BBC EastEnders' Barney's real father exposed as Sharon's secret is discovered

EastEnders viewers are set for a whirlwind of secrets and revelations as new storylines unravel in Albert Square. The drama kicks off with Sharon Watts, played by Letitia Dean, who finds herself embroiled in mystery when her secret is unearthed by Bianca Jackson, portrayed by Patsy Palmer.

This leads Sharon to contemplate coming clean, but circumstances hinder her from spilling the beans. What could she be hiding?

After failing to confess, Sharon confides in her brother Zack Hudson, played by James Farrar, about her secret.

However, their confidential chat is overheard by an unexpected eavesdropper - Barney Mitchell, played by Lewis Bridgeman. In an effort to protect his sister, Zack promises Sharon that he will stop Barney from revealing her secret.

But another shocking revelation soon emerges. At Harry's Barn, Zack confronts Barney, but their conversation takes a dramatic twist when Barney begins bleeding from a wound he sustained during the explosion at The Queen Vic, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Zack then joins his former lover Nicola Mitchell, played by Laura Doddington, and Teddy, played by Roland Manookian, at the hospital where Barney is being treated. However, confusion ensues when a discussion about blood types casts doubt on Barney's lineage.

Determined to discover the truth, Zack confronts Nicola, who admits that he is indeed Barney's biological father.

Zack, in a state of distress, returns to Walford and drowns his sorrows. His day worsens after receiving a call from his ex-fiancee, Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty).

Will the secrets kept by Sharon and Nicola be revealed to the rest of the Mitchell family?

Elsewhere, Bianca is battling her own issues, feeling trapped and struggling to step out onto the Square. She finds solace in George Knight's (Colin Salmon) reassurances that she is not at fault for the incident at The Queen Vic.

Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) offers support, leading Bianca to open up about her traumatic experiences. As the week unfolds, The Knights rally around Bianca, supporting her as she tries to face her fears.

Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) brings her food from Beales Eels, only to encounter hostility from a group. Bianca must confront her fears to defend Kojo, but will she make progress?

In the meantime, Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) returns home, immediately impressing his parents Kat and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) with a kind gesture towards a friend.

However, when Tommy repeatedly asks to connect with his friend online, Kat risks causing a dispute when she admits to having thrown away his computer console.

As the week progresses, Tommy's temper flares up again, but will he once more succumb to violence?

In other developments, Harvey Monroe, portrayed by Ross Boatman, feels neglected by the Slaters as they grieve for Martin, played by James Bye. This leads him to find comfort in Kathy Beale, a character brought to life by Gillian Taylforth.