EastEnders reveals historic Nicola and Ned secret in early iPlayer release

EastEnders spoilers follow for Wednesday’s episode (30 September), which is available to watch now on streaming service BBC iPlayer and hasn’t yet aired on TV.

EastEnders has teased a major secret involving Nicola Mitchell and Ned Hawkins that the two characters have shared for 20 years. This week, Nicola discovered that Harry’s Barn was at risk of closure unless she could raise £25,000 by Friday.

Meanwhile, Nicola’s brother-in-law Ned got Phil to do some digging on his former business partner Adam, and consequently found out that Adam was in London, not abroad as he’d claimed.

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In today’s episode, Nicola despaired at her financial situation, and mum Rose suggested asking Ned for help. But at that moment, the bailiffs arrived on the Square to take possession of Harry’s Barn.

The bailiffs demanded £15,000 by tomorrow or the bar would be gone, and Nicola despaired at this impossible task. But her family vowed to lend a hand, and Gemma suggested holding a fundraiser that evening.

To spread the word, Rose interrupted Yolande’s prayer group meeting, but she made out that they were raising money for a donkey sanctuary! Meanwhile, Gemma was more honest with Vicki and Sharon and eventually convinced them to come along.

Ned roped in Harry to help with his own plan to raise some cash, and the pair started to bond before confronting Adam together.

Adam was terrified to come face to face with Ned, his former therapist, and he apologised for ruining their business and their friendship.

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Ned appeared to accept the apology, but he then threatened to send Adam’s new girlfriend an audio file from his time in therapy, so Adam immediately said he would give him back the money he stole.

The fundraiser got under way at Harry’s Barn, but chaos ensued when there was confusion about what the event was raising money for.

The guests headed to leave, so Nicola gave up on her plan to save the bar and offered everyone free drinks – but Ryder saved the day by turning up with a large stag party.

Nicola and her family managed to make half the money they needed, but hit another stumbling block when they ran out of alcohol after it was being given away on the house.

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Heartbroken that she’d failed, Nicola returned home – but Ned and Harry later arrived with the news that they had secured the cash she desperately needed.

Nicola was filled with gratitude for Ned, but as she headed to bed, he made an intriguing comment that suggested the pair were hiding something big.

"I’m always happy to help," he said. "You should know that better than anyone. After all, we have been keeping our little secret for – what is it now, 20 years?"

As Nicola looked spooked, how did Ned help her two decades ago – and should she be worried?

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.

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