EastEnders’ Zoe left alone by Kat amid risky act – and Kat may regret it

| Freelance soaps writer Published September 6, 2026 5:00pm Things are tense (Picture: BBC) EastEnders’ Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) may just live to regret letting Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) head off on a risky mission this week, as the soap builds towards her death. Actress Michelle Ryan is set to depart the BBC soap this month, just a year after reprising her role as Zoe following 20 years off-screen. Following confirmation of Zoe’s exit, it was widely claimed that the iconic character will be killed off, with reports suggesting that she will die after suffering a fall and banging her head, with mum Kat finding her dead in bed. While EastEnders bosses have kept completely schtum on how exactly Zoe will leave the show, spoilers for this week’s episodes do indicate that this could well turn out to be true. The week begins with Zoe helping Kat comfort her younger brother Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall), who is worried about seeing abusive Joel Marshall (Max Murray) again, following his release from prison. Zoe heads off on a mission (Picture: BBC) While they try their best, Tommy remains concerned about how Joel will react given Tommy’s role in getting him sent down, so he ends up stealing vodka from The Vic’s barrel store and getting drunk. Meanwhile, Zoe tells Kat she’s found dad Charlie Slater’s (Derek Martin) old black cab up for sale and plans to buy it and return the prized motor to the family. Kat gets waylaid on her way to meet the cab owner with Zoe when she finds out about Tommy’s drinking, so Zoe heads off alone. When she gets there, Zoe gets into an argument with the seller, and spoilers reveal that ‘things escalate’, suggesting there could be a scuffle in which Zoe is injured. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Zoe then steals the cab, but things get worse when the seller manages to track her down to the Square. Reports suggest that Zoe Slater is being killed off (Picture: BBC) Kat is furious at the situation, but to save Zoe from another spell behind bars, she and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) agree to pay the seller. Kat and Zoe end up getting into a massive barney as a result, and while Alfie tries to mediate, the heated row could end up being the last exchange they ever have… Last month, cast members including Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie were among those who were spotted on location filming funeral scenes thought to be Zoe’s. It came as an insider also revealed to Metro: ‘Michelle’s exit marks the end of a storyline that has been in the works for some time. ‘With such an iconic character, Zoe’s exit is never going to be without drama, but bosses are keeping tight-lipped about how she leaves the Square, but as always with the Slaters, it’s not going to be quiet.’ 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 these scenes from Monday 7th September at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. Arrow MORE: Tommy spirals over Joel as Kat fears the consequences in EastEnders Arrow MORE: Michelle Ryan and Jessie Wallace’s EastEnders reunion hurts ahead of Zoe’s death Arrow MORE: Zoe stages EastEnders return ahead of tragic end as final scenes draw near The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.