Suki and Eve clash over Jean – and child struggles unfold in EastEnders

Tensions are running high for Eve and Suki Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace and Balvinder Sopal) in EastEnders next week, as an argument over Jean Slater’s (Gillian Wright) mounting money problems leaves the couple at odds.

With Jean continuing to struggle financially, Suki decides it’s time to confront her over the rent she still owes. But rather than solving the problem, the conversation quickly spirals, with Eve jumping to Jean’s defence.

The disagreement leaves Suki and Eve clashing over how the situation should be handled, adding more strain to their relationship.

Jean’s worries don’t stop there, though.

Already dealing with money troubles, she’s left increasingly concerned about granddaughter Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) after overhearing a conversation between the teenager and Ricky Mitchell (Frankie Day).

The pair are discussing Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) recent attack, but quickly fall silent when Jean walks in, immediately making her suspicious that they’re hiding something.

Her fears only grow later when she shares her concerns with Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace)

Before long, Eve returns with worrying news of her own, revealing she’s just spotted Lily heading into No.43 to speak to Joel.

Alarmed by what she hears, Jean wastes no time dragging Lily back home before she can get herself into any more trouble.

But things soon take another turn when new-cop-on-the-block Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey) arrives to speak to Lily as the investigation into Joel’s attack continues.

Encouraged by Jean to tell the truth, Lily finally opens up and tells Craig exactly what she witnessed, though whether her account helps clear things up or creates even more questions remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, it’s meant to be a happy day for Suki and Eve as they throw a birthday party for Ria Virdi (Aaria Sharma).

However, celebrations are overshadowed when Ria is left heartbroken after her biological mum fails to show up.

Unable to hide her disappointment, Ria shuts herself away during her own party, leaving Eve desperate to make things right.

After some encouragement from Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), Eve steps in to comfort Ria, hoping she can salvage the day and reassure her that she’s loved.

The emotional situation also leads to an unexpected heart-to-heart between Eve and Nicola.

The pair bond over their own complicated relationships with their parents, with Nicola opening up more than usual.

However, the conversation is cut short when Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) arrives, and Nicola quickly changes the subject.

Later, Nicola decides to organise a birthday celebration for Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) on the anniversary of her father’s death.

While her gesture comes from a good place, the rest of the family quietly worry that she’s taking on more than she can cope with.