Max drawn into EastEnders’ Zoe death mystery as Kat seeks the truth

| Freelance Soaps Reporter Published September 20, 2026 9:00am Kat wants answers (Picture: BBC) The circumstances surrounding the death of her daughter, Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), have left Kat (Jessie Wallace) desperate for answers, and she turns to an old acquaintance of Zoe’s next week in EastEnders. After two decades of estrangement from her family, in which time she gave birth to twins, left one in the hospital while believing the other was stillborn, almost killed a private investigator and even had a brief fling with Mr Sleepsaround himself, Max Branning (Jake Wood), Zoe’s return was akin to a tornado blowing into Albert Square. First she got shot. Then the private investigator it turns out she didn’t kill held her and the rest of the Slaters hostage. Then she concocted a hell of a lie about the parentage of her twins and renewed her beef with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean). And that was just for starters. Next came the stalking saga, orchestrated by long-time enemy, Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) and her long-lost-but-not-anymore daughter, Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness): the child she believed had been born asleep. Jasmine went on to bump off her dad, Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey), moments after he knocked Zoe unconscious, which led Zoe to believe that she was the killer and spend months behind bars, then when the truth was revealed, she tried to balance supporting her daughter with getting to know her son, Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan). …and don’t get us started on the Mini Mo saga! Zoe and Kat have had a rough reunion (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Of course after all of that, Zoe entered a quiet period. Like really, really quite. She kept nipping off to see to Lynne (Elaine Lordan) and help with her constant pooch-related problems. Then she came back and died. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. In an attempt to reclaim grandad Charlie’s (Derek Martin) cab, she made an appointment with the owner to buy it, though things got messy quickly and Zoe ended up with a head injury, one that would ultimately see her lose her life. After a typical Slater bust up before an incredibly timely make up, Kat found her daughter dead, having succumb to the brain injury. Denise reaches out to Kat… (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) …while the Slaters plant a memorial tree for Zoe (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Next week sees Kat continue to struggle with her grief; she’s desperate for answers as to how and why Zoe lost her life. While the rest of the Slaters gather to plant a memorial tree in Zoe’s honour, Kat heads out to question Max, pleading for his help in figuring out the truth. A panicked Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) turns to Denise Fox (Diane Parish), who steps up to speak to Kat, though her presence is deeply missed at the tree planting. Deals of the Day Primark's new £14 co-ord has autumn styling on a budget covered 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 From £700 MacBooks to discounted iPhones, the best Apple tech for studentsb Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale Can anyone help Kat as she’s crushed by her grief? Arrow MORE: Darnell reveals real reason why he can’t save Denise in EastEnders Arrow MORE: Another major baby twist and Zoe aftermath as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as culprit who destroys Max Branning is ‘confirmed’ The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.