How Zoe died confirmed and new Penny twist as EastEnders spoilers reveal what’s next

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published September 16, 2026 7:26pm Updated September 16, 2026 7:26pm Big discoveries rock Walford tomorrow (Picture: BBC / Metro) There is another big shock in store for Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) in EastEnders this week as Zoe’s (Michelle Ryan) post-mortem results leave her stunned. Zoe, as viewers know, tragically died after hitting her head on some rubble while trying to get her hands on Charlie’s cab. Kat found her body the following morning and was utterly broken over the loss of her beloved daughter. Shockwaves have been sent through Albert Square in the aftermath, with the community coming together to support the Slaters. Kat has taken the news the hardest, with Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) worried sick, unsure of how to support her during her time of need. Elsewhere in the Square tonight, we saw Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) welcome her baby – but a surprise resident overheard her discussing the dilemma over who the baby dad is. We’re almost at the end of the week in terms of EastEnders episodes and if you’d like to know what the final visit of the week has in store then you’re in luck as we have a few tidbits to tide you over until tomorrow. What happens next in EastEnders? New spoilers for Thursday, September 17 Kat is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of Zoe and there’s another big shock in store for her when the police arrive with the post-mortem results, leaving the grieving mum stunned. Unable to get through to Kat, Alfie heads to the allotments, where Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) and Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) offer support. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Sharon is on hand to support Kat (Picture: BBC) Kat, meanwhile, receives a visit from Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), who attempts to get through to her by sharing words of advice. Sharon suggests that Kat speak to Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and ask for a favour. She does just that – but she’s left in shock by what the evidence has uncovered. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. The question is: just what has she found out? Following the birth of their baby, Vinny and Penny are joined by the rest of the Brannings and the Panesars, who come together for the Naam Karan of the newborn. Penny and Vinny welcomed a baby – but someone found out a big secret (Picture: BBC) Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy), who overheard Penny discussing her doubts about who the father of the baby is, confronts the new mum – but as they have a discussion, another secret is soon uncovered!. Elsewhere, Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) is torn following his kiss with Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughn) and, feeling loyalty towards Max (Jake Wood) after his confession over Zoe, he decides to cut ties with Josh. But is this truly the end of the pair’s relationship? Deals of the Day An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder EastEnders airs these scenes Thursday September 17 at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Jessie Wallace reminds distraught EastEnders fans what she can do as Kat Arrow MORE: EastEnders legend admits role in Zoe’s death with shockwaves following Arrow MORE: EastEnders confirms who helps Kat after Zoe death as new spoilers reveal what’s next The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.