Kathy hit with worrying news about Ian and serial killer Gray in EastEnders | Soaps

Kathy Beale is left facing every parent’s worst nightmare in EastEnders next week when she discovers her imprisoned son Ian is sharing a prison wing with serial killer Gray Atkins.

After Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) was sentenced last week, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) has been determined to stay strong for her son as he begins life behind bars. But during a prison visit, Ian drops a bombshell that leaves her deeply concerned.

Trying to reassure his mum that he’s staying out of trouble, Ian explains he’s been keeping his head down for one terrifying reason, Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith) is on the very same wing.

Given Gray’s violent past, Kathy is instantly filled with dread. She knows exactly what he’s capable of, and the revelation leaves her fearing Ian could be in serious danger.

Before learning the truth, Kathy had been considering sharing some positive news with Ian. Chelsea Fox has finally admitted her guilt over Jordan’s accident and is determined to help put things right, promising to support Ian’s appeal against his conviction. Sharon believes hearing that Chelsea is fighting for him could be just the encouragement Ian needs.

However, everything changes once Kathy learns Gray is nearby.

Concerned that Ian’s priority should be staying under the radar, Kathy decides not to tell him about Chelsea after all, worried that any distraction or emotional upheaval could leave him vulnerable.

The worrying development comes after an emotional week for the Beales. Ian had been hoping Chelsea would arrive at court in time to support his case, but after she was delayed, he was forced to hear his sentence without the evidence that might have changed the outcome.

Although Kathy initially blamed Chelsea for failing to appear, she later accepted that Chelsea is genuinely trying to make amends. The pair eventually reached an understanding, with Kathy agreeing to keep quiet about where the money for Ian’s appeal is really coming from.

Meanwhile, viewers have already seen that Ian’s arrival in prison hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Gray wasted little time in approaching Ian after spotting him on the wing, making a cryptic offer that immediately raised alarm bells. With Kathy now aware they’re housed together, fears are mounting that Gray’s interest in Ian is anything but innocent.

Back in Walford, Patrick Trueman returns home, leading to an emotional reunion with Denise Fox. It doesn’t take Patrick long to sense the tension between Denise and Chelsea, and he encourages the pair to try and rebuild their fractured relationship.

Chelsea continues to believe she’s doing the right thing by allowing Sheila to spend time alone with Jordan, despite Denise repeatedly voicing her concerns. But it soon becomes clear Denise may have every reason to be worried.

While looking after Jordan, Sheila subtly tests whether he can keep a secret before taking him out and making him promise not to tell anyone where they’ve been. The pair return home without anyone suspecting a thing, allowing Sheila to discreetly put the next stage of her plan into motion.

Later, she contacts Gray in prison and confirms that everything is going according to plan.

As the week unfolds, though, their scheme begins to unravel. Jordan accidentally lets something slip, leaving Chelsea increasingly suspicious that all is not as it seems. Before she has a chance to piece everything together, an unexpected knock at the door leaves Sheila rattled.

With events threatening to spiral out of control, Sheila reaches out to Gray once again, hinting that she may have no choice but to take far more drastic action.

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