EastEnders confirms Max and Kat twist after Zoe death – but not the one you think

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published September 17, 2026 7:00am An unexpected turn of events for Max and Kat (Picture: BBC / Metro) EastEnders spoilers follow for Thursday’s (September 17) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm. If you clicked into this article hoping to find out that Max Branning (Jake Wood) was held to account over how he treated Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) in her final moments on this earth then I’m afraid I’ve got bad news for you. If anything, it’s the opposite as Max reverts to form and puts his own needs above those of everyone else’s – including those of a grieving mum, who just lost her eldest child. A nation mourned the loss of legendary Walford character Zoe, who died in emotional scenes last week after sustaining a blow to the head. Her final scenes saw her row with Max, who was so wrapped up in his desire to make sure she kept shtum about the latest in a long line of secret relationships that he failed to recognise she was in a seriously bad way. Zoe begged him for help as the effects of her head wound took hold but Max, believing that she was drunk, left her to die. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Kat (Jessie Wallace) was heartbroken by the loss of her beloved Zo but the situation escalated in the latest episode when she was told by the police that Zoe had made a 999 call – and, though incoherent, they were able to confirm that she’d said: ‘He left me’. Horrified at the notion of Zoe being left alone to die, Kat desperately tried to find out who it was that her daughter was referring to in her call. Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) advised her to ask Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) to investigate – and he managed to get the call log from Zoe’s phone. Alfie and Kat learned that Zoe had spoken to someone – who left her to die (Picture: BBC) Kat came to believe that Zack Hudson (James Farrar), whose number was on the list, was the man who abandoned Zoe in her final moments but the chef reiterated that it wasn’t him. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Max, who witnessed the showdown from afar, proceeded to play the supportive neighbour, offering Kat advice about how to cope with her grief, suggesting that she simply let her quest for the man in question go. Max allowed Zack to be blamed for something he did (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Kat, however, made it clear that she had no intention of letting this nameless culprit off the hook, branding him ‘dead’ when she gets her hands on him. Max looked shaken. Will he pay for what he’s done? Will Kat get answers and uncover that Max left Zoe to die? Deals of the Day An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: How Zoe died confirmed and new Penny twist as EastEnders spoilers reveal what’s next Arrow MORE: Exit for Priya ‘confirmed’ in EastEnders as vengeful Cindy drives her out of Walford Arrow MORE: New scandals confirmed after Zoe death as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.