As Zoe searches for her long-lost son, a chilling obsession is exposed—and Anthony’s dark agenda may just unravel everything

A Mother’s Search Turns Sinister

EastEnders is ramping up the tension as Zoe Slater’s search for the son she gave up 19 years ago spirals into fear, manipulation—and possibly betrayal from the man she trusts most.

Zoe, who returned to Walford on a mission to reunite with the child she gave birth to in secret, has been tormented by a series of disturbing threats. Late-night phone calls, cryptic messages, and invasive photos have left her rattled—and fans are now convinced that Anthony Trueman is behind it all.

Is Anthony Gaslighting Zoe?

Anthony, portrayed by Nicholas Bailey, recently returned to the Square permanently and has been hovering around Zoe ever since. Viewers were quick to notice how quick he was to dismiss her concerns and convince others—including Kat and Alfie Moon—that Zoe might be having a mental breakdown.

But a chilling moment this week has turned speculation into suspicion.

While inviting Zoe over for wine and comfort, Anthony was seen alone—watching a slideshow of photos of her on his computer. Later, the pair shared a kiss and disappeared upstairs. But what looked like romance might actually be control.

Fans are now wondering if Anthony’s motives run deeper than misplaced affection.

“He’s trying to isolate her,” one viewer posted.
“He wants everyone to think she’s unstable so she can’t claim her son.”
Another suggested: “He adopted her baby without her knowing—and now he’s covering his tracks.”

Is He the Father—or Something Worse?

Speculation around Anthony being the father of Zoe’s child has been circulating since her return. The two had a brief relationship over twenty years ago—cut short when Anthony confessed feelings for Kat, Zoe’s mother.

But a 2006 flashback revealed Zoe had twins—a girl who died shortly after birth, and a son placed for adoption.

Could Anthony have played a role in that decision? Or, as some fans now theorise, did he and his wife adopt the boy, hiding the truth from Zoe all along?

“He’s not just trying to get close again—he’s trying to erase her,” a fan posted.
“Something is deeply wrong with how he’s watching her.”

Is Jean Just a Red Herring?

Zoe initially suspected Jean Slater was behind the harassment, given her erratic behaviour and their strained history. But as Kat and Alfie step in to protect Jean, it’s becoming clear the real threat might be standing beside Zoe—not against her.