I don't believe that tweet, since Jessie was on set when Michelle taped her guest appearance (June episodes), so she knew she was coming back.

Yes, that’s true and these scrips are written so far in advance as well. I saw it retweeted a few times but now see it’s mainly because it’s being disputed, lol 

Edited September 2Sep 2 by BetterForgotten

Kat and Zoe’s scenes were always going to be electric, but I think I was genuinely moved by the scenes Zoe shared with Mo. This was the best use of Mo that I’ve probably seen in 20 years. The Slater era will always have a special place in my heart, and I’ll always love Kat no matter how offbeat the writing can get for her at times. Her first stint was that impactful for me and my consciousness. To this day, I think Kat’s first stint was the last time I saw a fully developed character development arc on a soap. 

There was a reference to the Kat/Zoe two-hander from 2001 in today’s episode. Back then, Kat told Zoe something about how a chip dinner from Mo was warm and comforting to her, and that was a breakthrough moment for her and Zoe after the mother/daughter revelation. Kat said the same thing in today’s episode when she was having the chip dinner with her family, and then the camera panned to a reaction on Zoe’s face. I’m always shocked when EE (or soaps in general these days) remembers little details like that. I’m also glad they acknowledged that Kat and Zoe ended things on a good note the last time they were onscreen together. 

It was an interesting choice to examine Kat’s life today with Zoe’s perspective. Just Zoe observing how Kat has changed, and how she is with her other kids and knowing deep down that she and Kat were never really allowed to have that, and that there will always be an awkward element of them going between being sisters and mother/daughter. 

I know EE doesn’t really do them anymore, but I really wished this could have been another Kat/Zoe two-handed. They would have honestly been enough to fill an entire episode (and more). But because this is modern EE, they had to tack that stupid and unnecessary shooting in at the end to heighten things that didn’t really need it. 

The first clip is from Kat and Zoe’s two-hander in 2001. The second is September 2025 as Zoe is reunited with her family.

This is why I love #EastEnders. The character details, the little throwbacks that only a soap can do a quarter of a century later. Gorgeous. pic.twitter.com/VhzH9HVjIj

— Ryan Love (@RyanJL) September 2, 2025

12 hours ago, BetterForgotten said:

Kat and Zoe’s scenes were always going to be electric, but I think I was genuinely moved by the scenes Zoe shared with Mo. This was the best use of Mo that I’ve probably seen in 20 years. The Slater era will always have a special place in my heart, and I’ll always love Kat no matter how offbeat the writing can get for her at times. Her first stint was that impactful for me and my consciousness. To this day, I think Kat’s first stint was the last time I saw a fully developed character development arc on a soap. 

You've managed to convince me to do a BritBox trial to check it out (failing other options). I haven't looked in on the show in a hot minute.

Overall, I wouldn’t say the show is great, but it’s not as bad as other eras either. I’m here for the Zoe return story to see how it unfolds. 

Ben Wadley inherited a much better serial than Chris Clenshaw inherited, and I feel like he has done a solid job, thus far, at continuing to tell stories that are worth watching, even if you do not like and/or agree with them.

Ben Wadley inherited a much better serial than Chris Clenshaw inherited, and I feel like he has done a solid job, thus far, at continuing to tell stories that are worth watching, even if you do not like and/or agree with them.

In typical modern EastEnders fashion, this Zoe return story has been overstuffed with a gunshot, secret twins, murder, and an involvement from a returning Max Branning. As soon as this show does something decent, they have to over egg it somehow. 

The best thing remains Jessie and Michelle’s commitment to the material and their chemistry. That was honestly enough to hold up this return story without so many other things tacked onto it. 

Edited September 5Sep 5 by BetterForgotten

Behind the scenes video from this week’s episodes. Ben Wadey sure loves to talk and be on camera, eh?  
 

 

Loving the behind-the-scenes videos, and I love how enthused Ben Wadey is about the show. That's the kind of producer you want driving your show.

5 hours ago, BetterForgotten said:

In typical modern EastEnders fashion, this Zoe return story has been overstuffed with a gunshot, secret twins, murder, and an involvement from a returning Max Branning. As soon as this show does something decent, they have to over egg it somehow. 

The best thing remains Jessie and Michelle’s commitment to the material and their chemistry. That was honestly enough to hold up this return story without so many other things tacked onto it. 

I wonder if they don't have her back for that long so we're getting everything quickly. I get the temptation of pairing up two big returns (even if Max isn't on the same level), but there's always a risk of tying everything together in too neat a bow. I say that even though I've enjoyed the interconnection in Wadey's run thus far.

Jessie when she gets the chance is the most soulful and visceral performer on the canvas. She can always do a lot with a little. I hope the show will remember that.

I'm curious as to whether all of this is going to finally address the Redwater-shaped elephant in the room.

29 minutes ago, DRW50 said:

I'm curious as to whether all of this is going to finally address the Redwater-shaped elephant in the room.

I've been wondering the same thing. The secret twins angle reminded me of that.

4 minutes ago, Vee said:

I've been wondering the same thing. The secret twins angle reminded me of that.

The thug Zoe got tied up with also has the same name as a Redwater character, although that may just be a coincidence.

4 hours ago, BetterForgotten said:

Behind the scenes video from this week’s episodes. Ben Wadey sure loves to talk and be on camera, eh?  

 

I feel like this is just an unfortunate reality of the show's behind the scenes content now, although I am basing that on how some so adored Clenshaw and would talk about how hot he was when he appeared in videos. I'd rather go back to the days of not seeing producers. I remember seeing way, way too much of DTC and Santer in the late '00s.

Edited September 5Sep 5 by DRW50