Zoe Free As Jasmine Is Arrested For Anthony’s Death | EastEnders

EastEnders has once again left fans divided and buzzing with theories after a bombshell revelation that may not be quite as straightforward as it first appeared. While the show seemingly confirmed that Jasmine was responsible for Anthony’s death, many viewers are convinced the truth is far more complicated — and that another shocking twist is still waiting to explode.

The drama reached a fever pitch in the January 15 episode, when Jasmine appeared to finally admit responsibility for Anthony’s death. In an emotionally raw moment, she spoke beside her biological father’s lifeless body, confessing that she caused Anthony’s fatal injuries on Christmas night. According to Jasmine’s account, the tragedy unfolded when she stepped in to protect herself after interrupting Anthony in the middle of a violent outburst. What followed, she claimed, was a desperate act that ended in irreversible consequences.

On the surface, the storyline seems clear-cut. Jasmine’s confession, combined with recorded evidence, points squarely at her as the person who killed Anthony. As Anthony is laid to rest, Jasmine appears determined to keep the truth buried, doing everything in her power to prevent further scrutiny or revelations. Her fear of exposure grows by the day, and she becomes increasingly ruthless in her attempts to protect herself.

However, EastEnders fans are rarely satisfied with simple answers — and this storyline is no exception.

Almost immediately after the episode aired, viewers flooded Reddit and social media platforms with speculation, debate, and doubt. While some accepted Jasmine’s confession at face value, a significant portion of the audience believes the show is deliberately misleading them. To many, the evidence feels too neat, the confession too convenient.

A recurring theory places Chrissie Watts back in the spotlight.

Several fans have suggested that despite Jasmine’s words and the apparent video evidence, Chrissie may still be the true killer. One viewer theorized that Chrissie could have been present during the attack, stepping in at the last moment and delivering the fatal blow herself. Another fan argued that key moments from Christmas night remain unseen — moments that could completely change the narrative if revealed.

Others pointed out that the entire situation feels far more consistent with Chrissie’s dark history. As longtime viewers know, Chrissie has a chilling reputation for moving silently through the Queen Vic and leaving devastation in her wake. She has previously been responsible for deaths viewers initially believed were resolved, only for the truth to surface much later. Because of this, many fans feel it would be deeply anticlimactic if Jasmine truly were the sole person responsible.

This has led to a growing belief that Jasmine may be covering for someone else — possibly to protect Zoe, herself, or even Chrissie — and that the truth will only emerge when it’s almost too late.

As the tension builds, Jasmine’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Fearing that the walls are closing in, she starts making secret plans to escape Walford before the full truth can come out. Her desperation peaks as she plots to flee with Oscar, convinced that disappearing is the only way to survive what’s coming.

Meanwhile, Cat returns to Albert Square, bringing fresh emotional turmoil with her. She visits Zoe in prison, where Zoe is being held after being charged with Anthony’s murder. In a heartbreaking exchange, Zoe reveals her intention to plead guilty, determined to take the blame and bring the ordeal to an end — regardless of the consequences.

Cat is stunned and urges Jasmine to step up and clear her mother’s name. On the surface, Jasmine promises she will go to the police and expose Chrissie’s involvement. But behind Cat’s back, Jasmine continues quietly planning her escape, showing just how far she’s willing to go to save herself.

Things escalate further when Max learns about Jasmine and Oscar’s intention to leave Walford. Alarmed, he attempts to convince Oscar to stay, sensing that Jasmine’s plan could destroy multiple lives. Encouraged by an unexpected ally, Max finally confronts Jasmine head-on.

What follows is explosive.

In front of Oscar and the rest of the Branning family, Jasmine makes a shocking accusation against Max — one that leaves everyone reeling. Max vehemently denies the claim, but doubt has already been planted. Whether Oscar and the family will believe Max remains uncertain, and the confrontation fractures relationships even further.

As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the looming question remains: will Jasmine succeed in escaping before the truth catches up with her — or is her downfall inevitable?

Elsewhere in Walford, EastEnders has sparked intense backlash over another deeply disturbing storyline involving Ravi Gulati. This week saw Ravi spiral into a terrifying mental breakdown, culminating in scenes that many viewers felt crossed a line.

Ravi’s descent began after he was unknowingly drugged by Harry and Nicola, who were seeking revenge for his role in Harry’s imprisonment, his struggles with addiction, and the notorious cuckooing operation tied to Kojo’s flat. What started as calculated payback quickly escalated into something far more dangerous and uncontrollable.

Under the influence and mentally unraveling, Ravi wandered through Walford in a severely unstable state. Haunted by vivid hallucinations of his abusive father, Nish, Ravi became convinced he was being hunted. His grip on reality completely fractured, leading him to act purely on fear and panic.

Tragically, that fear was turned on his own son.

Believing Nish had returned, Ravi lost control and violently attacked Nugget. The aftermath was devastating. By the end of the week, Nugget was shown in hospital recovering from emergency surgery after suffering a serious brain hemorrhage. Ravi, meanwhile, was left drowning in guilt and horror over what he had done.

Wednesday night’s episode took the storyline even further into dark territory. In scenes that left many viewers shaken, Ravi deliberately inflicted pain on himself, forcing his fingers into his own severe wounds as a form of self-punishment. The graphic depiction of self-harm sparked immediate outrage, with fans criticizing the BBC for failing to provide a warning before the episode aired.

Although a support message was shown after the episode ended, many viewers argued that this was not enough. Social media quickly filled with complaints from fans who felt blindsided by the distressing content. Several pointed out that no advisory appeared before the episode began, leaving vulnerable viewers unprepared.

Many called for clearer trigger warnings, particularly on BBC iPlayer, emphasizing that audiences with personal experiences of self-harm should have been alerted in advance. As the debate continues, questions are being raised about whether EastEnders went too far — reigniting broader conversations about responsibility, viewer welfare, and how soaps should handle sensitive material.

Meanwhile, lighter — though still fiery — drama unfolds as Elaine Peacock and Ian Beale’s feud reaches new heights. The rivalry intensifies next week after Elaine unveils a bold new promotional sign for Peacock Palace, her boutique hotel. Since opening her business, Elaine has been locked in constant competition with Ian, who resents anyone threatening his perceived dominance over Walford’s business scene.

Earlier clashes over breakfast flyers already set the tone, but the new sign pushes Ian over the edge. After another heated confrontation at the Queen Vic, Ian escalates matters by lodging a formal complaint with Councillor Barker, determined to have the sign removed.

For a brief moment, Ian’s plan appears to be working — until Elaine uncovers damaging information that turns the tables. When Honey shares confidential details about Councillor Barker, Elaine uses the leverage cleverly, striking a deal that works entirely in her favor.

When Ian discovers what she’s done, he is furious and vows revenge, refusing to let Elaine win. As tensions escalate, Harvey attempts to step in and broker peace, suggesting a ceasefire. Whether either side is willing to back down remains to be seen — or if this feud is only just beginning.

Back at the heart of the square, Cat brings Jasmine to visit Zoe in prison once more, hoping to push her toward telling the truth. Viewers already know that Jasmine confessed to killing Anthony on Christmas Day — but with so many unanswered questions, doubts continue to swirl.

With Jasmine secretly plotting her escape, Zoe prepared to plead guilty, and fans convinced the real killer hasn’t been exposed, EastEnders is setting the stage for a dramatic reckoning. Is Jasmine truly responsible, or is Chrissie’s shadow looming larger than anyone realizes?

One thing is certain: the truth won’t stay buried forever — and when it finally comes out, Walford may never be the same again.