EastEnders legend admits role in Zoe’s death with shockwaves following

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published September 15, 2026 10:25am Updated September 15, 2026 10:35am The last person to see Zoe Slater alive has made a big revelation (Picture: BBC) EastEnders spoilers follow for Tuesday’s (September 15) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm. The untimely death of Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) continued to send shockwaves through the Square, with one resident in particular staggered by the discovery – and with very good reason. Zoe, as viewers know, tragically died in her bed after sustaining a blow to the head earlier in the day. The effects of the injury didn’t take hold until later in the evening, with Zoe calling out for mum Kat (Jessie Wallace), who didn’t hear her. Kat subsequently discovered Zoe’s body and broke down in tears, with the Slater clan absolutely devastated by her unexpected passing. The residents of Walford gathered as Zoe’s body was taken out of the Vic, with Kat bursting into tears at the sight of the authorities taking her beloved daughter away. In the following episode, discussion was still very much on Zoe and the tragedy that had unfolded. And one resident taken aback by it all was Max Branning (Jake Wood), who had been in hospital recovering from a heart attack. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The show’s resident lothario suffered said heart attack shortly after saying ‘I Do’ to Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), who discovered on their wedding day that the groom had been cheating on her with Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy). To make the situation even worse, Max decided it was another of his exes -Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) – that he wanted to be with, with the two rekindling their romance in secret. But as Max arrived back on the Square, he was shocked to find out about Zoe. Viewers will recall that Zoe caught him kissing Linda last week. Max feels like he’s to blame for what happened to Zoe (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Max followed Zoe up to her room, where he urged her to keep what she’d seen a secret. Zoe, however, took a turn and was left asking him for help. Max believed she was drunk and left her alone, with Zoe dying in subsequent scenes. Realising he left Zoe when she was in a bad way weighed heavily on Max, who took to the booze as he confided in Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier), telling his son that Zoe’s death is his fault. The question is: will Kat and the rest of the Slaters find out that Max potentially could’ve helped Zoe? 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: EastEnders’ Cindy declares war on Max and she’s unstoppable Arrow MORE: EastEnders confirms who helps Kat after Zoe death as new spoilers reveal what’s next Arrow MORE: Mo, Jean and Lily’s sudden new start in EastEnders destroyed by horrific tragedy The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.