EastEnders spoiler 'reveals' new Queen Victoria owner - and it's not Kat

The fight for the Queen Vic is on in EastEnders with both the Slaters and the Beales showing their interest. However, spoilers reveal some bad news for Kat...

During tonight's episode fans saw Stacey Slater receive some life-changing news, as she learnt she was the beneficiary of Martin Fowler's life insurance, meaning she'd be pocketing £100k. Now, they're back in the running.

Spoilers for next week revealthat the owner is set to be announced as the auction takes place - leading to drama for more than one family. As Ian plots to sell Beales Eeels for the sale of the Vic, it's bad news for Kat. Although she recieves good news from the bank - Stacey drops the bombshell that she can't lend her cousin the money anymore, leaving her devastated.

READ MORE: EastEnders spoilers: Teen baby shock, Max's return plot 'sealed' and new Queen Vic owner

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Soon Stacey reconsiders the loan offer after Jean shares some pearls of wisdom and as the Slaters head to the pub, a bidding war ensues between them, the Beales and a developer.

However, many fans aren't convinced that either of them will be the landlords of the pub - and think EastEnders are about to throw in a huge curveball for fans. Since Ben Wadey took over as Executive Producer, fans have been treated to a number of surprises, starting with the return of Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).

Earlier this week, Oscar Branning made his return to the Square, and it was revealed that his dadMax (Jake Wood) wouldn't be far behind.Now - some fans think he'll make a surprise return as the new owner of the Vic.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: "I reckon it'll be Tanya or Max Branning but more likely Tanya that is gonna buy the Queen Vic," as another agreed: "I bet Max buys The Vic #EastEnders."

A third fan said: "Oscar Branning is why Max Branning should be the new landlord of the Queen Vic. Imagine him behind the bar #EastEnders," as a fourth added: "I wondered about Max branning running the vic #EastEnders."

Max's return comes four years after he left the soap - and actor Jake Wood teased big drama ahead. “I’m over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I’m sure he’ll be busy.

“I’m excited to see what he’s been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I’m sure there will be plenty of chaos.”

So, who will we see behind the bar next week?

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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