Fans have ‘had enough’ of Zoe’s stalker storyline (Picture: BBC)
EastEnders viewers pride themselves on their stamina. They’ve survived every affair, feud, funeral and shock reveal the Square has thrown at them for nearly four decades.
But right now, many fans say one storyline is testing their limits: Zoe Slater’s never-ending stalker plot, a mystery that has now detonated into full-scale family warfare, and, finally, the first genuine clue about who may be behind her torment.
What began as an exciting comeback for one of the most iconic Slaters has spiralled into a chaotic loop of suspicion, misdirection and emotional meltdowns.
And after the latest episode, packed with confessions, confrontations and one very unsettling moment with Anthony Trueman, viewers are asking the same question: is the story finally moving, or is it descending into even more madness?
Zoe has been pointing the finger at her little brother Tommy Moon after spotting that ominous festive ‘DIE’ message scrawled across the Vic window. What Zoe didn’t know was that downstairs, Jean had already confessed the whole thing to Lily.
After Kat warned that ‘one more incident’ might send Zoe packing, Jean, desperate, unravelled and terrified of losing Freddie after already saying goodbye to Stacey, decided to manufacture that very incident herself.
Clearly struggling despite insisting she was still on her medication, Jean’s behaviour grew more erratic, her speech more frantic, and her grip on reality visibly weakening in front of Lily.
Another day, another Slater meltdown (Picture: BBC)
It was the kind of raw, messy scene EastEnders excels at, but one that also deepened the fan frustration. Many feel the story is piling on drama without moving forward, and Jean’s sudden involvement has only clouded the waters further.
Storming downstairs, Zoe announced to the whole pub that she was being kicked out and took a moment to clash with Vicki Fowler on her way out (naturally). Declaring that ‘somebody in the pub’ had been terrorising her, she told Kat she was disappointed in her before walking out into the cold.
Where did she end up? In the arms of Anthony, who, suddenly, didn’t look like the calm, sensible Trueman we’ve known for years. His subtle smirk as he pulled Zoe close has already set theory-threads ablaze. Some viewers now believe he’s far more involved in this stalker saga than anyone realised.
Fans: ‘This storyline isn’t going anywhere’ (Picture: BBC)
And despite this spike in intrigue, viewers remain worn down. What should’ve been a gripping, psychological mystery has instead become, in the eyes of many fans, a marathon of repetition.
Social media has made its feelings abundantly clear.
One viewer wrote: ‘Zoe has really sucked all the fun out of Kat #EastEnders.’
Another joked, ‘Okay, I admit it. It’s me, I’m Zoe’s stalker. I’ve had enough of this abysmal storyline #EastEnders.’
POLL PollHave you enjoyed Zoe's storyline since her return?
- YesCheck
- NoCheck
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
A third added, ‘I love #EastEnders, always have, always will. But my gosh, this Zoe plot…’
And replies came in response to our Soaps Editor’s assessment, and it seems that many are in agreement. ‘Michelle Ryan deserves better than this. I was so excited for Zoe’s return, she’s my fave Slater, but now this stalker storyline is dragging.’ and another admitting ‘I’ve been (very vocally) struggling with it for months. I was so excited for Zoe’s return, and now I dread seeing her on screen.’
And perhaps the most dramatic plea of all:‘I’ve had enough of Zoe, Kat, Alfie, Anthony and Jean. WHERE THE F* IS MAX BRANNING?! #EastEnders.’
A character loaded with potential, stuck in neutral? (Picture: BBC)
Zoe’s return should have been a goldmine. This is a character woven into some of the most legendary moments in EastEnders history. Her fractured relationship with Kat alone could sustain an entire year of compelling drama, never mind the psychological fallout from her past.
But rather than digging into that rich emotional history, the show has funnelled her into a stalker storyline that has struggled to find momentum. The smashed photo, the blood, the violent attack, the sinister Christmas card, all the ingredients of a tense whodunnit were there. Yet weeks later, viewers feel just as clueless as Zoe.
Worse, the storyline seems to be dragging other characters down with it. Kat, normally the powerhouse of Slater drama, has been left repeating the same tense lines. Alfie has become her emotional support echo chamber. Even Jean’s recent scenes, powerful as they are, feel like they exist only to fuel Zoe’s paranoia.
Finally, a breakthrough? (Picture: BBC)
Jean’s confession and Anthony’s unsettling demeanour are the biggest developments the storyline has offered in weeks. For the first time, fans have someone they can reasonably suspect. But the big question remains:
More Trending
-
Zoe's stalker 'confirmed' amid dramatic EastEnders exit and culprit's evil smile
Channel: EastEnders EastEnders 16 hours ago By Joshua Halm - Huge EastEnders return ‘confirmed’ as Max’s 'new bride' revealed in flashforward twist
- Zoe's tormentor is finally revealed in EastEnders but another twist follows
- EastEnders' Sam targets most vulnerable person in horrific scheme
Is this the moment the story finally shifts into gear?
Or is this yet another detour in a plot that viewers feel has been circling the same drain for too long?
For now, the square’s biggest mystery isn’t ‘Who is stalking Zoe?’It’s ‘How much longer is this going to drag on?’
Deals of the Day
Loveholidays unveils huge Cyber Monday sale — with trips from just £19
And after the latest episode’s chaos, EastEnders might want to start answering that soon, because Walford fans’ patience is wearing thinner than ever.
Arrow MORE: Zoe’s tormentor is finally revealed in EastEnders but another twist follows
Arrow MORE: Jean’s anger explode as fears for her health increase in EastEnders
Arrow MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as legend is in for the shock of her life
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source The Soaps Newsletter – DailyAll the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.
Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy