Kat Slater's world was shattered in Monday's EastEnders episode (September 14) when she discovered her daughter Zoe dead in her bed. Zoe, who returned to Walford last year after two decades away, sustained a head injury in scenes aired last week when she fell into rubble while fleeing from men who owned Charlie's cab.
The cab was later stolen by Zoe, causing friction with Kat, but the pair made peace in emotional scenes that proved to be their final conversation. Kat urged Zoe to get her injury checked, and Zoe promised to go in the morning—but she died overnight. Kat found Zoe's body while checking on her in the middle of the night and broke down in tears.
Family gathers as tragedy unfolds
As dawn broke, Kat re-entered the room with a cup of tea for her daughter, pleading with her to wake up. Big Mo, Lily Slater, and Jean Slater arrived at the Vic after being kicked out of No. 31, ready for a fresh chapter—unaware of the tragedy awaiting them. Kat headed to the bathroom to vomit, which her loved ones mistook for a hangover.
The truth emerged when Alfie entered Zoe's room to wake her and realized she had died. His devastation triggered a loud reaction, alerting the family. When quizzed, the Queen Vic landlord was forced to break the tragic news to everyone.
Police reveal Zoe's 999 call was low priority
When Alfie suggested contacting authorities, Kat stole his phone and locked herself in the room with Zoe, devastated over not getting to say goodbye. Jasmine Fisher broke down in brother Josh Goodwin's arms, while Mo headed to the ladies' loos sobbing. Fighting tears, Jean reminded Mo of how much the family needs her, and they shared a warm hug.
Jean later went to Zoe's room with a photo album, reflecting on their past disagreements and reminiscing about Zoe's life as a Slater. In emotional scenes, she branded Zoe an 'angel' and asked her to look out for the remaining clan until they meet again. Kat was told by police that Zoe had attempted a 999 call, but the operator couldn't understand her, so it was marked as low priority.
Walford mourns as Zoe's body is removed
Later, the rest of Walford gathered in shock as Zoe's body was removed from the Vic and placed into a hearse. A heartbroken Kat chased after it, sobbing that she had lost her beloved daughter. EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
