in the Square
While around the table for lunch, Shirley continues to try and expose Janine until a vicious row ensues.
Janine keeps her chin up and continues to shrug off all of Shirley’s accusations but her daughter Scarlett Moon (Tabitha Byron) walks in.
Secrets and lies all come out in the open and The Vic is under storm while Mick’s world is crumbling around him.
The pub landlord is forced to face a harsh reality of his life – what will he do?
One thing is certain – Mick will be bowing out of Albert Square once and for all.
Residents are stunned to find out the Queen Vic won’t be opening after Christmas
3. Shock takes over Walford
Yet while viewers will know how Mick will be leaving Walford after nine years, residents will only find out about the events of Christmas Day the following morning.
Confusion is brimming in the Square this week when residents find out that The Vic will not be opening.
Later on in the BBC soap, news about what happened on Christmas Day leave everybody stunned beyond words.
The events become a topic of massive conversation in Walford but poor Scarlett gets a rough deal when she’s the target of someone’s anger.
How will residents react to Mick leaving?
Can Zack and Whitney become a couple?
4. Whitney and Zack get close
Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) recently found out she was pregnant with Zack Hudson’s baby.
Things may finally be evolving with the chef portrayed by James Farrar.
In upcoming scenes, Zack melts Whitney’s heart with a kind gesture and offers to cook her dinner.
Whitney is impressed by his skills in the kitchen and the pair grow even closer still when he gives her a foot massage.
But their sweet moment is interrupted by Chelsea Fox and Felix Baker.
However, the pair of them jump on the opportunity to tell Zack to go for it when Whitney leaves the room to get changed.
Will he take their advice?
Jay decides it’s time to pop the question
5. One couple gets engaged
As viewers may know, Lola Pearce (portrayed by departing actress Danielle Harold) was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour earlier this year.
She has since been living life to the fullest alongside her nearest and dearest, including her daughter Lexi and partner Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick).
In upcoming scenes of the London-based drama, the mechanic is ready to make his commitment to Lola official by popping the question.
And what better day to ask for her hand on Christmas?
Next up on EastEnders, Lola wakes up to find Lexi opening her presents and Jay hands her a lovely gift.
Later on, Billy Mitchell (played by Perry Fenwick) commends his former foster son Jay on sticking by Lola through her health ordeal.
Jay immediately reveals that he’s going to propose the same day.
He thus decides to make the day special by enlisting the help of Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden).
Together, the pair manage to organise an outdoor Christmas miracle as Jay asks for Lola’s hand in marriage.
What will she say?
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.
