EastEnders

EastEnders – Season 6 (1990)

104 episodes
30m

EastEnders - Season 6 EastEnders - Season 6 covers events in the fictional London borough of Walford during 1990. This period introduced major new characters and developed several ongoing conflicts for the established residents....

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Synopsis

EastEnders – Season 6

EastEnders – Season 6 covers events in the fictional London borough of Walford during 1990. This period introduced major new characters and developed several ongoing conflicts for the established residents. Key storylines included the arrival of the Mitchell family, a pivotal death, and personal struggles involving paternity and illness. The season maintained the series’ focus on the daily lives and dramatic interactions within the Albert Square community.

EastEnders – Season 6 Plot Summary

EastEnders – Season 6 opened with Diane Butcher running away from home in January. This led to a flashback episode detailing her experiences living on the streets. February saw the arrival of brothers Phil and Grant Mitchell, who quickly became central figures in Walford. Their sister, Sam, also joined them. The presumed death of Den Watts, a long-standing character, occurred when a body was found in the canal, leading to his first funeral in May. Other major events included Nick Cotton’s attempt to poison his mother, Dot, over money. Kathy Beale discovered that Simon Wicks, not Ian Beale, was the biological father of her son, Steven, a secret that caused significant distress for Ian. The Tavernier family, the first collective Black family on the show, moved into Albert Square in July. Later in the year, Mo Butcher received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The Christmas episode concluded with Ian crashing a van carrying Simon, a vengeful act, and Disa O’Brien leaving her newborn baby on Diane’s doorstep.

EastEnders – Season 6 Cast, Characters, and Arc

Season 6 of EastEnders brought new faces to Albert Square while advancing the stories of returning characters. Steve McFadden joined as Phil Mitchell, portraying one of the two Mitchell brothers who would become prominent figures. Ross Kemp played Grant Mitchell, Phil’s brother, contributing to the family’s immediate impact on Walford. Danniella Westbrook was introduced as Sam Mitchell, completing the initial Mitchell trio. The Tavernier family, including Celestine, Clyde, Etta, and Hattie, arrived, marking a significant moment as the first collective Black family in the series. Todd Carty took over the role of Mark Fowler in 1990, becoming involved in serious storylines. Existing characters like Ian and Kathy Beale faced personal crises, particularly concerning the paternity of Steven Beale. Nick Cotton continued his schemes against his mother, Dot. The season focused on these new dynamics and the impact of fresh arrivals on the established community.

Where to Watch EastEnders – Season 6

As of the current date, specific archive seasons of *EastEnders* from 1990 are not typically available for streaming from the beginning in the United States. However, recent episodes and a selection of older content from the series can be streamed via BritBox in the US. BritBox is a subscription service that offers British television programming. Access to *EastEnders* on BritBox often includes a rolling selection of episodes, usually focusing on recent years rather than the entire back catalog. The service is also available through Britbox Apple TV Channel and BritBox Amazon Channel. BritBox generally costs $8.99 to $10.99 per month, often with a free trial period.

How EastEnders – Season 6 Fits the Series

EastEnders – Season 6 was a significant period for the long-running soap opera, marking a shift in its narrative direction. The year 1990 saw the introduction of the Mitchell brothers, Phil and Grant, who quickly became central to many major storylines for years to come. Their arrival established a new era, moving the show in a fresh direction. The season continued the series’ practice of addressing socially relevant and often challenging issues. Storylines in 1990 included youth homelessness with Diane Butcher, the complexities of family secrets with the Beale/Wicks paternity revelation, and the challenges of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease with Mo Butcher. The introduction of the Tavernier family was also notable, bringing the first collective Black family to the Square, which expanded the show’s representation of East London life. This period demonstrated the series’ ability to evolve its cast and maintain high-stakes drama within the Walford community.

Is EastEnders – Season 6 Safe to Watch? (Age Rating Guide)

Official age rating not available.

Browse more curated picks in EastEnders and TV Shows.

For verified credits, release details, or official resources, visit IMDb and Official Site.

Director Not available
Main Cast Not available
Release Year 1990
Genre Not available

Frequently Asked Questions

When was EastEnders – Season 6 released?

EastEnders – Season 6 was released on January 2, 1990.

What is EastEnders – Season 6 about?

EastEnders – Season 6 opened with Diane Butcher running away from home in January. This led to a flashback episode detailing her experiences living on the streets. February saw the arrival of brothers Phil and Grant Mitchell, who quickly became central figures in Walford. Their sister, Sam, also joined them.

Where can I watch EastEnders – Season 6?

Official streaming platforms for EastEnders – Season 6 have not been confirmed.

Episode guide

E1
Episode 1 January 2, 1990 30m

512

Hazel tries to persuade Rod to squat in Colin's empty flat, Pauline tries to recuperate from her operation, while Trevor eagerly looks forward to his date with Shireen.

E2
Episode 2 January 4, 1990 30m

513

It's Diane's 16th birthday and her family are planning a surprise party for her. Pete meets Barbara for lunch in the Vic and finds she has invited Kathy and Laurie to join them.

E3
Episode 3 January 9, 1990 30m

514

What has become of Diane Butcher? Frank is determined to find her.

E4
Episode 4 January 11, 1990 30m

515

Michelle waits for word from Danny. Frank returns from his search for Diane to a family desperate for news.

E5
Episode 5 January 16, 1990 30m

516

There's turmoil in the Butcher family following the disappearance of Diane, and Frank is only making matters worse. Sharon decides it's time for some straight talking...

E6
Episode 6 January 18, 1990 30m

517

The Beales are waiting to celebrate the homecoming of Cindy's baby - and Wicksy is waiting, too, no longer sure that he can live with the lie that the baby is Ian's.

E7
Episode 7 January 23, 1990 30m

518

While proud parents Ian and Cindy are centre stage, will Wicksy find out who knows his guilty secret? Arthur and Pauline's shopping plans are disrupted by an unwelcome visitor - and who is the mysterious stranger who has returned to the Square?

E8
Episode 8 January 25, 1990 30m

519

Frank returns from finding out his legal rights regarding Diane. Meanwhile, Danny is back and staying at Michelle's - and her family's having none of it

E9
Episode 9 January 30, 1990 30m

520

Ricky has to go to court today - and he wants his father with him. Kathy decides it is time to stand up to Laurie and have her say.

E10
Episode 10 February 1, 1990 30m

521

Danny receives an ultimatum. Who will he choose - Michelle or his family?

E11
Episode 11 February 6, 1990 30m

522

Sharon has had enough of Simon's suspicious behaviour. Marge has something to tell Dot, and Dot has something to tell Marge.

E12
Episode 12 February 8, 1990 30m

523

Danny is determined to leave Albert Square, but who will he take with him - his wife, or Michelle?

E13
Episode 13 February 13, 1990 30m

524

Michelle must confront family and friends with the news of her move to Newcastle, but Danny seems to have other things on his mind.

E14
Episode 14 February 15, 1990 30m

525

Pauline tries to warn Michelle not to trust Danny, but can Michelle be swayed? Cindy is planning baby Steven's christening and Sharon notices Wicksy's special interest.

E15
Episode 15 February 20, 1990 30m

526

Michelle and Danny are all packed and ready to leave. Wicksy is stressed and turns to drinking - he is to be the Godfather at baby Steven's christening.

E16
Episode 16 February 22, 1990 30m

527

Danny's going to Newcastle - but will Michelle go with him? Two new arrivals seem set to cause trouble, and there's a vital development in the search for Diane.

E17
Episode 17 February 27, 1990 30m

528

Rod makes an exciting decision, but can he face telling Dot? Arthur tackles the Mitchell brothers, while Michelle, still missing Danny, finds an unwelcome visitor on her doorstep.

E18
Episode 18 March 1, 1990 30m

529

Frank scours cardboard city looking for Diane, while Trevor and Paul plan for the future and Cindy prepares a surprise for Ian's 21st birthday.

E19
Episode 19 March 6, 1990 30m

530

Pat has booked the Butchers in for family therapy, but there's no way Frank will allow her to wash their dirty linen in public.

E20
Episode 20 March 8, 1990 30m

531

Blood is thicker than water, and business is business - but that won't help Grant when he mixes business with pleasure and tangles with Julie Cooper.

E21
Episode 21 March 13, 1990 30m

532

Dot awaits the arrival of the morning's Gazette to see if she's won a prize. Cindy has great news for Ian - she's received a letter from Colin, agreeing to let his flat to them.

E22
Episode 22 March 15, 1990 30m

533

Julie has one day left to find a buyer for the shop, while Pete has to make some tough decisions about the future, and Ian is off to get a bank loan.

E23
Episode 23 March 20, 1990 30m

534

Now £10,000 richer, Dot is in for a less welcome surprise. Meanwhile, Pat is delighted to be making some progress with Janine.

E24
Episode 24 March 22, 1990 30m

535

There's chaos in Albert Square as the Mitchell boys decide the market must move - stall by stall. Meanwhile, in the Butcher household there's news at last from Diane.

E25
Episode 25 March 27, 1990 30m

536

While Frank waits anxiously at King's Cross station for Diane to turn up, she is reliving the memories of her three months away from the Square.

E26
Episode 26 March 29, 1990 30m

537

There is an emotional reunion between Frank and his daughter, but it soon becomes clear that she's a different person from the Diane who ran away.

E27
Episode 27 April 3, 1990 30m

538

There is an emotional reunion between Frank and his daughter, but it soon becomes clear that she's a different person from the Diane who ran away.

E28
Episode 28 April 5, 1990 30m

539

Wicksy helps Cindy to decorate, while an unwanted statue of Diane stretches Frank's patience.

E29
Episode 29 April 10, 1990 30m

540

If Nick Cotton believed he could walk back into Albert Square and get away with it, there's a number of people ready to put him right.

E30
Episode 30 April 12, 1990 30m

541

The day has arrived when Shireen gets to meet the man her parents want her to marry. Meanwhile, Cindy is with the man she should have married.

E31
Episode 31 April 17, 1990 30m

542

Nick takes an interest in Dot's diet, while Arthur makes a strange discovery down on the allotments. Sharon also makes a disturbing discovery.

E32
Episode 32 April 19, 1990 30m

543

The past comes back to haunt both Sharon and Michelle, and prompts the police to search a local canal.

E33
Episode 33 April 24, 1990 30m

544

Dot doesn't seem to be feeling the benefit of Nick's cooking, while Frank is determined to track down the man who has a hold over his daughter.

E34
Episode 34 April 26, 1990 30m

545

Pauline and Arthur are not prepared to let bygones be bygones, and when Michelle is left to organise the funeral, a conflict looms in the Fowler household.

E35
Episode 35 May 1, 1990 30m

546

Den Watts is buried, but will the most important mourner be present at the funeral? Meanwhile, Nick Cotton gets an unwelcome blast from the past.

E36
Episode 36 May 3, 1990 30m

547

Diane has to decide whether or not to leave Taylor once and for all.

E37
Episode 37 May 8, 1990 30m

548

Will Shireen bury her differences with Ashraf and meet her husband-to-be?

E38
Episode 38 May 10, 1990 30m

549

Tensions between Sharon and Wicksy are growing. Ian plans an intimate birthday party for Cindy.

E39
Episode 39 May 15, 1990 30m

550

Dot decides to change her will, and Kathy ends up spending the evening with Cindy.

E40
Episode 40 May 17, 1990 30m

551

Shireen's romance blossoms despite her father's affair. Sharon decides to get to know Cindy better.

E41
Episode 41 May 22, 1990 30m

552

Ethel reappears in the Square, determined to catch up on gossip, but Dot's news fills her with fear for her friend's life.

E42
Episode 42 May 24, 1990 30m

553

Born-again Nick Cotton finds himself under investigation from Ethel Skinner - but Dot cannot decide if her son is truly a reformed character or the worst thing since Dr Crippen.

E43
Episode 43 May 29, 1990 30m

554

Sharon comes close to finding her mother. Dot hasn't been seen for days.

E44
Episode 44 May 31, 1990 30m

555

The police visit Dot, threatening to scupper Nick's plans. And Ashraf's infidelity finally lands him in big trouble

E45
Episode 45 June 5, 1990 30m

556

A visit from Jabbar's father leaves Ashraf with some bad news for Shireen, while Sharon tackles Simon on the subject of marriage.

E46
Episode 46 June 7, 1990 30m

557

Shireen is determined to discover the secret behind her broken engagement. Charlie Cotton looks for evidence against Nick but is shocked to find it has been eaten.

E47
Episode 47 June 12, 1990 30m

558

Sharon and Wicksy's future hangs in the balance and, if Charlie Cotton is right, so does Dot's life.

E48
Episode 48 June 14, 1990 30m

559

Dot and Nick settle down for a special meal. Will it be their last?

E49
Episode 49 June 19, 1990 30m

560

Wicksy waits to hear from the brewery, Sharon sets off to find her real mother, Stuart Kendle wants to discuss the market with Pete, and Pat is concerned about Wicksy.

E50
Episode 50 June 21, 1990 30m

561

The Karims leave Walford, but there's a spark of hope for Shireen and Jabbar's future. Wicksy extracts a confession from Cindy.

E51
Episode 51 June 26, 1990 30m

562

Michelle's slippery boss offers Ian a bribe, while Janine gives Pat a bad scare. Meanwhile, Sharon prepares to meet her mother.

E52
Episode 52 June 28, 1990 30m

563

Pat decides to teach her family a lesson. Pete receives bad news from Michelle, Kathy is shocked when she overhears a private conversation, and Sharon sets off to meet her mother.

E53
Episode 53 July 3, 1990 30m

564

Kathy overhears a private conservation and is determined to find out the truth about Cindy and Wicksy.

E54
Episode 54 July 5, 1990 30m

565

The Tavernier family move into Albert Square and right into the middle of a pitched battle between residents and developers.

E55
Episode 55 July 10, 1990 30m

566

Are the market traders celebrating too early? A surprise visitor leaves Sharon with a dilemma.

E56
Episode 56 July 12, 1990 30m

567

Frank and Pat make preparations to hand over the Queen Vic. Cindy is touched by Ian's generosity.

E57
Episode 57 July 17, 1990 30m

568

Wicksy walks out of the Square - can he persuade Cindy to leave Ian and come with him? Frank senses the strain Pat's under but she faces a dilemma when Sharon and then Cindy visit.

E58
Episode 58 July 19, 1990 30m

569

Diane decides it's time to brighten up the Square, especially the part that belongs to her dad.

E59
Episode 59 July 24, 1990 30m

570

While Pat and Frank are on holiday, havoc reigns at the bed and breakfast.

E60
Episode 60 July 26, 1990 30m

571

It's crunch time for Cindy and Ian. Ricky and Diane discover something very serious about Mo.

E61
Episode 61 July 31, 1990 30m

572

Michelle gives the Mitchell brothers the lowdown on the council offices. All they have to do now is get the lowdown on Stuart Kendle.

E62
Episode 62 August 2, 1990 30m

573

Almost everyone knows about Wicksy and Cindy - except Ian. Cindy decides it's time to tell him.

E63
Episode 63 August 7, 1990 30m

574

Ian is shattered by Cindy's confession. How will his family cope with the situation?

E64
Episode 64 August 9, 1990 30m

575

Ian's supportive family comes to his aid. Pete considers an offer from Phil, and Michelle prepares to confront Stuart. Grandad Jules arranges a special dinner and a mystery guest.

E65
Episode 65 August 14, 1990 30m

576

Michelle is determined to bring Stuart Kendle to justice.

E66
Episode 66 August 16, 1990 30m

577

Ian is not going to let go of Cindy and Steven without a fight, but Cindy is still set on breaking free.

E67
Episode 67 August 21, 1990 30m

578

Michelle gets a letter from Newcastle and an unexpected visitor. Pat has some advice for Wicksy, and Sam has a suggestion for Ricky.

E68
Episode 68 August 23, 1990 30m

579

How will the Fowlers cope with a face from the past? How will Ricky cope on his first date with Sam?

E69
Episode 69 August 28, 1990 30m

580

Ricky has a secret - her name is Sam Mitchell, she's 15, and she's spending the night in his bedroom. The Mitchell brothers are not amused.

E70
Episode 70 August 30, 1990 30m

581

Nobody knows why Mark Fowler has come home. But Pauline is determined not to let him go. Diane gets her exam results.

E71
Episode 71 September 4, 1990 30m

582

It's Martin's first day at school, but the Fowlers have other things on their minds. It's back to school too for Lloyd and Hattie, while Wicksy is making secret plans.

E72
Episode 72 September 6, 1990 30m

583

Pete talks to Ian and learns the truth about Steven. Frank finds Mo's behaviour difficult to accept but is cheered by Diane's decision about her future. Michelle is closer to finding Mark.

E73
Episode 73 September 11, 1990 30m

584

Simon and Cindy are determined to enjoy a holiday in Devon. Meanwhile, Ian is finally preparing to leave hospital, Mo's condition gets worse and Sam stands up to her brothers over Ricky.

E74
Episode 74 September 13, 1990 30m

585

While in Devon, Wicksy and Cindy discuss their future, unaware that Ian is on his way to see them both. After Mo's outburst, Pat is determined that Frank should see some sense.

E75
Episode 75 September 18, 1990 30m

586

Cindy and Wicksy return from Devon to find Pete hell-bent on revenge.

E76
Episode 76 September 20, 1990 30m

587

Arthur plans a surprise for Pauline for their Silver Wedding, while she hopes Mark will return in time. News of Wicksy and Cindy's return causes rifts between the Butchers and the Beales.

E77
Episode 77 September 25, 1990 30m

588

Ian is determined to rid his life of the last traces of Cindy and Steven.

E78
Episode 78 September 27, 1990 30m

589

Mark's mysterious reasons for coming home provoke a conflict in the Fowler household, while Pete decides its time to take his unhappy son in hand.

E79
Episode 79 October 2, 1990 30m

590

Kathy is back from holiday and in fighting form, but Ian has ideas of his own. Eddie has romance on his mind and a crisis occurs at Mo's flat.

E80
Episode 80 October 4, 1990 30m

591

Mark is the hero of the hour, but will Mo be alright?

E81
Episode 81 October 9, 1990 30m

592

Pauline and Arthur return from their second honeymoon to a surprise reunion with Mark. Eddie finds he's involved in a Butcher-Beale feud. Clyde is suspicious of Lloyd's disappearance.

E82
Episode 82 October 11, 1990 30m

593

Lloyd is still exerting himself on his newspaper round and Hattie is concerned for him. Cindy tells Wicksy that her parents know about them, and that their gun is missing.

E83
Episode 83 October 16, 1990 30m

594

The police are looking for a missing shotgun. Cindy suspects she knows who has it. Phil and Grant settle into their new flat and sister Sam is still seeing Ricky behind their backs.

E84
Episode 84 October 18, 1990 30m

595

Frank faces a tough decision about Mo's future and Sam throws a party in Ricky's van.

E85
Episode 85 October 23, 1990 30m

596

Mark tries to prove to Arthur that the Mitchell brothers are up to no good.

E86
Episode 86 October 25, 1990 30m

597

Ian asks Kath and Pete out for a meal in the hope that they'll help him make the right decision over Steven. However, Pete hopes that there might be a chance for a reconciliation.

E87
Episode 87 October 30, 1990 30m

598

Can Arthur save Mark from facing criminal charges? And can Jules protect John from his debtors?

E88
Episode 88 November 1, 1990 30m

599

It's bonfire night in Albert Square, but Jules and John have a poker game on their mind. Sharon makes a decision about her mother.

E89
Episode 89 November 6, 1990 30m

600

If Phil doesn't take the rap, Mark will go to prison. Can Arthur persuade Phil to do the decent thing?

E90
Episode 90 November 8, 1990 30m

601

Diane is determined to get to know Mark Fowler better.

E91
Episode 91 November 13, 1990 30m

602

Eddie is the talk of the town when he receives a visit from the police. Dot is in her element fuelling the gossip among the locals about the Queen Vic's governor.

E92
Episode 92 November 15, 1990 30m

603

Eddie is determined to protect an old friend, but risks losing the Vic. Grant gets ready to share Sharon's flat, and decides to take her for a slap-up meal.

E93
Episode 93 November 20, 1990 30m

604

Mo's illness means that Frank and his sister Joan must try to get along with each other. And what is the result of Ian's blood test?

E94
Episode 94 November 22, 1990 30m

605

Phil persuades Arthur to try new business methods. Pauline is sceptical of the results of baby Steven's blood test. Frank is preoccupied with something at Mo's flat.

E95
Episode 95 November 27, 1990 30m

606

Mo wants Frank to put her out of her misery. His family worries that that's exactly where he's heading.

E96
Episode 96 November 29, 1990 30m

607

Time is running out for the thief in the Vic, and the finger of suspicion is already pointing at Clyde. Frank must prepare himself to part from Mo.

E97
Episode 97 December 4, 1990 30m

608

Eddie lays a trap and catches the thief at the Vic. But can he be sure he is firing the right person?

E98
Episode 98 December 6, 1990 30m

609

Wicksy is determined not to let his recent setback last long, Pete has decided to befriend Jason, despite warnings, and Ian is busier than ever, so he rewards himself with a treat.

E99
Episode 99 December 11, 1990 30m

610

Wicksy's search for work comes to nothing, and now he has only one offer on the table - Ian's. Cindy is even more determined to leave.

E100
Episode 100 December 13, 1990 30m

611

Diane returns to old haunts, searching for her friend. She must find her before it's too late.

E101
Episode 101 December 18, 1990 30m

612

Phil is determined that Sharon shouldn't spend Christmas with him and Grant in Scotland.

E102
Episode 102 December 20, 1990 30m

613

Frank and Pete make a desperate bid to restore harmony before Christmas, but Ian and Wicksy seem determined to battle it out.

E103
Episode 103 December 25, 1990 30m

614

A special Christmas delivery holds a surprise for Diane. Ian is determined to drive Wicksy away - dead or alive.

E104
Episode 104 December 27, 1990 30m

615

Diane shares a secret with Mark and once again he finds himself on the wrong side of the law.

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