EastEnders spoilers reveal that just when Walford was beginning to recover from one emotional storm, another wave of chaos is set to hit — and this time, it’s all tied to the shocking return of Stacey Slater. After bidding a tearful farewell to Albert Square only weeks ago, Stacey’s reappearance will throw the entire community back into turmoil. But this isn’t just a simple homecoming — Stacey’s return comes with an explosive purpose: Zoe’s revenge.

Last week’s episodes saw Stacey packing up her life, leaving behind Lily and baby Charlie, while taking Arthur and Hope to Brazil. It was supposed to be her fresh start, a clean break from the heartbreak and pain that had haunted her for years. Her parting words to Max Branning made it clear that she wanted to move on, especially after he confessed that his feelings for her had resurfaced. Stacey dismissed his confession with emotional restraint, choosing instead to embrace a new life away from Walford’s constant drama. But as fans of the Slaters know too well, peace never lasts long — not for Stacey, and certainly not in Albert Square.

Behind the scenes, actress Lacey Turner reassured fans that her exit was temporary. In a heartfelt video posted to social media, she thanked her co-stars for their support, promising she’d “be back before long.” And now, that promise is about to come true — but the Stacey who’s coming home is not the same one who left. Grief, anger, and an unrelenting thirst for justice have reshaped her, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic returns Walford has ever seen.

When Stacey left, she was reeling from the devastating loss of Martin Fowler during EastEnders’ milestone 40th anniversary live episode. The tragedy not only tore her heart apart but also shattered the fragile stability she’d been building for her family. With the Slaters now managing the Queen Vic and Lily still living on the Square, there’s plenty of reason for Stacey to come home — but it’s Zoe’s secret that truly pulls her back into the chaos.

According to insider whispers, Zoe Slater has been quietly plotting revenge against those who wronged the Slater women — and Stacey’s return marks the beginning of that vengeful campaign. Rumors suggest Zoe’s fury isn’t just aimed at outsiders but may even include some members of her own family. The emotional stakes are high, and Stacey’s loyalty will be put to the test as she finds herself torn between protecting her family and stopping Zoe’s spiral into retribution.

While the Slater drama simmers, another major storyline continues to rock Walford. Callum Highway and Johnny Carter’s budding romance faces its biggest test yet when Ben Mitchell unexpectedly returns for his father Jono’s funeral. Callum’s world, which had slowly started to heal, is thrown back into emotional chaos. He believed his future with Johnny was secure — until Ben walked back into his life. Tony Clay, who plays Callum, teased that his character is blindsided by Ben’s return: “He thought he had it all figured out. Then Ben shows up, and everything comes crashing down.”

The tension escalates further when Kathy Beale catches Callum and Johnny sharing a kiss. In true Walford fashion, she wastes no time spreading the news through the Mitchell family, igniting fury and judgment from all sides. Despite their disapproval, Callum stands his ground, refusing to apologize for his choices. His father’s death already weighs heavily on him — Jono’s cruel, homophobic past left scars that never fully healed. The funeral forces Callum to confront those old wounds, even as his personal life unravels in front of everyone.

Meanwhile, the arrival of Callum’s brother, Stuart, after three years away brings an emotional twist. Their reunion is heartfelt, reminding Callum that family — however flawed — remains his anchor. But even Stuart’s return can’t distract from the uncomfortable fact that Ben’s presence threatens to undo all the progress Callum’s made.

The day of Jono’s funeral turns into a powder keg. Emotions run high as the Mitchells, Beales, and Highways all gather under one roof. Phil, Cathy, Billy, Honey, and Ian each have something to say — but it’s Callum’s bold defiance that leaves everyone stunned. Refusing to hide any longer, he publicly reaffirms his love for Johnny and insists on bringing him to the service. The move shocks the Mitchells, who decide to keep the revelation from Ben until after the funeral. But fate has other plans — Ben arrives unexpectedly, setting the stage for a confrontation that could change everything.

For Ben, his sudden reappearance in Walford carries more baggage than anyone realizes. Recently released from prison after a turbulent year abroad, he’s seeking reconciliation and answers — but what he finds instead is heartbreak and betrayal. The moment he catches sight of Johnny by Callum’s side, the air thickens with tension. Old wounds reopen, and bitter truths spill out as emotions boil over in front of the entire Square.

As the funeral spirals into chaos, Phil’s patience wears thin. Torn between defending his son and protecting the family’s name, he’s faced with a choice that could permanently fracture the Mitchell legacy. When Cathy urges him to confront Ben before leaving for the airport, their private conversation promises to unearth long-buried pain. But with so many secrets in play — including Callum’s affair and Ben’s troubled past — there’s no guarantee that the truth will bring healing. It might just destroy what’s left of them.

And in the midst of it all, Stacey Slater’s plane touches down in London. Her arrival isn’t marked by tears or reunions — it’s shadowed by purpose. Word spreads quickly that she’s back, and tongues start wagging around the Vic. But this isn’t the same Stacey who left. Her eyes hold a steely determination, her every move calculated. Rumors begin swirling that she’s aligned with Zoe in a dangerous mission for payback — one that could drag old enemies and even her own family into the line of fire.

As Walford braces for another storm, one thing is certain: Stacey’s return isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about reckoning. Zoe’s revenge plot is about to explode, and Stacey will have to decide how far she’s willing to go to right the wrongs of the past. The Slater name has always been tied to scandal, secrets, and strength — but this time, revenge might tear them apart for good.

With emotions soaring, alliances shifting, and long-buried grudges resurfacing, EastEnders promises an unmissable chapter ahead. As the tagline for the coming weeks teases: “In Walford, the past never stays buried — it always comes back for revenge.”

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on BBC One.