EastEnders spoilers for 19–22 October: Denzel's ordeal and four more major family crises

Denzel Danes is left facing the consequences of a blackmail ordeal in EastEnders, while Amy Mitchell's growing connection with Craig, Cindy Beale's investigation into Max Branning and Kat Slater's determination to find answers about Zoe all bring fresh tension to Walford.

Denzel's troubles begin when a blackmailer threatens to expose his private photos. Desperate to pay them off, he pawns a signet ring that Kim and Howie give him ahead of his birthday.

At the birthday gathering, Craig secretly watches from the sidelines before sending the photographs to Kim and Howie out of jealousy. Amy spots and confronts Craig, but the damage is done. Denzel eventually admits that he sold the ring to pay the blackmailer, and the situation becomes more complicated when he starts questioning Amy's account of events.

Amy turns to Craig in the aftermath, giving him an opening to move closer to her. When she mentions an upcoming inheritance, he sees an opportunity and agrees to leave Walford with her. However, Amy is also searching for a way to access the money early, bringing her into conflict with Jack. Denzel's growing doubts could further complicate the situation as he tries to make sense of what has happened.

Cindy's own investigation puts Max under pressure. After finding lipstick in his flat and becoming suspicious about a mystery woman, she digs into his affairs and discovers that he has a secret property in New Zealand. She exposes it during a viewing of No.31 with Lauren, undermining Max's attempt to buy the house. Suki rejects his offer in favour of another, leaving Max humiliated. When HMRC catches up with him over the property, Cindy demands further answers.

Kat, meanwhile, is determined to find the man she believes let Zoe die.

Although police have already cleared the former owner of Charlie's cab, Kat vows to pursue justice.

Jasmine's questions put Alfie under pressure, while Jasmine, Josh and Oscar organise a bingo night in Zoe's honour to lift Mo's spirits.

Lauren investigates Ned after he distances himself from Mark, receiving a cryptic clue from Ryder about Ned's former career. Ian is encouraged by Ned's words, but Lauren becomes suspicious of his influence.

Elsewhere, Nancy learns about Elaine and Ian's fling, Phil agrees to help Gemma and Jodie with their car after Sharon's encouragement, and Max tries to enlist Oscar's help to prove that his marriage to Cindy was never consummated.

EastEnders is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, with episodes also airing on BBC One. Image credit: BBC