The BBC soap has been sharing teasers over the weekend, ahead of new executive producer Ben Wadey’s debut episode on Monday (June 16).
It comes as he recently hinted that something “big” is about to happen in Walford next week.
Ben revealed he hopes it will “get everyone talking” and “it’s only just the beginning”.
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Earlier today (June 15) on X, the @bbceastenders account shared a clip through the eyes of someone walking past some market stalls in Albert Square, which viewers believe is a nod to an iconic scene with a popular character who is rumoured to be returning after two decades.
Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed the teaser focused where Zoe Slater’s famous “you ain’t my mother!” scene took place in 2001, after she found out Kat Slater was her mum.
Zoe, who is played by Michelle Ryan, is set to return to EastEnders as it reportedly feels like the “perfect” moment for the actress to make a huge comeback.
A source previously told The Sun: “Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right.
Blink and you’ll miss it! #EastEnders, 7:30pm, Monday 16th June on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer. pic.twitter.com/tPltWVKZ3x
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) June 15, 2025
“People are still talking about her character, so it’s a real coup to bring her back.
“She feels like now is the perfect moment — and there was an exciting script on the table.”
EastEnders fans convinced Zoe Slater returns to BBC soap tomorrow
Reacting to the teaser clip on X, someone commented: “I didn’t see any signs with her name on it this time, but the whole thing takes place where ‘You ain’t my Mother!’ took place. Plus I felt there was an emphasis on the clothes stall where she used to work…”
Someone else shared: “Ah yes. The same place where you ain’t my muvva happened.”
A third wrote: “Oh Zoe is SO back because I remember this scene!!!”
While this fan said: “’You ain’t my muvva’ location… Zoe…?!”
Others also agreed EastEnders were hinting at Zoe’s arrival as one put: “Deffo Zoe it’s stoped and blinked at the slater stall.”
“Zoe used to work on the stalls,” this viewer chimed in.
A user also stated: “Got to be Zoe I have never seen a market stall selling cat (Kat) things.”
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Why isn’t EastEnders on BBC iPlayer on Monday?
It seems Monday’s EastEnders episode really will be a “big” one as it won’t be uploaded to BBC iPlayer at 6am.
Instead, it will be shown on BBC One from 7.30pm and iPlayer at the same time.
EastEnders confirmed the schedule change, as a post on X said: “Schedule Alert! #EastEnders, Monday 16th June, 7:30pm on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it! (There will be no 6am iPlayer drop).”
