EastEnders fans are terrified that Kat Slater will leave the soap alongside her daughter Zoe, after actress Jessie Wallace made a telling move on social media. The speculation follows the news that Michelle Ryan, who plays Zoe Slater, is leaving the show.
Jessie Wallace Unfollows Executive Ben Wadey
Fans noticed that Wallace, who has played Kat Slater since 2000, unfollowed executive producer Ben Wadey on Instagram. This action came shortly after Ryan's departure was confirmed, fueling fears that Kat might also exit the soap. A spokesperson confirmed Ryan's exit but did not reveal the reason or how her character will be written out.
Rumours suggest Ryan quit after being denied time off, and that Zoe Slater will be killed off. Fans believe Zoe's death could have huge consequences for her family, potentially prompting Kat to leave as well.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
One fan posted on X screenshots of Wikipedia pages for Kat and Mo Harris, noting that their durations were listed only until 2026, saying they had a 'cruel feeling' about what might happen. Another fan noticed Wallace had unfollowed Wadey and shared it on X, leading to a flood of worried comments.
One fan said: 'I hope this is just out of anger and nothing more. We can't lose her.' Another added it seemed like the 'beginning of the end'. A third fumed: 'He's destroying our stalwarts.' A fourth posted a gif of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory breathing into a paper bag, captioning it: 'Me at the thought of losing Kat Slater.'
Many believe Wallace's unfollowing is a sign of her upset over Ryan's treatment and a potential intention to leave.
Kat Slater's Iconic History on the Show
Kat has been a staple of EastEnders since the Slaters were introduced in 2000. She has been involved in multiple love triangles, married Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) several times, and revealed that her 'sister' Zoe was actually her daughter. This revelation became one of the most iconic moments in the show's history, with Zoe screaming: 'You can't tell me what to do, you ain't my mother' and Kat shouting back: 'Yes I am.'
Currently, Kat and Alfie own The Queen Vic, though some speculate they will lose the pub by the end of 2026, as a New Year flashforward to 2027 did not specify who owned it then.
The Mirror has reached out to Jessie Wallace's representatives for comment.
