Paternity Mystery Deepens on Albert Square

The mystery surrounding Zoe Slater’s twins took a dramatic new turn in EastEnders this week, as the returning character ruled out one possible father — and left fans reeling. The long-running question of who fathered Zoe’s twins has sparked intense speculation ever since her comeback, but the latest early-release episode dropped a major clue that eliminates one key name.

Zoe’s return to Walford has been filled with secrets, guilt, and desperation as she continues her frantic search for her long-lost son. But while she’s been determined to find him, the identity of the twins’ father remains a shadow over her storyline — one she’s been reluctant to confront directly.

Anthony’s Offer of Help Backfires

In Wednesday’s early-release episode (October 29), tensions boiled over as Zoe lashed out at her family, with Kat and Vicki bearing the brunt of her anger. Her erratic behaviour caught the attention of Anthony Trueman, who many fans had long suspected could be the father of her twins.

The pair’s romantic history dates back to the 2000s, when Zoe and Anthony shared a passionate but ultimately doomed relationship that ended when she discovered he was still in love with Kat. Their renewed connection this year reignited fan theories that Anthony might be the father of Zoe’s children — but Zoe’s revelation shut that door for good.

During a tense conversation, Anthony offered Zoe a place to stay, hoping to support her as she unravelled emotionally. But when the subject of her children came up, Zoe dropped a bombshell: Anthony is not their father. She revealed that she had been on contraception during their relationship, making it impossible for the twins to be his.

The moment quickly turned sour when Zoe, increasingly paranoid and volatile, accused Anthony of ulterior motives and trying to rekindle their past romance. The confrontation left him shaken — and fans convinced that Zoe’s fragile mental state is reaching a dangerous point.

A Haunting Memory Triggers Zoe’s Breakdown

Later in the episode, Zoe stormed out of Anthony’s flat and returned to The Queen Vic, where a family gathering was underway. But what began as a moment of nostalgia quickly spiralled into chaos when an old home video played across the screen — showing the Slater family in 1998.

Among them appeared the most haunting figure of all: Uncle Harry, the man who raped Kat and fathered Zoe. The sight of him sent Zoe into an explosive rage. Overcome with emotion, she demanded everyone leave The Vic before storming out into the night.

Outside, Anthony confided in Kat, expressing his concern that Zoe might be on the verge of a mental breakdown. His words left Kat and the rest of the Slaters deeply worried about her spiralling state of mind — and what it might mean for the truth about her twins.

So, Who Is the Father?

With Anthony officially ruled out, the question of Zoe’s twins’ paternity remains wide open. Fans online are now turning their attention to other potential suspects, including a mystery man from Zoe’s past — and even an unsettling theory linking her trauma to her search for her son.

Whatever the truth, one thing is clear: Zoe’s unraveling mental state is leading to a breaking point that could expose long-buried secrets in Walford. And when the truth finally surfaces, it’s bound to shake the Slater family to its core.