EastEnders fans ‘rumble’ reason for Zoe Slater return in new DNA twist
EastEnders viewers think they've worked out why Zoe Slater has returned to the BBC soap after a 20-year absence in a surprise storyline
EastEnders fans were left utterly gobsmacked on Monday night (16th June) as Zoe Slater made a dramatic return to Albert Square after two decades away, and viewers are buzzing with theories about her surprise reappearance.
In the latest Walford drama, Stacey Slater (portrayed by Lacey Turner) popped back into scenes following her sudden departure in May, and she wasn’t flying solo.
The episode was brimming with tension as Stacey seemed agitated, desperately trying to reach Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) for assistance. She dropped hints of a problem involving a lethargic individual lounging on a sofa in an undisclosed apartment, who wouldn’t “get their act together”.
Alfie eventually showed up at the flat, where Stacey cautioned him that the enigmatic person “looked a lot different”. Zoe then burst onto the scene looking distinctly dishevelled.
Meanwhile, Joel Marshall (Max Murray) opened up to Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) about his aversion to women, stemming from being deserted by his mother when he was just a nipper, and he hasn’t clapped eyes on her since, reports Belfast Live.
Joel first graced our screens in April with his dad Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and Ross’s other half Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). The family trio jetted back from Down Under after the untimely demise of Martin Fowler (James Bye), and Joel has been causing quite the stir ever since.
He’s been up to no good, covertly recording a private moment with young Avani (Aaliyah James) without her knowing, and in a misguided bid to impress his mate Tommy, Joel flaunted the video.
Joel has now shockingly urged Tommy to view explicit adult content on his dad Alfie’s (Shane Richie) laptop.
The troubled teen’s actions took a dark turn on Monday when he attacked a young woman on the London Underground, leading to his apprehension by station staff and leaving his father stunned.
As the plot thickens, EastEnders fans are speculating that Zoe Slater could be Joel’s biological mother as the iconic character makes her return.
On X, one viewer speculated: “SO it looks like Joel’s Mum might be Zoe. #EastEnders”, while another echoed: “So Zoe’s going to be Joel’s mum isn’t she #EastEnders.”
A third queried: “#EastEnders Zoe is Joel’s mum???”, and another expressed: “Oh god I’m actually scared Zoe is going to end up being Joel’s mum #EastEnders.”
“So do we think Zoe is Joel’s mum then? He mentioned his mum today so I’m thinking it must be her #EastEnders,” added another fan.
In an unexpected twist, EastEnders failed to release the latest episode on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Monday morning, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the thrilling instalment.
The recent visit to Walford marks a new era for the show, with Ben Wadey stepping in as Executive Producer following Chris Clenshaw’s departure.
Chris’ final episode aired on Friday (13th June), featuring Kat and Alfie Moon tying the knot for the third time amidst their loved ones.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer