Girlfriend Jess exposes Lee’s lies in EastEnders – and he lashes out badly at family

| Freelance soaps writer Published October 19, 2026 11:59pm Jess exposes Lee Carter’s lies to the rest of the family (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Lee Carter’s (Danny Hatchard) web of lies is set to unravel in EastEnders next week as his mysterious ex-girlfriend Jess arrives in Walford. Upon Lee and his sister Nancy Carter’s (Maddy Hill) return to Albert Square earlier this month, fans learned that pregnant Nancy had agreed to be a surrogate for Lee and Jess’ baby. The news rocked their mum Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), and she was upset to learn that Jess had apparently walked out on Lee, leaving him and Nancy to deal with the situation. However, a secret phone call between Lee and Jess revealed that it was not quite the real version of events, as he warned her to stay away from him. Linda later insisted that she would assist Lee on a hunt to track Jess down, before mother and son set off across the country. Next week, Linda and Lee return unsuccessful from their search, only for Jess to be waiting for them at Peacock Palace. The Carters are shocked (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) She then exposes Lee’s lies to his shocked family, and when Linda later finds evidence that backs up Jess’ claims, Lee badly lashes out. The row prompts Nancy to reveal she is not going to give up parental responsibility for the baby. Fans will have to wait and see what really happened between Lee and Jess, but Linda soon starts interfering, determined to help her eldest turn things around. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. The storyline has tied in with Nancy Carter actress Maddy Hill’s real-life pregnancy, with the star recently saying in a social video for the official EastEnders account: ‘I’m loving being back. ‘Maybe there’s something joyful about playing a pregnancy, even when it’s a complicated pregnancy. Linda Carter wants to help Lee (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) ‘But yeah, it’s the most joyful iteration of Nancy that I’ve had since our first introduction.’ Nancy and Lee have returned to the show in the lead-up to on-screen mum Kellie Bright’s forthcoming departure. The actress announced earlier this year that she would be leaving her role as former Queen Vic landlady Linda Carter after 13 years. Deals of the Day See London's Christmas lights from an open-top double-decker bus this winter My skin always suffers when the heating goes on but this serum changed that The skincare formula that finally took the guesswork out of my routine Families can save up to 20% on summer 2027 holidays in Club Med's four-day sale Cold mornings are coming and this is the dressing gown I want to live in EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 26th October at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. Arrow MORE: Sparks fly as Nancy and Zack are reunited in EastEnders Arrow MORE: Unexpected Ian twist and Linda breakthrough as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: EastEnders Jess and Lee twist and major return confirmed as new spoilers reveal what happens next The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.