Fans Speculate on Zoe Slater's Murder After Michelle Ryan's Exit Confirmed
EastEnders viewers are buzzing with theories about who will kill Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) after the BBC confirmed her departure from the soap. A spokesperson told the Mirror: “We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future. However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers.” Sources told The Sun that Zoe is set to be killed off as part of Ryan's exit.
Initial Theory: Max Branning as the Killer
One prevailing theory was that Zoe was the 'murder victim' police referred to when arresting Max Branning (Jake Wood) in the New Year flashforward, as they had a secret relationship. However, fans doubt this because it would require producers to know about Ryan's departure months in advance.
Top Suspect: Dermott Dolan (Luke Slater)
Unbeknownst to Zoe, she has a twin brother, Dermott Dolan (Oisin Stack), who was taken from Kat (Jessie Wallace) at birth and raised in Ireland. In the EastEnders spin-off Redwater, Dermott killed a man named Lance Kelly by pushing him underwater. Fans now wonder if the evil twin could kill Zoe. One fan said: "My theory is her evil twin brother who she never knew had will probably kill her." Another added that this story could reintroduce Dermott.
Another Suspect: Josh Goodwin
Zoe's son Josh (Joshua Vaughn) was introduced earlier this year as the 'good twin' to Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness), who stood trial for murder. Some fans now believe the dynamic could reverse, with Josh killing his mother out of jealousy over her bond with Jasmine. One fan wrote: "Why do I get the feeling that Josh will kill Zoe because he's jealous of her bond with Jasmine?" Another added: "Remember Jasmine went to prison for Anthony's murder -- now could the roles reverse with Josh going to prison for Zoe's death."
Returning Villain: Chrissie Watts
Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) returned last year, having manipulated Jasmine into tormenting Zoe. Chrissie hated Zoe for sleeping with her husband Den and for Chrissie's subsequent imprisonment. A fan asked: "Chrissie Watts returns to kill Zoe Slater?" The character has already stalked Zoe, leading fans to wonder if she would go as far as murder.
A New Character She Meets Online
Zoe has been using dating apps recently, prompting fears she might meet a psycho online. One fan said: "Predictions are Zoe gets killed by the man she meets online." Another added: "Zoe has mentioned a couple of times in the last few weeks that she's on dating apps. Knowing what we know now, could it be that she meets a psycho online and is killed off by him? It would be sudden and wouldn't need tons of build up."
