Tensions are set to explode in Walford next week as Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) finds herself betrayed once again, this time by her own daughter, Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), in a dramatic twist that leaves their already-strained relationship on the edge.

Zoe, desperate and determined, is growing more frustrated as she hits constant roadblocks in her search for her long-lost son. Wanting to take matters into her own hands, she plans to meet with a private investigator, but her plans are put on hold when Kat informs her that Sharon is still away with Vicki, and they’ll need to wait.

Kat, however, has bigger concerns occupying her mind, and the ongoing feuding between Zoe and Jean only adds to the pressure. Both Kat and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) are caught in the middle as tempers flare inside No. 31. The house is on edge, and Zoe’s reckless behaviour threatens to push Kat over the limit.

Trying to keep the peace, Kat eventually softens and promises to help Zoe track down her son, extending a much-needed olive branch. But just as things seem to be heading in the right direction, Kat receives a shock discovery that changes everything.

To her dismay, Kat finds money missing from the till, and it doesn’t take long to realise Zoe is behind it.

Furious at the betrayal, Kat follows Zoe through the streets of Walford and catches her meeting secretly with a private investigator. The confrontation is heated, with Kat demanding answers. While Kat tries to remain supportive, her instincts are rattled when she catches Zoe lying to the investigator during the meeting.

Kat’s frustration quickly turns to suspicion, and it becomes clear that Zoe’s secrets run deeper than she’s letting on.

Back at home, tensions hit a boiling point. Zoe, unaware that she’s being spoken about, walks in as Kat vents to Alfie. In a moment of brutal honesty, Kat confides that Zoe will have to leave if she doesn’t start taking responsibility and setting a better example.

The words cut deep, and Zoe’s world begins to unravel.

It looks like their relationship might not recover unless something changes fast.

But in true Slater style, drama and chaos make way for an unexpected moment of lightness.

A commotion breaks out in The Queen Vic when a cat becomes trapped inside the pub. With emotions already running high, Zoe takes the lead and rescues the frightened feline, much to the surprise of Kat and Alfie. The moment breaks the tension, and it opens the door for a tentative reconciliation.

Zoe, clearly shaken by Kat’s earlier words, makes an effort to make amends with her mum, and for a moment, it seems like things might just be back on track.

But peace is short-lived in Albert Square as Zoe drops a bombshell

As Kat pushes for the truth, desperate to understand her daughter’s motives and intentions, Zoe finally cracks,  dropping a bombshell that leaves Kat reeling.

What exactly Zoe reveals remains tightly under wraps, but it’s enough to change the direction of their storyline going forward.

With lies, stolen cash, fractured trust, and a mysterious mission still unfolding, fans can expect even more emotional drama from the Slater household in the weeks to come.

Could this be the moment that finally exposes what Zoe has really been hiding, or is it just the beginning of a much deeper family secret?