EastEnders is set to face a shock triple exit as iconic Walford residents plot a new life abroad together.

BBC viewers said goodbye to Danny Dyer’s character Mick Carter on Christmas Day when he was lost at sea during a tense festive special.

Shortly after, Janine Butcher – played by Charlie Brooks – was carted off to jail following the tragedy on Boxing Day.

More surprising exits are potentially on the cards as iconic character Ricky Butcher, played by Sid Owen, is planning a new life abroad.

Ricky gets custody of Janine’s daughter Scarlett following her mum’s arrest and plans on moving back to Germany.

During Ricky’s return to Albert Square, he and ex-wife Sam, played by Kim Medcalf, have started to reconnect – with the two discussing plans for the future, away from Walford.

 

Family: Ricky gets custody of Janine’s daughter Scarlett following her mum’s arrest and plans on moving back to Germany

Sam made an explosive comeback to the soap early last year, with Kim ‘thrilled’ to reprise the role after 17 years away from the soap.

Kim previously portrayed Sam on EastEnders from 2002 to 2005, taking over the role from Danniella Westbrook.

The daughter of Peggy Mitchell, made her first appearance in Walford in 1990, originally played by Danniella but was replaced by Kim in 2002, while she battled her highly publicised cocaine addiction.

 

 

Iconic: The daughter of Peggy Mitchell, made her first appearance in 1990, originally played by Danniella, 48, (left) but was replaced by Kim in 2002 (right) due to her off screen difficulties

Also on EastEnders this week, viewers will finally see Linda Carter return to Walford after taking some time away in the wake of Mick’s apparent death.

The Queen Vic landlord vanished at sea during the soap’s Christmas Day episodes, mere hours after reconciling with ex-wife Linda.

As the pub remains closed in Linda’s absence, Alfie Moon decides to steal Linda’s keys and re-open the bar to earn some much-needed cash.

Alfie decides to throw a summer party to whisk away the January blues, but is left stunned when a furious Linda returns home with Annie and Ollie in tow.

 

Plot: Janine Butcher – played by Charlie Brooks – was carted off to jail following the tragedy on Boxing Day

Linda furiously accuses the neighbours of ignoring Mick’s death, and Alfie desperately tries to make amends by holding a vigil for him in the pub.

As Linda is surprised by the vigil, the police arrive with an update, and it remains to be seen what their news will be.

Elsewhere in the Square, Zack makes a huge decision when he decides to show his commitment to his pregnant girlfriend Whitney, after struggling to come to terms with his HIV diagnosis.

Emotional: Linda is furious when she returns to the Queen Vic to find Alfie Moon has reopened the pub and is in the middle of throwing a summer party

Growing furious at Suki’s clear disapproval of Whitney, a furious Zack cuts his hand on a glass, and it’s a conversation with Martin Fowler that helps him to come to a realisation.

As Whitney receives the results of her baby’s tests, Zack vows to be there for her as she opens the text from the doctor.

Despite Whitney asking Zack to keep his distance for now, it remains to be seen whether the couple will rekindle their romance as they prepare for their new arrival.

Elsewhere, Denise Fox finds her daughter Chelsea becoming involved in her cosy exchanges with Ravi Gulati, while terminally ill Lola Pierce and her fiancé Jay Brown share some happy news with their family.

EastEnders airs on Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

 

Progress: As Whitney receives the results of her baby’s tests, Zack vows to be there for her as she opens the text from the doctor