Zoe Slater makes shock 'early EastEnders return' as she finally meets brother Tommy

Fans were left in shock after tonight's dramaticEastEnders ending, which saw the return of Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan. Spoilers revealed that the star would be returning next week, but in a shock final scene of the week - Zoe was back.

Yesterday, Tommy sent a text to his sister Zoe, which read: "You don't know me, but I'm your brother. And I can't deal with mum anymore either."

Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) was left frantic at the Vic, unaware of the whereabouts of both Tommy and Zoe, as all the Slaters came together and promised they would find them both.

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At the end of the episode, it was clear Zoe had made Tommy aware of her whereabouts, as he's seen walking through the corridors of an estate in London. As he cautiously knocked on the door - fans were left in shock when Zoe answered the door, days earlier than they expected her to be onscreen.

As she looked at her brother Tommy, whom she'd never met before, dead in the eye, she said: "You must be Tommy. You coming in then or what?"

Tommy then walked into the flat, while Zoe checked her surroundings before closing the door - as the show came to a dramatic end for the week.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: "the fact zoe slater is meeting tommy slater for the first time omg!!" while another wrote: "Zoe’s back!!!!"

"That ending with Zoe and Tommy was so exciting," a third penned, while another fumed: "Can't believe we have to wait until Monday!"

It's been confirmed by EastEnders that Zoe and Kat are set to face the 'mother of all reunions' when they come face to face for the first time in two decades next week. Plus, it looks like we may be about to find out what huge secret Zoe has been hiding...

The BBC soap has revealed that Zoe will be back on Albert Square on Monday, which is why so many were shocked about tonight's huge reveal.

Towards the end of the week, the soap has confirmed that more information comes to light about what has happened in Zoe’s life since she has been away from Walford, but what could it be?

It's not the only dramatic moment EastEnders fans have to look forward to next week, as one resident's life will be left hanging in the balance after a shock shooting on the Square. It comes after Harry

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok, Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook, and Threads.