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Nugget Gulati Dies After Brutal Attack by Zoe’s Son | EastEnders

EastEnders delivers one of its darkest and most devastating chapters yet as Nugget Gulati’s life is tragically cut short following a night of violence, hallucinations, and manipulation that leaves Walford reeling. What begins as a calculated revenge plot spirals into a nightmare of bloodshed and irreversible loss, forever changing the lives of Ravi, Priya, and everyone caught in the fallout.

The harrowing episode centers on Ravi Gulati, who is already on the edge after being deliberately targeted in a vicious scheme orchestrated by Nicola and Harry. Their plan is cruelly effective. Ravi is lured into a drug-fueled haze that strips away his grip on reality, pushing his fragile mental state into complete collapse. As the substances take hold, Ravi becomes consumed by terrifying hallucinations that blur the line between past and present, guilt and fear.

Most disturbingly, Ravi begins to see visions of his abusive father, Nish. Long dead, Nish returns in Ravi’s fractured mind as a relentless tormentor, stalking him through the dark streets of Walford. In Ravi’s hallucinations, Nish taunts him, hunts him, and punishes him, reopening old psychological wounds Ravi never truly healed from. These imagined encounters are so vivid and overwhelming that Ravi becomes convinced his father is physically present, intent on destroying him.

Fleeing in terror, Ravi runs from the arches, desperately trying to escape both the visions and the crushing sense of dread closing in around him. He stumbles through the Square, disoriented and barely conscious of where he is or what he’s doing. At one point, he collapses in the street, shaking, screaming, and fighting off enemies only he can see. To onlookers, Ravi appears dangerous and completely unhinged, but to Ravi himself, he is simply a man fighting for survival.

While Ravi is spiraling, panic spreads among his family and loved ones as they realize he’s missing. Nugget, confused and deeply worried about his father, decides to search for him. His instincts tell him something is very wrong. However, before Nugget can reach the arches, he’s intercepted by Nicola, whose involvement in the revenge plot adds a chilling layer of cruelty to the night’s events.

Nicola deliberately steers Nugget away from his father and takes him to McClunkies instead. There, she manipulates him with cold precision. Pretending to act out of concern, Nicola reminds Nugget of every terrible thing Ravi has done in recent months—his lies, his violence, his moral failings. She frames Ravi not as a troubled man in need of help, but as a monster who deserves anger and rejection. Nicola’s words are calculated to inflame Nugget’s emotions, planting seeds of resentment and doubt that quickly take root.

Overwhelmed by conflicting feelings of fear, anger, and heartbreak, Nugget storms out into the night. He’s determined to confront his father, desperate for answers and closure. Tragically, this decision leads him straight into danger.

Elsewhere, Ravi is still wandering aimlessly through Walford, completely detached from reality. The hallucinations of Nish intensify, pushing Ravi into a state of sheer panic and rage. Every shadow becomes a threat. Every sound feels like an attack. His behavior grows increasingly volatile as his mind convinces him he’s fighting for his life.

When Nugget finally finds Ravi, it should be a moment of relief. Instead, it becomes the episode’s most devastating turning point. In Ravi’s distorted perception, Nugget isn’t his son—he’s another manifestation of Nish, another attacker closing in. Consumed by fear and fury, Ravi lashes out violently, unable to recognize who stands in front of him.

The attack is brutal and sudden. Nugget is struck down, left bleeding and unconscious as Ravi continues to rage against enemies that exist only in his mind. By the time reality begins to seep back in, it’s far too late. Nugget lies gravely injured, his life hanging by a thread.

Emergency services rush Nugget to the hospital, where doctors fight desperately to save him. Viewers are left in agonizing suspense as the episode closes with Nugget unconscious and critically wounded, while Ravi remains alone in the street, unaware of the devastation he has caused.

The storyline continues the following week with Ravi regaining consciousness, confused and terrified. He has only fragmented memories of the night before—flashes of fear, screams, and shadows—but no clear understanding of what he’s done. When he eventually makes it home, Priya is forced to deliver the news no parent should ever hear: Nugget is in critical condition, and the injuries point directly to Ravi.

Crushed by guilt and horror, Ravi breaks down. As the truth slowly surfaces, he admits to Priya that he attacked Nugget himself. The confession leaves Priya shattered, struggling to reconcile the man she loves with the nightmare now unfolding around them. Her grief is compounded by the impossible position she’s placed in—torn between protecting Ravi and seeking justice for her son.

Tensions escalate further when the police arrive, demanding answers about Nugget’s injuries. Ravi panics, realizing the full legal consequences of his actions may soon come crashing down on him. As pressure mounts, the central question looms large: will Priya lie to protect Ravi, or will she tell the truth and expose him as the person responsible for Nugget’s condition?

The heartbreak reaches its peak when doctors confirm the unthinkable—Nugget succumbs to his injuries. His death sends shockwaves through Walford, leaving Ravi utterly destroyed. The realization that he killed his own son, even unintentionally, is a burden he may never escape.

Away from the on-screen tragedy, EastEnders fans were also moved by real-life news involving cast member Jake Wood. The actor, best known for playing Max Branning, took to social media to urge viewers to support a GoFundMe appeal for a valued member of the EastEnders crew. Jake revealed that an electrician named Connor, who works closely with the show, suffered a devastating accident while traveling abroad over Christmas.

Connor fell from an 11-story building and was left in a coma for nine days, requiring multiple emergency surgeries. His survival was later described by his mother as nothing short of miraculous. Jake shared the fundraiser on Instagram, explaining that Connor remained unconscious for more than a week and that his family urgently needed financial support to cover mounting medical bills and arrange his return home.

The appeal quickly gained support from across the EastEnders family, with several cast members donating, including Scott Maslen, Jessie Wallace, Diane Parish, Gillian Taylforth, Emma Barton, Colin Salmon, and Adam Woodyatt. The total raised has already surpassed £26,000, edging closer to its £30,000 target.

Back in Walford, other storylines continue to unfold. Jake Wood’s on-screen return as Max Branning in December has already teased explosive developments. A flashforward episode set in 2027 hinted at an ill-fated wedding, a mysterious armed figure, a major police presence, and a web of secrets involving Lauren Branning, multiple potential brides, and Max being forced to choose between his children.

Elsewhere, Jasmine spirals after an emotionally charged week. Patrick offers her a place to stay, hoping to provide stability, but his unease grows as her behavior becomes increasingly erratic and aggressive. His concerns are later echoed by Yolande, as fears mount that Jasmine’s violent impulses could escalate further.

A visit to the Chapel of Rest proves overwhelming for Jasmine, especially when Oscar attempts to reach out to her. The encounter triggers a distressing breakdown, leaving those around her deeply worried about her fragile mental state.

On another front, Beia becomes convinced that Linda deliberately set her up on a fake date with Max to humiliate her, fueling tension between the women. Meanwhile, Max’s own family issues intensify when he arrives late to an important meeting about the memorial, further isolating him from those closest to him.

George also drops a bombshell by announcing his intention to buy Walford East, a move that could dramatically shift the balance of power on the Square and leave Nicola reeling from yet another shock.

As the episode closes, Gina offers Penny some blunt advice about her love life, encouraging her not to dismiss her connection with Vinnie as meaningless. Gina believes there’s real potential there—if Penny is brave enough to take a chance.

But amid all these twists and turns, one truth overshadows everything else: Nugget Gulati’s tragic death marks a heartbreaking turning point for EastEnders, leaving behind grief, guilt, and consequences that will haunt Walford for a very long time.