This week’s EastEnders saw Ben Wadey make his debut as the soap’s new Executive Producer – taking over from former boss Chris Clenshaw – and quickly marking his territory as one to watch.

After a weekend of fevered speculation and anticipation as to what the future might hold, his EastEnders came out of the doors fighting – revealing the long-awaited return of Zoe Slater.

 

 

As the dust began to settle surrounding Zoe’s return, viewers learned that she’d been through a lot since leaving Walford. And, in last night’s episode, she fled again – but not before suggesting that she’d done something terrible for which her family would never forgive her.

While Zoe’s return may have been the highlight, it’s been a solid week of episodes for EastEnders, balancing the explosive drama you might expect with some deft comedy, heartfelt character moments, and satisfying payoffs.

 

 

As Stacey and Alfie tried to get through to troubled Zoe, a tormented Tommy found himself in too deep with Joel, whose behaviour escalated during a fateful tube trip. And, in the wake of her split from George last week, Elaine grappled with her newfound singledom, leaving Linda floundering.

Dramatically, these episodes packed a wallop, with Joel continuing to prove one of the most unpleasant characters the soap has produced in recent years. His behaviour has led to some great character moments for Vicki Fowler and Tommy Moon in particular, as the story examines their reaction to his descent into the manosphere.

This gave Vicki star Alice Haig her best material to date, and the soap proved itself right in hiring her as she showed Joel exactly who – and what – she was messing with. Meanwhile, the redemption of Tommy (we’re here for it!) continued apace, as we saw him begin to question his friend’s attitude and actions toward women.

Joel, too, got some great stuff to work with – first as he shared details of his turbulent upbringing with Tommy. Then, as his dad read him the riot act, Max Murray got to show off another side to the Andrew Tate wannabe as he broke down in tears from a well-deserved (but not harsh enough!) telling off.

Joel may be a slimeball, but there’s no denying that Max is doing a sterling job as the toxic teen. Now, those rumours about his mum…

Even amid Zoe’s misery and Joel’s Black Pill brainwashing, the soap found time to showcase its sense of humour.

Monday’s episode was one of the funnier in recent years, as a spurned Jean locked herself in the cab office… leaving Harvey and Kat appalled as she told all incoming callers that no drivers were available due everyone having the clap.

Elsewhere, George was on the receiving end of a well-deserved roasting from Kojo and Phil (the new chilled-out Phil continues to impress), while Elaine’s Shelaine’s divorce party was full of great banter from Kim and Priya. More of that sort of thing please, EastEnders!