After checking to make sure Stacey was certain, Kat excitedly agreed, and as the BBC soap picks up on Monday (21st July 2025), the Slaters are happily discussing Kat’s potential move to the pub, with Stacey having insisted on Kat as landlady.

But Kat’s positive vibes are stopped in their tracks when Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) cast doubt on the choice to use Martin’s life insurance money for the sale.

An excited Jean with Stacey in EastEnders

Jean and Stacey in EastEnders. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
Of course, Ian was Martin’s cousin, so there could be good reason why he’s making judgements on this move from Kat and Stacey.

But let’s not forget, Ian is also keen to buy the pub, even planning to sell Beale’s Eels to fund his new dream.

By entering your details you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

This leaves Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) furious, while Stacey has a change of heart over the cash as she juggles this situation with fielding calls from Kat’s husband Alfie (Shane Richie).

Alfie is secretly searching for Kat’s estranged daughter Zoe (Michelle Ryan) abroad, with Kat kept completely in the dark so far.

A man in a suit and tie standing with a raised hand looking animated in The Vic in EastEnders as a man and woman look on

A property developer wants The Vic. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
With Stacey missing a call from Alfie, it’s soon after speaking on the phone that she announces Kat can’t use the life insurance for The Vic.

Is this linked to Alfie’s mission?

Later, there’s another twist when Jean (Gillian Wright) helps Stacey backtrack and decide to go ahead with the bid after all, but the Slaters must stall the auction where Ian is up against a property developer.

Who will current owner Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) sell to?