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EDITORIAL, Tuesday 17th June 2025
Wow! Even though it had been rumoured, Monday’s episode blew us away! Through the Hayley red-herrings through to Lacey Turner‘s appearance as Stacey, the sheer look on Michelle Ryan‘s face as she claimed her first doof-doof in twenty years! Zoe Slater is officially back!
For now, she’s here for the week, but Zoe will return later on in the summer, full time. Talking about her return to EastEnders after 20 years, Michelle had this to say:
“It all happened at the right time,” recalled Ryan. “I’d already been thinking about a return because I’d met up with Kacey [who played Little Mo Mitchell] and Kim [who played Sam Mitchell].
We were reminiscing our fond memories of the show, and I’d also joined social media and saw that there was still a lot of love for the character. It just so happened that at the same time, EastEnders had announced a new executive producer [in Ben Wadey].”“[He] was keen to explore the potential of a return as he was such a massive fan of Zoe and the Slaters, so both of our worlds aligned at the right time,” continued the “excited” star, who added that she knew she had made the “right decision” after reading the scripts.
Despite an absence of two decades, the actor explained further that there was an immediate sense of comfort upon her return, sharing: “It feels like [I’m] coming home. After doing my first few scenes, it was like I’d never been away.”
“Zoe is a mess – she’s not the girl that left Walford twenty years ago, and she’s been really struggling on her own,” said Ryan. “She has her defences up, but this week you will see that she needs help – whether she is willing to accept it is another story.”
Executive Producer Ben Wadey, who’s first episode as EP was also Zoe’s return, said:
“Before I even stepped into the role, Zoe Slater was on my wish list of returnees, as although we haven’t seen her on screen for twenty years, her character has transcended time due to her popular storylines.
“I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I’m thrilled to welcome her back to Walford. Whilst I can’t say too much at this stage, Zoe’s return is just one of the many exciting storylines we have planned.”
And tonight… well, Stacey has already called in Alfie… can Kat really be that far behind..?
We’re also seeing Joel get worse and worse with his incel behaviour. Tommy seems to be wising up, but is there a reason these two are so drawn together? Could there be more going on than meets the eye? What exactly has happened to Zoe? And could there, as rumoured, be a connection to her and the Marshalls? Guess there’s only one way to find out!
Next week, it seems to be the beginning of the end for the Carter‘s reign of the Queen Vic! Elaine makes a terrible mistake that has tragic and brutal consequences… Also, Phil is starting to realise that his new commitment to Nigel may be more difficult than he first thought.
Enjoy the Slater drama this week! We’ll be back next week with more gossip! Regards,
The Curator
Week Commencing: 23rd June – 26th June 2025
Monday 23rd June 2025
written by: Richard Davidson
Phil spots signs that Nigel’s condition is deteriorating and the situation becomes dangerous when they grapple over a pan of boiling water.
Kat notices that Phil is injured and urges him to be honest about Nigel’s condition. The former couple have a heart-to-heart, leading Kat to realise that Phil is exhausted and overwhelmed with caring for Nigel.
Meanwhile, Elaine agrees to host Patrick’s 85th birthday at The Vic, even though Linda is already struggling with their existing responsibilities. George steps in to help but Elaine lashes out, which makes the situation between them far worse.
Elsewhere, Denzel invites Tommy and some other friends to come over on the night of Patrick’s party. Joel hopes for an invite too so that he can get closer to Amy, but Denzel insists that he’s not welcome.
Also today, Jean continues to give Kat a hard time for going into business with Kathy and Harvey.
Tuesday 24th June 2025
written by: Richard Davidson
Kat suggests to Phil that he should seek some extra support to care for Nigel, but he refuses to consider the idea. As Nigel spends time with Lexi, he gets confused again and mixes her up with Clare.
Jean questions why Kat is spending so much time at Phil’s place, but Kat insists that she’s merely concerned for a friend. As Phil is left picking up the pieces following Nigel and Lexi’s conversation, Kat once again urges him to seek help.
Meanwhile, Nicola decides to continue her family’s ‘Half Christmas’ tradition, where they celebrate in June. Harry sparks trouble by inviting Zack along and lying that Barney wants him there.
Later, Teddy issues some harsh home truths to Nicola, causing her to trash the room just as Barney and Harry turn up.
Elsewhere, Patrick advises Jean to make amends with Kat.
Also today, George warns Elaine that he’s got a claim on The Vic in their divorce, while Joel’s attempts to chat up Amy are thwarted.
Wednesday 25th June 2025
written by: Jonny O’Neill
On the day of Patrick’s party and Denzel’s gathering for the teens, Joel tries to bribe his way in to join his peers by bringing alcohol. Joel and Denzel team up by heading to The Vic, where Elaine agrees to let them have a glass of punch each.
Joel and Denzel go a step further by secretly stealing jugs of punch to take back with them. Once back at the house, they leave the jugs unattended and are horrified to realise that Raymond, Bert and Ernie have drunk the punch.
Meanwhile, there’s a shock in store at the Mitchells’ party when Zack arrives. Harry relishes the drama as Nicola throws Zack out, but Teddy rushes after an upset Barney. Teddy promises Barney that he’ll support him if he wants to start getting to know Zack.
Elsewhere, Felix seeks Bernie’s approval over his relationship with Johnny, unaware that Johnny helped to cover up Keanu’s murder. Denise worries that this situation could bring the past back to haunt everyone.
Also today, Bernie dismisses Vicki when she spots strange invoices in the Panesars’ accounts.
Finally, Denise gives Phil some important advice on how to deal with Nigel while also taking care of himself.
Thursday 26th June 2025
written by: Jonny O’Neill
Linda clashes with Elaine after what happened at the teen party last night.
At the hospital, Denise and Kat are furious that Elaine served the boys. What will the consequences be for Elaine?
Meanwhile, Vicki tries to speak to Bernie about the suspicious invoices, but once again gets nowhere. When Vicki raises the issue with Ravi instead, he and Suki confronts Bernie.
Elsewhere, Nicola and Barney have a run-in with Zack at Walford East. Later, Nicola bonds with George over their respective break-ups.
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