Emma Harding makes shock return to EastEnders with explosive consequences

AFTER trying to reconnect with her dying daughter Lola Pearce, Emma Harding fled the Square and abandoner her again.

But she makes another shock return for her granddaughter Lexi next week in EastEnders.

Actress Patsy Kensit joined the BBC One soap in late January, 2023, as Lola Pearce's health deteriorated drastically due to her terminal brain tumour.

The fan favourite grew up having to cope with her mother Emma's absence and was shocked when she rocked up Walford demanding to bond with her.

Unfortunately, Emma was quickly overwhelmed by Lola's struggle and fled Albert Square, letting her and young Lexi Pearce down again.

Since her swift departure, Lexi (portrayed by Isabella Brown) has had to cope with her own mother trauma after Lola's heart-breaking death but Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) and her father Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) have all made sure to make it easier for her.

But when Lexi is being cagey with her phone next week, Jay becomes concerned and he later discovers that she's been texting Emma who has made an impromptu comeback.

It's later revealed that Lexi has been messaging Emma for several weeks and she's worried about her.

However, Jay is unable to forgive Emma for abandoning both Lexi and Lola at a time of need and throws her out.

Callum Highway (Tony Clay) then pleads with Jay to listen for Lexi's sake as Emma asks for another sit-down the following day.

But things are set to get chaotic for Emma as she later barges into local wine bar Peggy's, demanding for a G&T, and she bumps into Walford tough man Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).

In later scenes, Ben is as furious as Jay to hear that Emma is back in Albert Square and he bans her from seeing Lexi altogether.

Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) steps in and counsels Jay to put Lexi's feelings first.

Jay is then heartbroken when Emma shows him the anguished messages Lexi has been sending her as the young girl didn't want to upset her dads further.

He promises to speak to Ben about letting Emma see Lexi but will he be able to get through to him?

Emma continues to push for access to Lexi, which Jay reluctantly allows.

During an emotional chat, Emma promises never to leave Lexi again, but Ben soon destroys her hopes.

What will he say?

EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.