However, he was harbouring a significant secret – he was a married man, and his wife Debbie was in a coma after suffering a stroke.

As his relationship with Sonia developed, Reiss began pilfering money from Debbie to pay for their IVF treatment, eventually emptying her bank accounts.

This week, Reiss’ financial troubles escalated when Debbie’s care home demanded payment or threatened to discharge her. On the same day, Sonia discovered she was pregnant, adding to their monetary stress.

In a desperate bid for quick cash, Reiss informed Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) that her business owed over £13k in tax.

An unsuspecting Sharon agreed to transfer the funds, but on Tuesday (July 23), Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) grew suspicious of Reiss’ financial requests.

After witnessing Reiss steal from both Debbie and Sharon, some EastEnders fans are convinced he’s not who he claims to be – they suspect he’s a con artist, reports the Daily Star.

Reddit has been ablaze with fan theories following the latest twist in the gripping soap drama. One user speculated: “Another theory they where discussing on the podcast is that Reiss has another secret family on the side to be revealed on Christmas Day.”

Another added their thoughts, saying: “Would be interesting if when Debbie woke up she says yes she is married to Reiss, but it’s not the Reiss we know he has stolen his identify.”

A third fan joined the conversation, suggesting: “What if they aren’t even married and Debbie was actually one of his clients he’d been stealing from?”

The plot thickens as another viewer described Reiss as “He’s actually a ruthless, fearless and charismatic gangster whose putting on a fake personality to appear less intimidating and he’s playing the long game as he prepares to take down Phil.”