EastEnders’ Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) and Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) are drawn back together next week as they cheat once again.

The pair shared a kiss last year after Kathy made a pass at Harvey, but they agreed not to take things any further and keep it a secret from his partner Jean Slater (Gillian Wright).

However, Harvey has been feeling increasingly isolated from Jean and the rest of the Slaters in the wake of Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) death last week.

And after Jean gives him the cold shoulder again in forthcoming scenes, it spells serious trouble for their relationship.

Next week begins with Jean feeling overwhelmed, but when Harvey offers to help, she rejects him, leading him to to confide in Kathy at the café.

Actor Ross Boatman explains: ‘Harvey is taking the death of Martin really hard, as is everybody. He’s obviously very sympathetic towards the family and he understands their grief is greater than his but it’s hit him hard too, and he wants to support them and contribute in some way.

‘At every turn he feels pushed aside; he doesn’t really know which way to turn and everything he does feels wrong.’

Kathy later pays her husband – and Harvey’s best mate – Rocky Cotton (Brian Conley) a visit in prison and when she returns, her and Harvey share another warm moment.

With arrangements for Martin’s funeral underway, Harvey encourages Kathy to put her name forward to do the catering for it, but his plan is soon squashed when Jean informs him that Ruby has already found a replacement.

As Harvey and Kathy get closer, they then enjoy a picnic at the allotments, where one thing leads to another and they end up sharing a kiss…

‘Harvey has always harboured some feelings towards Kathy,’ Ross admits. ‘She is someone he’s always been rather drawn to since he arrived.

‘He’s always had a thing for Kathy but he buried that when she got with his best mate and he has a relationship of his own, so whether it goes anywhere or not remains to be seen…’