Zoe Slater’s stalker nightmare destroys Christmas at The Vic this month, as disaster strikes in the pub. Shocking discoveries and sinister secrets explode as a terrifying situation unfolds – with life-changing consequences…

“Nobody expects a quiet Christmas in Albert Square,” says our EastEnders insider, “but this year is full of curveballs nobody will see coming! Zoe’s stalker is still out there, and just when it looks as if we’ll get some answers, a whole host of twists spark more questions. One thing’s for sure, this will be an unforgettable festive season…”

Zoe’s paranoia peaks as she knows her anonymous tormentor remains at large. Kat and Alfie should be looking forward to their first Christmas back as bosses of The Vic, but Zoe’s dark drama has tarnished their celebrations.

Undeterred, Kat tries to get Zoe to forget her troubles and embrace the festive spirit. Can she convince her to try and enjoy spending Christmas with her family again for the first time in decades?

Kat is soon the one on edge, however, when she bumps into Sam in the pub. Even though Sam has denied being behind the hate campaign against Zoe, Kat isn’t convinced.

All too aware of their history, Kat challenges Sam about whether she’s been secretly messing with Zoe’s head all this time. Sam insists she has nothing to do with the stalking, revealing she has enough on her plate with her recent cancer diagnosis.

Trying, but failing, to get Zoe to attend the carol concert in the Square, Kat leaves her home alone. But while she’s out, jumpy Zoe makes an alarming discovery that sets the scene for a chaotic Christmas Day…

On the big day itself, the community dinner gets off to a tricky start when Slaters find themselves in an argument with another family when a truth is revealed. Kat takes action when another issue crops up – and then a worrying situation escalates.

“Zoe is reeling from what she found out the night before,” explains our source. “Sensing her daughter’s anxious mood, Kat clears the punters from the pub, wanting to protect Zoe from whoever is targeting her. Then events take a catastrophic turn – it’s far from a silent night as Christmas Day ends!”

Police swarm the Square in the aftermath of the incident, but what has happened? And will the identity of Zoe’s nemesis finally be revealed?