EastEnders spoilers: Mel Owen prepares to flee the Square

Her son Hunter Owen is on the run…

Author: Eden-Olivia LordPublished 20th Aug 2019

Last week it came to light that Hunter Owen had escaped prison, and this week on EastEnders Mel Owen will get ready to leave the Square behind.

When it's reported in the Walford Gazette that Hunter has escaped from prison, Mel realises that her only hope of saving her son is to move away but she's unaware that Ben Mitchell is watching from a distance.

Will he put two and two together and foil her plan?

Elsewhere in Walford, Whitney Carter discovers Callum Highway's letters from his friend Chris and it leaves her with lots of questions… Later Whitney and Callum celebrate their hen and stag do but things don't go according to plan.

Meanwhile Bailey Baker meets up with a medium, Jean Slater opens up to Daniel, Rainie Branning continues to take painkillers and Iqra Ahmed comes out to her grandparents.

EastEnders spoilers: Monday 26 – Friday 30 August 2019

The week begins with Ben demanding information from Mel about Lisa Fowler's whereabouts. Mel quickly brushes him off and rushes back to Hunter. She then goes to extreme lengths to help her son.

Over at E20, Mel researches antibiotics but when Sharon Mitchell walks in she quickly covers and discovers Phil's wife is worried about her Amniocentesis.

Mel offers to go to the hospital with Sharon – much to her surprise – but while they're waiting it becomes clear that she's actually using her visit as an opportunity to help Hunter.

Mel then rushes back to see her son but she's unaware that Ben has spotted her heading for the basement and is now following her…


Mel tries to keep Hunter's spirits up and when she heads to work she's stopped by Sharon, Billy Mitchell and Ben who tell her Hunter's escape from prison has made front page news.

While Sharon comforts Mel, Ben grows suspicious of her especially after seeing her odd behaviour the day before. When they're alone he's quick to confront her and Mel eventually decides to give him exactly what he wants.

Mel fills her bag up with money but when she heads back to Hunter, Jack Branning spots her and tries to comfort her. Unfortunately he ends up putting his foot in it.

The drama for Mel doesn't stop there though because soon after the police pay her a visit and tell her some shocking news.

The pressure begins to pile on Mel when Billy Mitchell reveals the other prisoners have been caught. She's determined to flee the Square and grabs her passport, as well as Hunter's.

When Ben bumps into a stressed-out Mel he's had enough of being strung along and gives her an ultimatum - what will she do?

As Mel makes her final preparations to leave the Square, Sharon begins to grow suspicious of her odd behaviour. Mel feels emotional when she realises everything she's leaving behind, although she manages to say goodbye to Amy Branning.

Elsewhere on The Square, Whitney is stunned when she finds Callum's letters from his friend Chris and is quick to ask him about them. Callum tries to distract Whitney and bottles telling her what really went down.

Whitney struggles to get excited for her hen do but when Linda Carter overhears she's eager to take control of the situation.


Sonia Fowler tries to reassure Whitney's fears about Callum and eventually when she gets home she tells her fiancé that she's not interested in his past – she only wants to focus on their future.

Mick Carter feels a lot of pressure to ensure that Callum's stag goes according to plan. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse when Stuart sneaks off after finding out that Ben is attending the event…

When Stuart returns, Callum instantly suspicious especially when he realises Ben is missing. Mick starts his speak but all the men are left shocked when one of Stuart's 'surprises' doesn't go according to plan…


A drunk Callum struggles with the pressure on the run up to his wedding day and ends up lashing out at Ben.

On the other side of Albert Square, Whitney prepares for her big night out. The ladies start to play fun games but things begin to grow awkward between some of the women.

Whitney is thrilled when Callum arrives at her party but begins to panic when he asks if they can speak alone… Meanwhile the rest of Callum's stag do arrives at E20 and join in on the party.

They're all unaware of the drama unfolding around them… And Mick takes Linda home after Stuart reassures him of Callum's whereabouts.

Chantelle Atkins and Keegan Baker try to stop their little sister from meeting a medium, Shyanna. However when Chantelle decides to confront Shyanna she's left feeling spooked. Later on, Keegan offers Bailey support and gives her hope for the future.

Over to the Slater family and following Stacey Fowler's departure, Jean is left feeling alone. Although she's relieved that she's able to speak openly with Daniel.

Later on in the week, Mo Slater is keen to have love in her life and sets her sights on Daniel… unaware of who he is. Luckily, Jean arrives and the pair head off for a day out.

While Kathy warns Rainie about her dependance painkiller addiction, Jack teases Max Branning and his relationship with Ruby Allen. Later Ruby is feeling conflicted when Max fails to impress some of her clients.

Jack pressures Adam Bateman to ensure the mortgage goes through quickly but when Honey Mitchell reveal it might take longer than they planned, Jack makes it clear he's not backing down.


Adam tries to cheer Honey up by taking her out for lunch and she's forced to fake a smile when they see Habiba Ahmed.

Habiba is still devastated about Adam's relationship with Honey and tries to urge her sister Iqra to come out because she knows that secrets ruin everything.


Iqra takes her sister's advice and comes out to her grandparents with her girlfriend Ash's support her. Despite their positive reaction, Mariam Ahmed's attitude leave Iqra feeling concerned.

At the Hen party, Robbie Fowler hopelessly flirts with Ash – he's unaware that she's Iqra's girlfriend – so Iqra decides to confirm her relationship by kissing in front of the rest of the residents.

Max Branning struggles to keep up with Ruby's partying and is faced with a life dilemma. After falling asleep while he's babysitting Abi he realises what his priorities are in life and that his granddaughter needs to be his focus.

Stuart continues to worry about Rainie taking painkillers, although she promises him she's got everything under control. Later on in the week he spots her in pain but she refuses to go home and insists they need to wind Max up.

Elsewhere Jack ponders on the idea of returning to the police force following a conversation with Muski.

Linda worries about her husband Mick and decides to book him a doctor's appointment – however he's reluctant to go.

Before any of the above happens here's everything that will happen on EastEnders this week...

Mel receives a phone call from the police who reveal her son Hunter was meant to be moving to another unit but has escaped from prison.

Elsewhere Ben throws his dad Phil a surprise party after he's released from the hospital. Phil still can't remember what went down - Stacey Fowler whacked him over the head with a wrench - and tries to get to the bottom of things.

Elsewhere Callum has to break some news to his brother Stuart and the Baker family prepare for the inquest into Dinah's death.

EastEnders airs on Mondays and Fridays at 8pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.