Next week on 'EastEnders': Brian Conley debuts as Sonia's dad Terry, plus Bailey returns home (spoilers)

Brian Conley arrives in town as Sonia’s errant dad Terry, plus Bailey is back in the bosom of her family and Mick prepares for his moment in court.

It’s all you need to know about life on EastEnders in the week of the 17-21 May, 2021.

Sonia’s dad Terry Cant makes his debut

Let’s face it: EastEnders could do with lightening up at the moment. And hopes are high that Brian Conley will do just that when he arrives as Sonia’s long-lost dad Terry Cant, who goes by the nickname of “Rocky”.

Read more: Next week on Coronation Street

Read more: Next week on Emmerdale

In his first episode, Terry is full of bonhomie and tall tales for the Queen Vic regulars. But let’s not forget that comedic performers such as Mike Reid, Shane Richie and Barbara Windsor were drafted onto the show in decades past – and they were handed storylines about mental breakdowns, baby death and breast cancer. So I wouldn’t expect Terry to be laughing it up for long.

Bailey returns home

Denise will prove to be the catalyst for Bailey being returned to the Taylor clan after she spots Amy acting suspiciously.

Tracking the youngster to the allotments, Denise soon finds Amy in Bailey’s company and herds them both back to the Square. A delighted Mitch is overcome with emotion and breaks down in tears before reassuring Bailey that he’s got his job back.

The Carters head to court

At the start of the week, Mick will be seen writing his victim impact statement and receiving encouragement from Nancy, who advises her dad to read it out in court.

But what Mick doesn’t know is that abuser Katy is still lurking in the shadows and trying to sweet talk daughter Frankie, who’s left conflicted by the prospect of her mother being locked up for good. Nancy then utters the fateful words that once the case is over, the family can put this ordeal behind them (since when is soap life ever that simple?). But what decision will actually be made when the Carters arrive in court on Friday?

Watch: EastEnders Soap Scoop!

Martin v Zack

Sharon is giving Zack his orders: stop bringing women back to the flat and get a job. So, what does Zack do? Well, he ignores his sister completely and starts to flirt outrageously with Ruby – a move which understandably riles Martin.

Mind you, an already volatile situation isn’t exactly being calmed by a devious Lily, who tells Martin that while he was away in Dubai, Zack spent a lot of time with Ruby and even stayed the night…

Bernie and Molly hit a hurdle

Relationships are never on an even keel for long in Walford, as newcomer Molly discovers after she suggests to Bernie that they go on holiday together. There are just two problems with that plan, admits Bernie. For starters, her family is still facing financial hardship. And then there’s the not-insignificant matter of Bernie’s scheme to be a surrogate for Rainie.

Following these disclosures, Molly asks her new girlfriend to forget about the surrogacy for the sake of their future together, but Bernie still wants to bring that cash bonus home to the Taylors. Later, though, Bernie gets disappointing news from Rainie – a blow that puts her under more pressure to come up with the money her nearest and dearest need.

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