EastEnders Alfie and Ned history teased after surprise reunion

Alfie is left with an unexpected surprise in EastEnders when Nicola’s family arrives in Albert Square and he immediately recognises Ned as someone from his past.

Ned arrives in Walford with Jodie, Gemma, Rose and Ryder as Nicola’s relatives suddenly descend on the Square. Nicola is furious to see them, but Alfie’s attention is quickly drawn to Ned for a very different reason.

The pair already know each other, with Alfie recognising Ned as an old friend. It gives Ned an instant connection to Walford outside Nicola’s family and raises questions about when the two men first met and what history they share.

That connection could become important as Nicola struggles with the sudden arrival of so many relatives. While she is clearly unhappy about the family turning up, Alfie already has a positive link with at least one of them.

Ned’s arrival is therefore about more than simply expanding Nicola’s family. His past friendship with Alfie gives him another route into life on the Square and means he is not arriving as a complete stranger to everyone around him.

For Alfie, the reunion also brings a familiar face back into his life at a time when Walford is already full of family drama. The surprise on both sides suggests there is more to their shared history than viewers currently know.

Exactly how deep their friendship runs has yet to be revealed, but the connection gives Ned an immediate place in the wider community. It also opens up the possibility of more being revealed about Alfie’s past as the Hawkins family settles into Albert Square.

With Nicola already unhappy and the real reason for the family’s arrival still to come, Alfie and Ned’s reunion adds another layer to what is shaping up to be a complicated introduction for the newcomers.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. For more EastEnders news and spoilers, visit the EastEnders Hub on SoapLandTV.co.uk. Images: BBC..