EastEnders has finally confirmed the comeback of a much-loved character following a string of clues
Angie Quinn Senior Journalist
20:16, 16 Jun 2025Updated 20:28, 16 Jun 2025
Zoe Slater returned to EastEnders on Monday evening(Image: BBC)
EastEnders aired a jaw-dropping twist on Monday evening (16th June) as Zoe Slater returned to Albert Square for the first time in 20 years, and fans think they know why the icon has made a comeback.
During the latest trip to Walford, Stacey Slater (played by Lacey Turner) appeared back on-screen after making an abrupt exit from the Square in May, and she wasn’t alone.
Throughout the exciting episode, Stacey appeared frustrated as she tried on multiple occasions to call Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) and ask for his help. She hinted at trouble as a lazy person laying on the sofa in an unknown flat was refusing to “get their act together”.
Alfie finally reunited with Stacey at the property as she warned the mystery character “looked a lot different”. Zoe made an grand entrance looking very worse for wear.
EastEnders icon Zoe Slater is back in Walford after 20 years (Image: BBC)READ MORE: EastEnders couple to reunite after 11 years in legendary romance twistREAD MORE: EastEnders’ Michelle Ryan quietly addresses Zoe Slater’s ‘return’ as fans ‘rumble’ twist
Elsewhere, Joel Marshall (Max Murray) confided in Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) about his dislike for women after his mum abandoned him as a young child, and he hasn’t seen her since.
In April, Joel made his first appearance alongside his father Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and Ross’s partner Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). The trio returned from Australia following the death of Martin Fowler (James Bye), and Joel has stirred up a lot of trouble in a short space of time.
He secretly filmed an intimate moment with schoolgirl Avani (Aaliyah James) without her consent, and in an attempt to impress his best friend Tommy, Joel showed him the footage.
Joel has now encouraged Tommy to watch explicit adult content on his dad Alfie’s (Shane Richie) laptop.
Vicki Fowler isn’t happy with Joel Marshall after the tub incident in EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
The toxic teen’s behaviour spiralled on Monday when he assaulted a young woman on the London Underground before being apprehended by tube station staff leaving his dad in shock.
EastEnders fans are now predicting Zoe Slater is the biological mum of Joel as the iconic character returns.
Taking to X, one fan wrote: “SO it looks like Joel’s Mum might be Zoe. #EastEnders”, a second added: “So Zoe’s going to be Joel’s mum isn’t she #EastEnders.”
A third asked: “#EastEnders Zoe is Joel’s mum???”, while another stated: “Oh god I’m actually scared Zoe is going to end up being Joel’s mum #EastEnders.”
Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater in EastEnders back in 2005(Image: BBC)
“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.
EastEnders also failed to make the latest instalment available on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Monday morning as fans anticipated the exciting episode.
The latest trip to Walford new era for the show, with Ben Wadey beginning his tenure as Executive Producer following Chris Clenshaw’s exit.
Chris’ final episode on Friday (13th June) saw Kat and Alfie Moon get married for the third time in front of their family and friends.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer