BBC EastEnders fans ‘rumble’ cruel Nadine and Emma twist amid return as Ben ‘set up’

EastEnders fans think a double return could lead to a twist, with two Walford residents possibly being targeted.

Amid Ben Mitchell’s exit storyline seemingly being revealed, news of a return and hints of another comeback have left fans convinced there’s a twist looming. Jay Brown’s former fling and Lola Pearce lookalike Nadine has been spotted filming again, with her set to make a comeback.

It’s not known what brings her back to Walford, but fans are speculating it could tie in with the potential return of another character. Lola’s mother Emma could make a comeback, fans say, amid her granddaughter Lexi losing her father Ben just a year on from the death of her mother Lola.

Ben is tipped to go to prison, as his exit was confirmed months ago, and now fans think Emma will return to get custody of Lexi. But following the news Nadine was heading back to Walford following her scenes with Jay last year, some fans are suspicious about a possible set-up.

Some fans think Emma and Nadine may be linked, and could possibloy have been secretly working togeter. Some viewers suggested Emma hired Nadine to mess with Jay in her bid to get Lexi.

The same fans are wondering if Nadine’s return could tease she and Emma have been in cahoots, and whether Ben’s arrest will come about thanks to Emma tipping off the police. With no real details about what has led to his arrest other than the fact it’s thought to have been something that happened in America, one theory is that Emma has set Ben up to get him out the way.

Taking to social media, one fan posted: “I actually like the sound of emma setting ben up. if she’s not pregnant, she can only be back for lexi. And considering ben was what got in her way last time, i wouldn’t be surprised.”

Another fan posted: “Ok but imagine emma found out about bens america trip and ‘tipped off’ the police for something ben didn’t actually do so callum sets out to find out what really happened and finds a phone call from emma to the police and uses it to get ben released.” A third added: “Apparently, Nadines been seen at Elstree – if Emma is back, then maybe she did pay Nadine to get close to Jay.”

A further comment read: “Did Emma set Ben up to get him out of the way? Did Emma hire Nadine to get to Jay (Nadine appeared a week after Ben kicked Emma out) Is Emma going to try for custody of Lexi? Will Callum be the only one who can stop her? Are we finally getting a lady villain?”

It was announced months ago that Max Bowden would be leaving the show as Ben, after taking on the role in 2019. There were conflicting reports as to whether the actor quit the show or was written out, while fans were devastated about the twist.

There is some confusion as to what Ben could possibly have done to have led to an arrest and a possible exit for the character so abruptly, given he wasn’t in America for very long. Spoilers reveal Ben protests his innocence as he is held at the Walford police station when details of a previous crime resurface.

Later in the week, Phil takes a call from Ben as he shares a request while Ben’s daughter Lexi is fearful as she learns what’s happened, barely a year on from her mother’s death. Phil’s actions spark suspicion with Ben’s mother Kathy, while Ben’s husband Callum uses his profession to his advantage to try and help – but ultimately it seems this storyline will end with Ben departing in some way.