Zoe Slater Faces Her Worst Nightmare | EastEnders

The residents of Albert Square are about to witness one of the most disturbing and emotional storylines yet, as EastEnders takes viewers deep into the unraveling mind of Zoe Slater. What begins as a chilling stalker mystery soon spirals into a psychological nightmare that blurs the line between truth and delusion — and forces old wounds to resurface in ways no one saw coming.

Anthony Trueman, who made his return to Walford earlier this year for his father Patrick and Yolande’s wedding, has been quietly reestablishing his life in the Square. But his calm demeanor hides a storm brewing beneath the surface. Having been offered a new position at the local surgery, Anthony appears to have his future mapped out — yet whispers around the Square suggest there’s more to his sudden reappearance than meets the eye.

Tension between Anthony and his ex, Zoe Slater, has been palpable ever since they crossed paths again. Their history runs deep — a mix of passion, heartbreak, and unfinished business. But this week, Zoe’s world takes a terrifying turn. A mysterious stalker begins targeting her, leaving her rattled and fearful for her safety. When unnerving incidents start piling up — threatening notes, vandalized photos, and eerie messages — Zoe becomes convinced that Anthony is the one tormenting her.

In Thursday’s episode, Anthony confides in Kat, admitting he believes Zoe might be suffering from psychosis. Concerned, Kat urges him to help her daughter, even as she grapples with her own doubts. The two join forces in a desperate attempt to support Zoe as she continues her frantic search for her missing child — a heartbreaking quest that’s left her exhausted, paranoid, and emotionally fragile. But Zoe, spiraling into fear and confusion, rejects their help and isolates herself further, convinced she can trust no one.

Meanwhile, Anthony’s behavior grows increasingly suspicious. He’s secretive, distant, and always seems to be one step ahead of the questions swirling around him. Patrick and Kim confront him about his strange actions, demanding to know what he’s hiding. Anthony insists he’s simply focused on his new job at the surgery — but moments later, he’s seen making a cryptic phone call, hinting at a secret he’s desperate to keep buried.

Could Anthony’s new “job” be a smokescreen for something more sinister? And if so, what does it have to do with Zoe’s torment? Even his closest family members begin to question whether he’s telling the truth, as his calm façade starts to crack under pressure.

Yet Anthony isn’t the only suspect. Walford is filled with people harboring grudges against Zoe, and Jean Slater might be at the top of that list. Still furious over Stacey’s departure, Jean’s words to Lily this week were chilling: “She’s a horrible woman, that Zoe. Deceitful and cruel. Like my dad always said — what goes around comes around.” Could Jean have decided to take justice into her own hands? Or are her words simply the ramblings of a grieving mother seeking revenge through bitterness?

As the week unfolds, the tension in Walford builds to breaking point. Zoe’s paranoia intensifies when she discovers more family photographs have been defaced — each one marked with violent scribbles that seem to taunt her. The fear is suffocating, and Zoe becomes convinced that someone close to her is orchestrating a campaign of psychological torture. Kat tries to reassure her daughter, insisting they’ll uncover the truth together. “We’ve survived worse, love,” Kat tells her, holding Zoe close. “We’re Slaters. We always get back up.” But Zoe’s eyes reveal the torment inside — she’s not sure she can get back up this time.

Meanwhile, Alfie begins his own quiet investigation. He’s never been one to stand by and watch Kat or Zoe suffer, and his gut tells him something isn’t adding up. Retracing Zoe’s steps, he talks to neighbors, combs through CCTV footage, and tries to piece together the puzzle. What he finds shocks him to the core.

After a tense confrontation, Zoe finally breaks down in front of Kat and Alfie. In a moment of raw vulnerability, she confesses the unthinkable — she was the one who vandalized the photos. Her trembling voice echoes through the room as Kat stares at her in disbelief. “It was me,” Zoe sobs. “I did it. I just wanted it all to stop.” The revelation hits like a thunderclap. Was Zoe’s stalker ever real — or has she been unknowingly tormenting herself all along?

Kat’s heart breaks for her daughter, realizing Zoe’s mind may be crumbling under the weight of guilt, grief, and unresolved trauma. Anthony’s earlier words about psychosis suddenly seem terrifyingly plausible. But even now, Kat can’t shake the feeling that there’s something deeper behind Zoe’s behavior — a buried secret, perhaps, or a trauma she’s been suppressing for years.

Anthony, watching from the sidelines, seems strangely composed after Zoe’s confession. Too composed. His unreadable expression leaves viewers questioning his true motives. Is he genuinely concerned for Zoe’s wellbeing — or is he the manipulative mastermind pulling the strings, gaslighting her into madness for reasons of his own?

Elsewhere in Walford, the chaos continues to ripple outward. Jean’s bitterness escalates, and whispers spread that she might know more than she’s letting on. Meanwhile, Patrick struggles with guilt, wondering if his son has truly changed or if Anthony’s return has reopened old wounds the family thought were healed long ago.

By the end of the week, one thing is clear: Zoe’s world has shattered beyond recognition. Whether she’s the victim of a sinister plot or the architect of her own downfall, her fragile grip on reality is slipping fast — and those who love her are powerless to stop it.

As November begins, EastEnders promises to push this harrowing storyline even further. Zoe’s descent into darkness will collide with Anthony’s secret phone call, Jean’s cryptic warnings, and Alfie’s desperate search for answers — leading to a shocking twist that will change the Slater family forever.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on BBC One, with early streaming available on BBC iPlayer from 6:00 a.m. each day. But brace yourselves — because Zoe Slater’s nightmare is only just beginning.