EastEnders is gearing up for an emotional week as two fan-favourites prepare to leave Walford together, but their farewell is overshadowed by chaos, accusations and heartbreak within the Slater family.

The Slaters are preparing for Freddie and Anna’s goodbye celebrations, but instead of a proud send-off, tensions spiral across Albert Square as Jean’s fragile state, Zoe’s paranoia, and a shocking discovery threaten to tear the family apart.

 

 

As Freddie and Anna’s departure edges closer, the Slater household is anything but united. Jean is desperately trying to hold herself together, but Lily grows increasingly worried that she’s pushing herself far too hard. Kat, meanwhile, struggles to calm Zoe, who is rapidly unravelling under the pressure of the anonymous messages she believes are coming from within the family.

Elaine gathers everyone in The Vic to make a heartfelt speech about Freddie and Anna, but the celebrations are short-lived. When the Christmas lights switch on across the Square, a chilling message suddenly appears in The Vic’s upstairs window, sending shockwaves through the pub and confirming that someone is still tormenting Zoe.

 

 

Later, Zoe stumbles upon something unexpected in Tommy’s rucksack. Convinced she’s finally found her tormentor, she storms upstairs, determined to expose him once and for all.

But Tommy swears, to Kat, Alfie and Zoe, that he is innocent. His denial only fuels Zoe’s panic and fury, and she lashes out at the entire family, leaving Kat heartbroken by the intensity of her daughter’s anger.

Unable to calm her, Kat is forced into a devastating decision. With no choice left, she reluctantly asks Zoe to leave the house, fracturing mother and daughter at the worst possible moment.

Still spiralling, Zoe heads downstairs into The Vic, where she ends up in a heated row with Vicki. The argument explodes in front of stunned punters, prompting Kat to intervene once more as Zoe’s behaviour continues to unravel.

Feeling rejected and misunderstood by her family, Zoe storms out of the pub, but she doesn’t get far before stumbling into an unexpected source of comfort.

Anthony steps in as Zoe seeks refuge
In the aftermath of the blow-up, Zoe finds herself turning to Anthony. Seeing how distressed she is, he gently offers her a place to stay. With nowhere else to go and her relationship with Kat in pieces, Zoe accepts, unaware of how this move may impact the already-complicated dynamics on the Square.

Back with the Slaters, the family gather to give Freddie the heartfelt send-off he deserves. Despite the chaos, the farewell becomes a rare moment of unity, a bittersweet goodbye as Freddie prepares to leave Walford with Anna by his side.

But even in the warmth of the moment, Jean visibly struggles. Freddie has been a huge source of stability for her, and watching him go threatens to push her to the breaking point.

Anna tries to heal old wounds before she leaves
Before heading off, Anna makes it her personal mission to mend fractured relationships around her. She reaches out to Kojo, Gina and Harry, hoping her departure can at least bring the family together in some form.