EastEnders is preparing to reveal a darker side to Ned Hawkins, with the newcomer set to blackmail Lauren Beale and Mark Fowler over their secret affair.
Scenes airing between October 12 and 15 will see Ned use what he knows to put pressure on the pair. Mark, fearful that the affair will be exposed, agrees to cooperate with Ned in an attempt to keep the secret from coming out.
Ned Hawkins turns up the pressure
Ned’s blackmail plot adds a new dimension to the Hawkins family’s growing presence in Walford. The character, played by Jamie Bamber, has already become entangled in several storylines since arriving in Albert Square.
The new development places Lauren, played by Jacqueline Jossa, and Mark, played by Stephen Aaron-Sipple, in an increasingly difficult position. Their attempt to protect the affair gives Ned leverage, but complying with his demands could create even bigger problems.
More drama for the Hawkins family
The same week will also continue Ryder Hawkins’ emotional storyline with his father. Ryder recently came out as gay, and upcoming scenes will explore tension as Ned pressures him to rejoin his local football team.
Elsewhere, Nancy Carter reconnects with Zack Hudson, while Kat Moon struggles in the aftermath of daughter Zoe Slater’s death. The combination of storylines makes the week one of the more emotionally charged stretches of the soap’s autumn schedule.
The key question is how far Ned is prepared to take the blackmail and whether Lauren and Mark can keep their secret contained once other Walford residents begin noticing their behavior.
EastEnders airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
Source: Radio Times, October 6, 2026.