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EastEnders May Episodes Feature Election Smear, Dying Knight, Pub Losses

4/28/2026

33 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ian Beale Smears

EastEnders airs from Monday 4 May to Thursday 7 May, ending with a council election.
Nicola Mitchell and George Knight halt a newborn Ivy party after Eddie Knight says he is dying.
Ian Beale authorises a smear-campaign video against Elaine Peacock on election day.
Harry Mitchell lends money to Gina Knight for Harry’s Barn, prompting Nicola to learn the pub is losing money.

Summary

Grant Returns

Ross Kemp returns as Grant Mitchell in the 27 April 2026 episode, marking the character’s return to Albert Square.
Grant speeds into Walford, nearly hits Max Branning before stopping outside the hospital.
At the hospital, Grant confronts Phil Mitchell about refusing to see Nigel Bates, sparking an explosive exchange.
Sam Mitchell watches and hears Grant apologise for not supporting Phil during his alcohol-addiction battle.

History

Historical Context

BBC launched EastEnders on 19 February 1985, created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland to rival ITV soaps. Within its first year the show drew up to 23 million viewers and introduced the Mitchell family, while Ian Beale became the longest-running character. The 2026 episode, where Grant Mitchell speeds past Max Branning and Ian Beale engineers a council smear, mirrors series’ early blend of family drama and political intrigue.

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Ian Beale Smears

EastEnders airs from Monday 4 May to Thursday 7 May, ending with a council election.
Nicola Mitchell and George Knight halt a newborn Ivy party after Eddie Knight says he is dying.
Ian Beale authorises a smear-campaign video against Elaine Peacock on election day.
Harry Mitchell lends money to Gina Knight for Harry’s Barn, prompting Nicola to learn the pub is losing money.

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