It has become part of many die-hard EastEnders fans’ daily routines to open BBC iPlayer at 7am to watch that night’s upcoming episode of the London-based soap ahead of its TV airing, so when that routine is interrupted, it causes quite the stir.
The show has been uploading episodes to the streaming service early for over a year, with the only exceptions being when a big twist is set to air.
For example, viewers had to wait until 7.30pm to tune in to discover the truth about Rose Knight’s identity, and to find out who The Six had murdered on Christmas Day 2023.
This week, Wednesday’s episode is set to be held back from iPlayer until it airs simultaneously with the BBC One broadcast, prompting fans to speculate that there will be a big twist.
With Zoe Slater’s (Michelle Ryan) long-anticipated return to Albert Square looming, Metro readers are sure that she will be the focus of the big reveal.
We already know that Zoe is hiding a big secret, having previously sought help from Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).
She was very cryptic about what she was hiding from, but insinuated that she owed money to dangerous people, and confessed that she too had done something really bad. She was also adamant that mum Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) couldn’t know they’d seen her.
Since Zoe disappeared again, fans have been speculating what she is hiding, with many Metro readers having the same theory.
‘She’s Joel’s mum!!!’ Jonny Harvey wrote on Twitter/X, voicing the idea that many fans share.
‘She’s Joel’s mum then,’ Loz agreed, while Paula echoed: ‘She’s Joel’s mother.’
‘Well it’s so obvious she’s Joel’s mum. I said it a month ago and now all the storylines with Joel just makes perfect sense,’ Darren also said.
Viewers will know that Joel Marshall (Max Murray) is the son of Vicki Fowler’s (Alice Haig) partner Ross (Alex Walkinshaw), and he has caused his fair share of trouble since his arrival in Albert Square.
His behaviour towards women has horrified Vicki and left Ross at a loss for what to do about it.
Though he has been mentioned as having a mum called Cleo, fans suspect that this may be an alias for Zoe, much like when Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was revealed to be Rose Knight.
However, not all Metro readers are thrilled by this potential outcome, with Shannon writing: ‘I really don’t want Zoe to be Joel’s mum!!!’
‘I really hope it’s something decent and not her being Joel’s mum, we don’t want him as a slater his character cannot be redeemed,’ @superbardiuk agreed.
‘Hoping it’s not Joel being her son but it’s looking pretty obvious now isn’t it. We’ll know for sure when/if she bumps into Ross in the Square and they recognise each other,’ Susan Seddon added, while Jennie wrote: ;If she’s Joel’s mum I will smash up my telly.’
Zoe being Joel’s mum wasn’t the only theory thrown around, with others suggesting that she may be set to be revealed as soon-to-return Max Branning’s (Jake Wood) newest love interest.
‘Max Branning and Zoe Slater’s engagement incoming – Mark my words!’ Ryan Glendenning theorised, adding that she was ‘also most definitely Joel’s mother’.
Mike agreed, writing: ‘Zoe is Joel’s mum. I’ve said that since Joel storyline started and Zoe return was announced. I also think she’s in a relationship or engaged/married to max branning and that’s how he comes back!’
Actress Michelle Ryan has already warned fans to ‘expect the unexpected,’ but could these Metro readers have hit the nail on the head?
‘As Zoe makes her dramatic return to Walford, more than one secret in her past will come to light,’ Executive producer Ben Wadey also teased. What could he possibly have tucked up his sleeves?
