EastEnders viewers are convinced there is about to be a change of ownership at The Queen Vic, with Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) and her husband Alfie (Shane Richie) set to sell the beloved boozer.
During the New Year's Day flashforward, The Queen Vic prepared to host the reception for Max Branning's (Jake Wood) wedding to a mystery woman. It was revealed that the pub's windows were boarded up, but it wasn't clear who owned the pub on January 1, 2027, as the owners did not appear in the special episode.
In the wake of Zoe Slater's (Michelle Ryan) sudden death, could her mum, Kat, be on the verge of selling? EastEnders fans think so.
Clue in the pub
During Thursday's (September 24) trip to the Square, newcomer Gemma Hawkins (Patricia Potter) visited The Vic and bought barmaid Tracey (Jane Slaughter) a drink in a bid to get friendly with the locals.
The gesture left Gemma's mum, Rose (Marian McLoughlin), confused before she pointed out, "We should be saving every penny so we can get out from under Nicola's feet."
Gemma confirmed: "I'm just trying to make friends, mum. Nice pub, innit?", as Rose replied less enthusiastically: "Traditional. Your dad always wanted to run a pub."
Fans react
Gemma, the sister of Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), was unaware of her father's wish to become a publican, as Rose confirmed: "There's a lot you don't know."
She added, "I said to him, 'If you think I'm standing on my feet all day trying to make small talk with a bunch of navvies, you've got another thing coming". The two women then clinked glasses and said "cheers" before laughing.
EastEnders fans are now convinced the conversation between Gemma and Rose is foreshadowing the pair taking over The Queen Vic before New Year's Day.
Taking to X, one viewer wrote: "The Hawkins are definitely buying the Vic by Xmas #EastEnders."
A second added: "Okay, well that's the Hawkins taking over The Vic #EastEnders", while a third chimed in: "Oh, the Hawkins are definitely getting the Vic and probably before Christmas."
"Please don't let the Hawkins buy the pub #eastenders," urged another viewer.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
