EastEnders will introduce a new theory in Zoe Slater’s stalker storyline, with a soap icon being accused of being behind the incidents. With the mystery deepening further, could the new angle be the truth after all?

Zoe has found herself on the receiving end of harassment over the past few weeks, though she hasn’t been able to pin down exactly who has been stalking her. The suspect list has been wide-reaching, but a definitive has eluded her.

One figure that Zoe has accused is ex-nemesis Sam Mitchell, who returned to Walford earlier this month. During a particularly eventful festive period, Zoe and Kat will suspect Sam even more, before a chilling discovery is made ahead of Christmas Day.

“Sam is adamant that she isn’t involved, but the pair do have history when it comes to Den,” explained Michelle Ryan, who plays Zoe. “Zoe hasn’t had an easy life, so there is an argument, in her mind, that she has more than paid for her involvement in his murder.

“But Sam initially took the blame, and was incarcerated for the crime, so it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility to think that she might be involved. Zoe has chosen to believe her, but I don’t think Kat is so sure.”

Sam’s own return to East London has seen Kim Medcalf reprise her role after more than a year away, with the actor appearing alongside Ryan for the first time in 20 years. It’s not a complete trip down memory lane, however, as Ryan revealed they had kept in touch.

“Kim and I are great friends, and we have always kept in touch,” said the actor. “I actually spoke to Kim just before I decided to come back, and we were both reminiscing on old times, and it was one of the reasons I decided to say yes.”

While Sam could be in the firing line from the Slaters, it’s sure to be a dramatic festive season in Albert Square, with an insider for the BBC soap teasing that there will be plenty of “curveballs” in the coming weeks.

“Nobody expects a quiet Christmas in Albert Square, but this year is full of curveballs nobody will see coming!” they said. “Zoe’s stalker is still out there, and just when it looks as if we’ll get some answers, a whole host of twists spark more questions.”