EastEnders viewers are convinced they’ve cracked one of Walford’s biggest mysteries after Zoe Slater’s explosive confession left the Square reeling. The former fan favourite (Michelle Ryan) stunned fans this week when she revealed that Dennis Rickman is not the father of her long-lost son — a twist that’s reignited speculation about who the real dad might be.

Zoe’s Painful Secret Comes to Light

Long-time fans will remember that Zoe left Walford in 2005 and later gave birth to twins in 2006. Tragically, one of the babies died shortly after birth, and Zoe, unable to cope, left her surviving son at the hospital to be adopted.

For years, her child’s identity and father remained a mystery — until recently, when Zoe returned and confessed to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) that Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman) had fathered the twins. The revelation devastated Sharon, who had not only been Dennis’ wife but also his adoptive sister.

Sharon agreed to help Zoe find the boy, hiring a private investigator before leaving Walford to visit her sister Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). But while Sharon’s away, Zoe’s search has taken a chaotic and emotional turn.

Zoe’s Desperation Boils Over

In this week’s episodes, Zoe’s desperation to find her son pushed her to steal cash from The Queen Vic to pay her investigator. Kat (Jessie Wallace) caught her in the act and the two clashed bitterly — until a moment of unexpected calm came when Zoe rescued a stray cat stuck in the pub’s cellar.

The brief peace didn’t last long. When Kat demanded the truth about Zoe’s past, her daughter finally cracked. In a moment of raw honesty, Zoe admitted, “It ain’t really Dennis Rickman.”

The confession immediately sent shockwaves through fans — and social media erupted with theories.

Fans Believe Anthony Trueman Is the Father

Many EastEnders fans now believe the real father is none other than Dr. Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey). Zoe and Anthony had a relationship in the early 2000s before she left the Square, and with Anthony’s recent return to Albert Square, viewers are convinced it’s no coincidence.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Anthony. I’m calling it now. No other reason why they’re keeping him hanging around #EastEnders.”

Another agreed: “Exactly why I think it’s him. Why else is he back if not to be revealed as Zoe’s baby’s dad?”

A third posted: “WHAT A DUFF DUFF! Zoe confirming what we all knew already – Dennis Rickman isn’t the father of her son.”

What Happens Next?

If fan theories are correct, Anthony’s quiet reintroduction to Walford may soon explode into one of the soap’s biggest storylines of the year. His potential connection to Zoe’s son could explain his mysterious lingering presence — and tie him directly into the Slater family drama.

As Zoe’s truth finally starts to unravel, her search for her son is far from over. But if Anthony really is the father, his life — and the lives of everyone around him — are about to change forever.