In a dramatic move, EastEnders has finally pulled back the curtain on the identity of the sinister stalker who has been terrorising Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan. The revelation came in the show's Christmas Eve episode, which was made available early for streaming on BBC iPlayer from 6am on December 24, 2025.
The Long-Awaited Revelation
The storyline, which has captivated viewers for months, reached a pivotal point in the festive episode. Zoe's return to Walford in September 2025, after a two-decade absence, was meant to be a heartwarming reunion with her estranged mother, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace). However, her comeback swiftly descended into chaos, scandal, and conflict.
From clashing with Vicki Fowler over her role in Den Watts's demise to a devastating affair with Max Branning that tore the Slater family apart, Zoe found herself at the epicentre of Albert Square's drama. The situation took a darker turn when she became the target of a relentless stalker, whose campaign of terror included threatening letters, unsettling nocturnal disturbances, and ominous warnings.
A Web of Suspects and Family Secrets
The mystery deepened with several major plot reveals. It was confirmed that newcomer Jasmine, portrayed by Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness, is actually Zoe's daughter, a child believed to have died shortly after birth twenty years ago. Furthermore, Jasmine's father was revealed to be Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey), who was furious upon discovering Zoe had kept two of his children a secret.
Anthony's anger and subsequent actions had positioned him as a prime suspect in the stalking case, leaving viewers to speculate on his potential guilt. The Christmas Eve episode, however, has now provided significant new clues, shedding definitive light on the culprit's identity and delivering what is described as a "gobsmacking twist" in the tale.
Christmas Fallout and Future Drama
While the specific outcome is being kept under wraps to avoid spoiling the surprise for viewers, the episode sets the stage for a tumultuous Christmas Day in Walford. Zoe plans to enjoy a special festive season with her reunited family at The Queen Victoria pub.
True to form for the Square, peace is unlikely to last. The fallout from the stalker's unmasking is expected to trigger fresh turmoil, ensuring this will be a Christmas remembered in Albert Square for a long time to come. EastEnders continues to air Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One, with episodes available early on BBC iPlayer.
