EastEnders‘ Kim Fox will swept off her feet next week, when her partner Howie Danes pops the question during the Square’s Christmas lights switch-on. But unbeknownst to her, Howie is harbouring more than one huge secret, which could shatter their whole relationship.

With a dramatic engagement party already confirmed, is the Kimfluencer heading for heartbreak?

Viewers know that Howie has recently resorted to some pretty shady behaviour in a bid to secure his finances and keep his family happy. The postman has been gambling, blackmailing and stealing, while attributing the cash to bonuses and extra shifts.

Though Kim has remained blissfully unaware of his secrets, upcoming episodes will see Howie’s actions spark the suspicion of Anthony Trueman, leading to a tense showdown between the pair.

In scenes that will air next week, the Fox-Trueman family celebrate Kim and Howie’s engagement with a big party at Harry’s Barn. As delighted Kim laps up the attention, Anthony confronts Howie with evidence about his dodgy dealings.

However, Anthony isn’t exactly squeaky clean himself – a fact that Howie is quick to point out. The pair reach a stalemate and agree to remain quiet about each other’s secrets. But the engagement party is later ruined by a shocking incident.

Speaking about the theft and blackmail, actor Tameka Empson explained that Kim would be “more upset about Howie lying than anything else” as it would ruin the trust between the couple.

“It has taken her a long time to trust him and to build a life with their families coming together. It would be a real blow to her and she would question everything else that’s gone on. Kim will feel so let down because Howie is not the person that she thought he was,” she said of her character.

The star discussed Howie’s involvement in the house burglary and Patrick’s consequential attack, which left the pensioner scared to return home. She shared that Kim would feel “responsible” for bringing Howie into their lives and would be furious about her fiancé’s betrayal.

“Patrick is family and family means a lot to Kim so when somebody hurts her by doing something to hurt her family, it cuts really deep. Kim wouldn’t want people to think she was involved either, and she would probably feel responsible because Howie is only there because of her. How dare he do that? It’s a mess!”