EastEnders has unleashed one of its most brutal and emotionally devastating weeks of the year as the long-running drug network storyline exploded into violence, betrayal, and tragedy. What began as a covert operation run by Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) has spiraled into a deadly confrontation, leaving enforcer Oki (Simon Khan) dead, Ravi forced into an undercover police alliance, and the entire Square reeling. Meanwhile, Zack Hudson (James Farrar) takes matters into his own hands in a vicious attack on Ravi — detonating a fresh rivalry that threatens to consume both families.

The Death That Changes Everything

The heart of the chaos lies in the death of Oki, whose reign of terror came to a shocking end inside Kojo Asar’s (Rico Jackson) flat — the home he had seized and turned into the command centre of his criminal operation. For months, Oki had controlled Kojo through fear, exploiting his autism and isolating him from his support network. When Ravi fled abroad to protect himself, Oki tightened his grip, using food, drugs, and manipulation to torment his new captive, Harry Mitchell (Alex Walkinshaw).

When Harry returned to Kojo’s flat hoping to rescue him, he instead walked straight into a nightmare. Oki, increasingly unstable and desperate, cornered him, sparking a violent confrontation in which both men reached for a knife in a panic-fuelled scramble. Harry got there first — but the moment Oki lunged forward sealed his fate. He fell onto the blade with the full weight of his body, suffering a fatal wound as Harry stared in horror.

The sequence that followed was among the most emotionally powerful EastEnders has produced in years. Oki’s hardened façade fractured completely, leaving behind not a villain, but a broken man shaped by a lifetime of pain and survival. After hurling a final taunt — “You’re in this life for good now” — he let slip a confession that stunned Harry:

“This wasn’t my choice… it was the only life I ever knew.”

His final breath came with a whisper that shook viewers across the nation:
“I just want my mom, man.”

Harry, traumatised and shaking, tried desperately to stem the bleeding, but Oki died in his arms moments before Teddy Mitchell (Clay Milner Russell) rushed into the flat. The combination of shock, guilt, and helplessness has left Harry facing a psychological fallout that is only beginning.

Ravi’s World Crumbles — And Zack Strikes Back

As news of Oki’s death spread through Albert Square, Ravi’s already fragile grip on his empire collapsed completely. Arrested after Harry’s exposure, Ravi attempted to negotiate his way out, offering information about his associates in exchange for freedom. But detectives had a different plan — one that pushed Ravi into the most dangerous position of his life.

Police informed him he would be released, but only if he agreed to act as a covert informant inside the drug network he once controlled. The deal was risky, humiliating, and virtually impossible to survive. Worse still, the officer assigned as his handler was none other than Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), a man Ravi has spent years clashing with across countless family dramas.

Ravi reluctantly accepted — but the consequences were immediate and brutal.

When Zack Hudson discovered Ravi’s role in the exploitation of his friend, his fury boiled over. In a confrontation outside the Arches, Zack launched into Ravi with a savage attack that left the criminal bloodied and shaken. Witnesses described Zack as “beyond reason,” fueled by months of pent-up rage and guilt over failing to protect his circle from Ravi’s influence. The fight has now escalated into a feud that promises to become one of Walford’s most explosive rivalries of 2025.

Priya Walks Away — Forever

Ravi’s downfall did not end with his arrest — it tore his family apart from the inside. After hearing his excuses, Priya (Sophie Lawrence) went searching for the truth and uncovered the full extent of his lies: his manipulation of Kojo, his exploitation of vulnerable residents, and his willingness to sacrifice anyone to protect himself and his debts.

When Priya confronted him, Ravi tried to play the victim, insisting he was simply trying to fund a birthday celebration for Avani. But the truth was far darker — and Priya saw it.

Her decision to end the relationship “for good” marked one of the storyline’s most emotional moments. Ravi’s stunned silence said everything: he had lost his family, his respect, and his power in a single catastrophic week.

Kojo’s Desperate Escape

While the adults fought over blame and responsibility, Kojo — fragile, overwhelmed, and traumatised — slipped away to return to the flat where he had been held. By the time he arrived, Oki was waiting for him, just minutes before the fatal confrontation with Harry unfolded.

His return, driven by confusion and fear, underscores one of the darkest truths of this storyline: the deep, lasting damage inflicted on vulnerable people by exploitation. Kojo now faces a long road to recovery, but his ordeal has sparked outrage across the Square and will likely fuel upcoming storylines around safeguarding and social responsibility.

Max Branning Returns — And All Hell Breaks Loose

While chaos unfolds in the shadows of Walford’s criminal underworld, the Square is also bracing for another storm: Max Branning (Jake Wood) is returning just in time for the festive season.

His arrival at baby Jimmy’s christening instantly reignites his long-running feud with brother Jack — and this time, the confrontation turns physical. Behind-the-scenes footage shows the brothers locked in a furious, explosive row before Max is seen staggering away with a split lip.

And then comes the moment fans have been anticipating for years: Max’s first face-off with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) since Steven’s death. Cindy is determined to make him answer for the pain he caused, and sources teasing the scenes describe them as “volatile, emotional, and utterly unmissable.”

Walford Is Forever Changed

With one man dead, another broken, a criminal empire collapsed, and new feuds erupting across the Square, EastEnders is entering a turbulent new chapter. Trauma, betrayal, and long-buried resentments are rising to the surface — and as Christmas approaches, it’s clear Walford is heading for one of its darkest festive seasons in years.