This New Year on EastEnders, George is surprised by the arrival of his parents Gloria and Eddie - but why have they visited Walford?

Elsewhere, Whitney reaches a massive decision, Lauren and Penny decide to return to the Square and the teens attempt to throw a boozy New Year's Eve party.

Read on for pictures and spoilers from the New Year episodes!

New Year's Day (Episode 6831)

Writer: Simon Norman
Director: Abe Juckes

In Paris, Lauren and Penny decide that they have no choice but to return to Walford.

Zack and Whitney are left devastated when they have to tell Ashton that he's moving to a new foster home.

Whitney struggles to cope with Ashton's imminent departure, while Zack heads to Peggy's with Martin to drown his sorrows.

Also: Patrick and Yolande catch the teens throwing a NYE party with a case of stolen beer from the Minute Mart, but the teens are surprised to learn that the beer is alcohol-free. Meanwhile George is surprised by the arrival of two unexpected visitors - his parents Gloria and Eddie...

This episode airs New Year's Day at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer

Tuesday, January 2 (Episode 6832)

Writer: Rob Gittins
Director: Abe Juckes

At the Beales', Cindy tells Ian that George was adopted. Meanwhile, over with the Knights, things appear tense between Eddie and Gina. Soon, the reason for their visit becomes clear as Gloria reveals a shocking secret to George.

After an intense discussion, Whitney and Zack prepare to say goodbye to Ashton.

Yolande tells the teens to deliver church leaflets in exchange for her silence over the NYE incident.

This episode airs Tuesday, January 2 at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer

Wednesday, January 3 (Episode 6833)

Writer: Richard Davidson
Director: Abe Juckes

Zack and Reiss head off for a drink, while Whitney talks to Sonia about Ashton's departure.

Having spent the night on the sofa, George sneaks off to meet Cindy and opens up to her about his adoption. The pair do some research and are shocked by what they find...

Denzel misconstrues a situation between Yolande and Pastor Clayton.

Also: Penny makes a difficult decision.

This episode airs Wednesday, January 3 at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer

Thursday, January 4 (Episode 6834)

Writer: Richard Davidson
Director: Abe Juckes

George invites Gloria and Eddie for dinner to try to get more answers, but there's a huge row when Cindy gets riled by Eddie making rude comments to Gina. Later, George and Gloria have a heart to heart - will he find out the truth?

At Peach's tree, Whitney bumps into Yolande, who shares her own past experiences of fostering. Later, Whitney comes to an important decision.

This episode airs Thursday, January 4 at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer