EastEnders fans are buzzing with a major new theory, convinced that iconic character Sharon Watts is the mysterious stalker terrorising Zoe Slater and is plotting a dramatic revenge.
Revenge Motive for Sharon's Return
The speculation ignited as viewers connected the dots between Sharon's sudden departure and the sinister events unfolding for Zoe. Sharon, played by Letitia Dean, was last seen on the BBC soap at the end of September 2025. She left Walford for Australia after discovering a devastating lie: Zoe had tricked her into believing her late husband, Dennis Rickman, had fathered a secret child.
Zoe's deception was designed to get Sharon to fund a private investigator to find her real son. With Sharon gone, Zoe continued her search, but the plot took a dark turn when she became the target of a stalker, receiving threats from an unknown person.
Fan Theories Point to an Absent Suspect
While several characters have been in the frame, including Zoe's brother Tommy Moon and Sharon's sister Vicki Fowler, fans believe the real culprit is someone not currently on the Square. On social media, one viewer wrote: "I’m convinced Zoe’s stalker is Sharon. She said she’d be staying with Michelle or has she?! She could have came back to get revenge on Zoe for lying."
Another fan strongly agreed, stating: "Sharon has gone AWOL for the 2nd time and knowing that Zoe lied about Dennis being the father of her son she'd want revenge." A third pointed out that with suspects like Jean Slater being accused and dismissed, the stalker is likely someone off-screen, naming possibilities as Stacey Slater, Max Branning, or Sharon Watts.
Max Branning's Return Adds to the Drama
The intrigue is set to intensify with the confirmed return of Max Branning, played by Jake Wood. He is slated to be a central figure in the New Year episodes, which will feature an unprecedented flashforward to January 2027.
Discussing his comeback on The One Show, Jake Wood revealed: "I think it's the first time EastEnders have done anything like this... Then suddenly on New Year's Day, we cut to The Vic, and it's not New Year's Day 2026, it's New Year's Day 2027. We see Max, and he has obviously had a busy year." This time-jump narrative could perfectly set the stage for Sharon's vengeful re-emergence.
As the storyline develops, all eyes are on whether the fan theory is correct and if Sharon Watts will make a shocking return to Albert Square to settle the score with Zoe Slater once and for all.
