Why Zoe Slater died in EastEnders revealed

Zoe Slater was killed off in recent EastEnders scenes (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) was killed off in tonight’s (Thursday, September 10) EastEnders, 26 years on from her first appearance. The character first arrived on Albert Square in 2000, alongside the rest of the Slater clan, and was part of some of the BBC soap’s biggest storylines during that time, including the revelation that Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) was her mother and Den Watts’ murder. Zoe returned to Albert Square for the first time in 20 years last June, with a fleeting appearance prior to a full-time comeback. Having been estranged from Kat, Zoe had to navigate the difficult reunion before taking a bullet – and that was just the beginning! As the two repaired their bond, Zoe confessed to having given birth to twins while away from Walford, with one having been still-born, while she gave the other up for adoption. After what was a seemingly-endless stream of chaos, including a hostage situation, a stalking ordeal orchestrated by historic frenemy Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), a reunion prior to the murder of the father of her twins, Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey) by the child she’d believed still-born, Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness), and a stint in the clink for said-murder. Zoe was part of some of the soap’s biggest stories (Picture: BBC) Zoe recently reunited with her twins, Jasmine Fisher and Josh Goodwin (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Having reunited with Jasmine and Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan), it seemed that things were finally going to settle down for Zoe – but there was no such luck. How did Zoe Slater die in EastEnders? In recent scenes, Zoe found Charlie Slater’s cab for sale and headed out to buy it by herself when Kat got waylaid. However, things didn’t go to plan and while attempting to steal the cab, Zoe tripped and banged her head on a pile of rubble. Zoe fell while trying to steal Charlie’s cab (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Even though she was bleeding, Zoe pulled herself up, hurled a few bricks at the men selling the cab and drove off. The fall must have left her with internal bleeding, as tonight’s episode saw Kat open the door to her bedroom to find her dead on the bed. Why did Zoe Slater die in EastEnders? According to Michelle, Zoe’s return was never going to be longer than a year, and she understands the decision to kill her character. Speaking to Radio Times, she said: ‘My agent and I sort of discussed from the outset that it would be a year, and I think that when we came to look at where Zoe was going, it just seemed like a natural conclusion for her to die, because for her to run away again would have gone against everything she’d fought for; for her children. Kat Moon found Zoe dead in bed (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) ‘So as sad as it was to hear that Zoe was going to be killed off, I was like, “I completely understand that”. She took responsibility for any fan-backlash to Zoe’s death: ‘I know some people are upset that Zoe is going to be killed off, but I feel like it’s the right time, and I think it’s better that there’s a conclusion rather than it being open-ended. ‘They’re very passionate, so I understand when sometimes they don’t respond to certain storylines, or they feel a bit cheated if a character’s leaving too soon, but that’s probably down to me, in the sense of I always anticipated a year [on the show].’ 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 This article was first published on September 7, 2026. 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: The Slaters destroyed by Zoe’s death as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026 Arrow MORE: Zoe dead in EastEnders after crying for Kat following unexpected Max showdown The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.