Zoe Slater’s Shocking EastEnders Journey: From Family Secrets to Murder!

This article discusses themes of child sexual abuse that some readers may find upsetting.

A fresh chapter unfolds for EastEnders, as Ben Wadey steps into the role of executive producer and brings back a familiar face – Zoe Slater, who has been absent for two decades.

In a delightful turn of events, Michelle Ryan once again steps into the character we know as Zoe. We’re on the edge of our seats, eager to unravel the threads of her story – will she manage to repair her strained bond with mother Kat (Jessie Wallace)? And, most importantly, what exciting twists and turns has her life taken over the years?

As we patiently watch the events unravel, let’s reminisce about Zoe’s most significant milestones from her initial run, looking back at them nostalgically.

Starting in 2000, alongside Kat and the Slater family, Zoe made her debut in Albert Square, but she faced a rocky journey there.

Read on as we take you through the character’s journey.

Zoe Slater’s biggest EastEnders moments

Kat Slater reveals she is Zoe’s real mother

In the year 2001, I, Zoe, was eagerly preparing to embark on a new life overseas with my ‘Uncle’ Harry, portrayed by Michael Elphick. However, Kat, whom I viewed as my elder sister, strongly objected to this move.

As a row broke out, Zoe told Kat, “You can’t tell me what to do, you ain’t my mother!”

As a devoted movie enthusiast, when Kathy boldly retorted, “Indeed, it’s me!”, that moment etched itself into the annals of soap opera history, becoming iconic.

An episode featuring just two characters unveiled that Kat was sexually abused by Harry when she was a child. Zoe, who grew up under Charlie (Derek Martin) and his unknowing father and Viv, discovered this truth, which sent shockwaves through the family.

The twist has left an indelible impact on Kat’s life, making sure Zoe remains vividly remembered by the audience.

Vulnerable Zoe is targeted while living on the streets

Overwhelmed by her new knowledge, Zoe fled and found herself under the care of Roxy Drake (Tracy Brabin). Unfortunately, Roxy exploited Zoe’s vulnerability, using her for sex work.

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During those tough times, Zoe encountered Kelly Taylor, who turned out to be Brooke Kinsella. Fortunately, Kat managed to locate Zoe following several anxious weeks about her well-being.

As Roxy attempted to prevent Kat from leaving with Zoe, Kat instead attacked Roxy with a headbutt. In the end, it was Zoe who found freedom and was able to heal amongst her cherished family members.

Zoe kisses best friend Kelly Taylor

Later on, Zoe escorted Kelly to Albert Square, and their bond grew stronger. Unfortunately, on December 31st, 2003, these two friends found themselves caught up in a minibus accident.

Stranded together, Kelly and Zoe shared a deep conversation, with Kelly revealing that Zoe had rescued her from a troubled past she had encountered prior to their meeting.

In the bitter cold, with fear gripping our hearts, Kelly and I confessed our deep affection for one another, sealing it with a heartfelt kiss.

The sweet moment went no further, with the pair agreeing their kiss was a one-off.

But the scene holds a powerful place in Zoe’s history.

Zoe sleeps with manipulative Den Watts

When Zoe understood that her boyfriend, Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman), was drifting away from their relationship due to his intense affection for his adoptive sister, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), it was Dennis’s father, Den Watts (Leslie Grantham), who intervened.

In another phrase, Den proposed that Zoe falsify a pregnancy as a means to retain Dennis, which proved effective. However, Zoe found herself incapable of bearing a child in reality due to Dennis’s reluctance to engage in intimate relations with her.

In a seedy turn of events, Den proposed an illicit act with Zoe, intending it to help her execute the scheme and make people believe the child was Dennis’s – unfortunately for them both, Dennis walked in on them in the midst of it!

Indeed, Zoe found herself expecting, and it was Chrissie (played by Tracy-Ann Oberman) who managed to convince her for a termination. However, this was merely the beginning of Chrissie’s impact on the situation…

Zoe is embroiled in the murder of Den Watts

Chrissie teamed up with Sam Mitchell, portrayed by Kim Medcalf, to retaliate against Den. Meanwhile, Zoe found herself in over her head. In the Queen Victoria pub, Chrissie cleverly drew Sharon in at the right moment to overhear Den casually confessing his heinous actions.

In response to Sharon’s rejection, which left him feeling disgust, Den assaulted Chrissie. However, in a surprising turn of events, Zoe intervened and saved Chrissie’s life by hitting Den with a metal doorstep. Despite this, Zoe felt shattered as she grappled with the belief that she had taken Den’s life – or so she assumed.

When Zoe stepped out, Den came back to life and snatched Chrissie, which left Sam in shock as he watched Chrissie deal the fatal strike.

As Zoe wasn’t around, Den woke up, took hold of Chrissie, and it was a startling sight for Sam as Chrissie inflicted the deadly attack.

It was Chrissie who orchestrated the secret burial of Den’s corpse inside the barrel shed, however, it was eventually Sam who revealed the truth to Zoe.

Zoe calls Kat ‘Mum’ before leaving Walford

After Zoe parted ways with Chrissie’s deceit in 2005, a heartfelt goodbye transpired at the train station when Kat hastily joined Zoe before she departed for Ibiza.

Demonstrating the importance of Zoe in her heart, Kat handed over her newborn’s hospital identification band. Overwhelmed with emotion, Zoe responded, “I love you, Mom,” as she ventured out into the world beyond.

With much to catch up on, we can’t wait to see mother and daughter back together again!

For individuals touched by Kat and Zoe’s narrative, assistance is available through the NSPCC website. Alternatively, you can reach out to them via their helpline at 0808 800 5000. If you require additional help related to rape or sexual violence, Rape Crisis also offers support. Their 24/7 helpline number is 0808 500 2222, and their website is another resource for you.

2025-06-16 22:36