In the ever-turbulent world of EastEnders, emotions run high this week as the Slater household is rocked by betrayal, desperation, and shocking revelations. The drama unfolds when Zoe’s search for her long-lost son takes a heartbreaking and chaotic turn—one that could permanently shatter her already fragile bond with her mother, Kat Moon.

Zoe has been on edge for weeks, consumed by frustration and fear that she’ll never find her missing child. Her obsession drives her to reckless lengths, and this week, her desperation pushes her over the edge. Determined to take matters into her own hands, Zoe secretly arranges to meet with a private investigator to track down her son. But before she can move forward, Kat steps in with unexpected news—Sharon is still away with Vicki, meaning plans must be put on hold.

Yet, Kat has much more pressing matters weighing on her mind. The tension in the Slater household has been suffocating, especially with Zoe constantly clashing with Gene. Alfie, as always, finds himself stuck in the middle, trying to play peacekeeper between the two fiery women. But Zoe’s impulsive and erratic behavior only makes things worse, testing Kat’s patience to its limit.

At first, Kat tries to keep her cool. She knows Zoe is struggling and, beneath her anger, there’s still a mother’s instinct to protect her child. In a rare moment of tenderness, Kat softens and even offers to help Zoe in her search for her son—a gesture meant to bridge the growing gap between them. For a brief moment, it seems like peace might return to Number 31.

But that fragile calm is shattered when Kat makes a discovery that changes everything. While tidying up, she notices a significant amount of cash missing from the till. A pit forms in her stomach as she quickly puts the pieces together—Zoe has taken it. The realization hits like a thunderbolt. Enraged and heartbroken, Kat storms out in pursuit, determined to confront her daughter.

The chase through the streets of Walford is intense and emotionally charged. Kat finally spots Zoe meeting secretly with the private investigator, money in hand. The confrontation that follows is explosive. Kat demands answers, furious not only at the theft but also at the deception. But when she overhears Zoe lying to the investigator, a deeper suspicion begins to form—what else is Zoe hiding?

Back home, the air is thick with tension. Kat vents her anger to Alfie, her voice filled with both fury and despair. Zoe walks in mid-conversation, realizing her mother’s patience has run out. In a moment of brutal honesty, Kat warns Zoe that if she doesn’t change her ways and start taking responsibility for her actions, she’ll have no choice but to leave. The ultimatum cuts deep, leaving Zoe visibly shaken.

Just when it seems the family is beyond repair, a small, unexpected incident provides a moment of levity. A cat gets trapped inside the Queen Vic, and in a surprising act of courage, Zoe steps in to rescue it. The brief, heartwarming scene brings a flicker of laughter and warmth to the otherwise strained relationship. For a fleeting moment, Kat sees a glimmer of the daughter she loves beneath the chaos and resentment.

In the aftermath, Zoe tries to make amends, offering a fragile olive branch. She tells Kat she wants to do better and hints that she’s ready to be honest. Their relationship seems to be healing—until Zoe drops a bombshell revelation that leaves Kat completely stunned. The details of Zoe’s confession remain shrouded in mystery, but whatever she reveals is monumental enough to change everything for the Slater family.

This shocking turn of events sets the stage for even more turmoil ahead. With trust broken, money stolen, and Zoe’s mysterious mission still unresolved, viewers can expect the drama to intensify in the coming weeks. Will Kat uncover the full truth behind Zoe’s secret dealings? And could this revelation finally expose the darker motives driving Zoe’s desperate behavior?

But the chaos doesn’t stop there. Beyond the Slater household, Walford is buzzing with new rumors that could tie into Zoe’s troubles in unexpected ways. Whispers are circulating that Sam Mitchell—Phil’s notoriously unpredictable sister—might be the hidden mastermind behind Ravi Gulati’s drug empire. Fans have been speculating for weeks that Sam could be the shadowy figure pulling the strings, orchestrating the criminal network that has been terrorizing the Square.

Social media has exploded with theories. On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote, “Imagine if Sam’s been the one running everything from behind the scenes all this time. She’s done it before—why not again?” Another suggested that her disappearance from Walford wasn’t an escape, but rather the start of her rise as a crime boss.

Insiders have hinted that actress Kim Medcalf—who plays Sam—was recently spotted filming at Elstree Studios, fueling speculation of her imminent return. If Sam does make her comeback, it could send shockwaves through Walford, particularly if her storyline connects to Zoe’s secretive actions and the missing money. Could Zoe have unknowingly become entangled in Sam’s operation while searching for her son?

As the threads tighten across the Square, another subplot unfolds. Jasmine’s motives come into question as she takes a sudden and intense interest in Cindy Beale, probing for personal details under the guise of friendship. Her curiosity raises alarm bells, especially when her behavior turns cold and sharp during a night out with Gina Knight. The incident leaves both women rattled and adds yet another layer of intrigue to an already tangled web.

Meanwhile, George Knight grows increasingly anxious over Kojo Asar’s disappearance, with Ravi and Oki’s criminal network tightening its grip. Harry Mitchell, caught in the middle, begins rebelling against his dangerous handlers—further proving that chaos and corruption are never far from the surface in Walford.

As all these storylines intertwine, one thing becomes clear—nothing in EastEnders stays buried for long. Kat and Zoe’s fractured relationship, Sam’s rumored return, and Jasmine’s mysterious agenda all hint at an explosive few weeks ahead. Secrets will unravel, alliances will crumble, and old wounds will be reopened in spectacular fashion.

For Kat and Zoe, the emotional fallout from this betrayal could be life-changing. Will Kat’s maternal instincts win out and bring her daughter back from the brink, or will Zoe’s secrets finally destroy their bond forever?

One thing’s certain—Walford is about to be rocked by revelations that no one saw coming.

EastEnders airs Mondays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.