EastEnders’ Linda Carter plays matchmaker next week, when she attempts to get Phil Mitchell and Sharon Watts back together. But will her efforts succeed, or will her friends accuse her of interfering?

Knowing how close the pair have always been, Linda is confused when Phil seems reluctant to call Sharon and fill her in on what’s been going on with Nigel recently. However, she’s left reeling when Phil reveals the real reason he and Sharon aren’t currently talking…

“Phil drops the bombshell that Sharon slept with Grant,” explains our Walford insider. “This is certainly news to Linda, and she can’t believe what she’s hearing.”

“Not only is she surprised that her best friend hasn’t mentioned such a juicy piece of gossip to her, but let’s not forget that Linda herself enjoyed a brief flirtation with Grant before he left.”

While we’re sure Linda wouldn’t have been tempted to go there with Grant anyway – after all, he is her best mate’s ex-hubby – she can certainly understand why Phil would be so upset about Sharon’s passionate reunion with his brother.

He and Sharon had been well on the way to rekindling their own relationship until this incident put a massive spanner in the works for them.

It’s clear to Linda that Phil and Sharon still care for each other deeply, and as someone who’s sadly lost the love of her life, she’s determined that her two closest friends won’t squander this chance of lasting happiness.

But as she gently tries to persuade Phil to bite the bullet and give Sharon a call to make things up with her, will Phil swallow his pride and take her advice? Or will he stubbornly stick to his guns, and wait for Sharon to make the first move?