A shocking confrontation leaves Zoe out in the cold—and a former flame becomes her only refuge

A Farewell Turns Explosive

It was supposed to be a touching goodbye to Freddie and Anna. Instead, the Slaters find themselves facing yet another emotional battlefield in EastEnders, as Zoe Slater becomes the epicenter of a family implosion—and ends the night in the arms of a very unexpected savior: Dr. Anthony Trueman.

The week begins with the Slater home already on edge. Jean Slater, driven by a growing paranoia, is increasingly obsessed with the idea that Zoe is dangerous. Her relentless campaign to keep Zoe at bay is visibly draining her. Granddaughter Lily begins to worry—Jean’s obsession is taking over, and it’s beginning to cost the family their peace.

As tensions simmer, Kat tries desperately to hold everything together. But with emotional scars and unspoken resentments simmering just beneath the surface, the stage is set for disaster.

Public Humiliation—and a Chilling Accusation

During a Christmas lights ceremony in The Vic, Elaine delivers a heartfelt speech—but the atmosphere quickly turns sinister when the crowd is stunned by a terrifying message displayed in the pub window. It’s a direct threat—and it’s aimed at Zoe.

Rattled to her core, Zoe becomes convinced someone close to her is targeting her. When she finds something disturbing in Tommy’s backpack, she jumps to a horrifying conclusion: her own brother is behind the threats.

Zoe confronts Tommy in front of Kat and Alfie, unleashing months of fear and frustration. Tommy passionately denies any involvement, but Zoe is past the point of listening. Her fear warps into rage, and a fierce argument erupts. When Zoe turns on Kat and Alfie too, accusing them of choosing sides, her emotional walls come crashing down.

Kat, devastated but feeling she has no choice, asks Zoe to leave the pub.

A Door Closes, Another Opens

Alone, devastated, and cast out by her mother, Zoe stumbles into the Square—only to encounter someone from her past. Anthony Trueman, now back in Walford, sees her distress and instantly offers help.

Zoe, emotionally drained and shaken, accepts. At his flat, she opens up: about the threats, the paranoia, the feeling that she’s being erased from her own family. Anthony listens—and offers her a place to stay.

Is this the beginning of a second chance—for them both?