Could Joel’s mum be someone we already know? (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders fans are already throwing out huge theories about Zoe Slater’s (Michelle Ryan) return – and they really could be onto something with one of them.

The legendary character returned after two decades in last night’s episode for a special week of episodes ahead of another stint later in the year.

It’s clear she’s fallen on hard times – crashing in a flat rented by Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and relying on booze and vapes to get by.

Struggling with the situation, Stacey called upon Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) for help, hoping Zoe would open up to her stepfather.

During her 20-year absence, little has been said about what Zoe had been up to, given her estrangement from mum Kat (Jessie Wallace) and years spent living in Ibiza.

But viewers reckon she could have a family – and they already live on Albert Square.

‘I have a horrible feeling they’ve brought Zoe back to be Joel’s mum’ said @AntMelia94 on X.

The fan is, of course, referring to troubled Joel Marshall (Max Murray), who arrived earlier this year from Australia with his dad Ross (Alex Walkinshaw).

Zoe looks dishevelled in EastEnders
Zoe’s back! (Picture: BBC)
Joel holds a photo frame up to Tommy in EastEnders
Joel said very little about his mum, but it got fans speculating (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Little is known about their past either, other than the fact Joel committed a sex offence at school and they were both forced to flee to London with Ross’ partner Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig).

Since living in Walford, Joel has recorded himself sleeping with Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), introduced naïve Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) to pornography, and in yesterday’s episode, sexually assaulting a passenger on the underground.

In the moments prior to committing the offence, he opened up to Tommy about his own mother, revealing that she abandoned him as a child and referring to her as a ‘slapper’.

Could Zoe be Joel’s mum?

Zoe Slater promo pic in EastEnders
Not everyone is convinced by the theory (Picture: BBC)

it enough… Surely Vicki would know Zoe?’