Actors Michelle Ryan and Jessie Wallace have sent excitement levels soaring for EastEnders fans by offering a tantalising glimpse into the BBC soap's upcoming Christmas Day episode, which they describe as utterly 'chaotic' and featuring some of the 'best scripts' in the show's history.
'Best Scripts I've Ever Read'
In an exclusive preview, Michelle Ryan, who plays the recently returned Zoe Slater, could not contain her enthusiasm for the festive special. 'These are the best scripts I've ever read and been part of in EastEnders,' she revealed. 'I was going through them and I was like wow, this is amazing stuff.' Her on-screen mother, Jessie Wallace (Kat Slater), echoed the sentiment, promising a relentless rollercoaster for viewers. 'It's one thing after another. Just when you think you're getting over that, it's something else! It's chaotic,' she said, adding, 'I've never known a Christmas episode like it.'
Zoe's Torment and a Family on Edge
The drama centres on Zoe Slater, whose life was upended months ago by the revelation that the daughter she believed had died as a baby is alive. That child has now been confirmed as Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness). As Christmas approaches, Zoe remains convinced she is being stalked, a terrifying ordeal with no end in sight.
Despite recent tensions, Kat and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) put their animosity aside to support Zoe and try to celebrate as a family. Their efforts include a trip to a carol service, but peace is short-lived. Zoe makes a discovery that rocks her to the core, leaving her reeling as the big day arrives.
Christmas Day Catastrophe in the Vic
The traditional community Christmas dinner at The Queen Vic is where all the simmering tensions finally boil over. The Slaters, en masse, clash violently with another Walford family, triggered by yet another devastating secret being exposed. Kat's desperate attempt to empty the pub and protect a vulnerable Zoe ultimately proves futile.
A further situation arises which proves to be absolutely catastrophic for the entire family, promising a classic, high-stakes Walford Christmas filled with emotional explosions. Michelle Ryan teased Zoe's fragile state, saying, 'Zoe is still very much in a spiral. She feels someone is out to get her. Kat is very worried.'
With the stars themselves hailing the episodes as exceptional, EastEnders is set to deliver a festive season in Albert Square that viewers will not forget in a hurry.
