Jean Slater (played by Gillian Wright) has been enjoying getting to know EastEnders’ ruthless businessman Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) since the two became closer over the festive period.
Amongst her family problems and trying to impress the Square’s choir master, Jean found herself drifting into the arms of Ian.
Walford’s answer to Lord Alan Sugar on the BBC soap even let down his walls by spending Christmas Day with Jean and her ever-growing family by preparing dinner for the Slater household.
However, next week, Jean will begin to question her “relationship” with Ian as she begins to realise he isn’t as committed to their bond as she is willing to be.
Jean plays with the idea of asking Ian for a date at the beginning of week, but is soon given encouragement by Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) who believes the Slater matriarch should give Ian a chance.
Ian agrees to the lunch date, but when Jean tries to flirt with the businessman, she realises he may want to be with someone else.
Knowing his ex-wife Mel Owen (Tasmin Outhwaite) is supposedly “single” again after marrying bigamist Ray Kelly (Sean Mahon), Ian will try to reignite the spark between him and Mel when the concerned mother approaches him for advice over her son, Hunter Owen (Charlie Winter).
Although Jean doesn’t know about Ian’s meeting with Mel, she is left reeling when Ian makes some thoughtless comments towards her.
Later on, Jean decides to call things a day with Ian but not before pouring a dink over him as he is response is not what Jean had predicted.
However, in scenes due to air later this year, Jean will face a battle with her health as she will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Needing a shoulder to cry on and a friend to support her in her hour of need, will Ian take back his comments, offering his support to Jean?
Jean’s heartbreaking storyline will see Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) welcomed back to the Square in a short stint on the soap since his departure 10 years ago.
Knowing her health is taking a turn for the worse, could Jean ask Ian to help her track down her son to make amends?
Elsewhere in Walford, Sharon Mitchell (Letitia Dean) made her return to the Square after spending the festive season in Australia.
However, Sharon was dealt a devastating blow as she discovered her young lover Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) had moved on with her step-daughter Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper).