EastEnders’ Sam Mitchell undergoes an operation to remove a lump from her breast next week, just as Phil plots to whisk Nigel Bates away to Portugal! Knowing Phil’s reckless plan, Sam tries to convince her older brother that he’s making the wrong decision.

However, Phil throws caution to the wind and plans to leave for Portugal with Nigel after Sam’s all-important surgery – taking place that day…

“Sam ends up going to the hospital with Ricky and Jack for the lumpectomy that will treat her breast cancer,” explains our EastEnders source.

“Once it’s all over and done with, Sam finds that it’s Phil standing by her bedside, which brings a smile to her face. But even so, is he still plotting to flee with Nigel?”

To kick off the week, Ricky throws a surprise birthday bash for Phil on behalf of Raymond. The Mitchell clan – including Amy, Jack and Lexi – come together for the occasion, but the party spirit is crushed when Ricky suspects that his mum is about to up and leave her family yet again.

“Ricky’s relationship with Sam has come on leaps and bounds, but it’s still fragile,” shares our insider.

“At Phil’s party, Ricky comes to believe that Sam is about to abandon him again, which must feel like a punch in the gut. It’s such a shame that he doesn’t know the truth about his mum’s health – well, not yet anyway.”

Later, George spots Sam out on the Square holding a letter about her lumpectomy. As a friend and fellow parent, George advises Sam to come clean to Ricky about her health.

Eventually, Sam plucks up the courage to admit the truth to Ricky, who vows to be there through thick and thin.

Following her operation, Sam accidentally lets slip to George about Phil’s intentions with Nigel. In response, George relays the information to Denise – but will Phil’s ex intervene and help him see sense?

“Denise has her eye on Phil,” reveals our source. “Even before Sam’s procedure, she notices that Phil isn’t acting himself and asks George to check that he’s feeling all right. And that’s before George comes back and tells her what’s really going on behind closed doors…”

Can Denise talk Phil out of his reckless plan? Or will he manage to slip off to Portugal with Nigel before anyone else realises what’s going on?