EastEnders viewers were left on edge during Thursday's episode as Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) unknowingly locked herself in her home with her stalker, Theo Hawthorne (William Ellis). The webcam model had been receiving threatening messages and flowers from an anonymous admirer, leading her to seek comfort from Lily's tutor, unaware he was the culprit.
After Stacey secured her home, Theo menacingly told her, 'Stacey, you're never alone,' prompting a wave of anxious reactions on social media. One fan wrote: 'Stacey locking all the doors and then Theo telling her she's never alone... next level creepy. SOMEBODY SAVE HER.' Another commented: 'The actor is doing such a good job because OH MY GOD I am uncomfortable.'
The storyline has also sparked theories about the upcoming Christmas murder, revealed in a flash-forward episode earlier this year. Some fans believe Theo could be the victim, with one speculating: 'There's definitely a possibility Theo Hawthorne could be a wildcard for the Xmas murder.' Another noted connections between potential killers: 'Stacey & Denise, Stacey & Kathy and Kathy & Sharon scenes tonight... five of the six.'
As the plot thickens, viewers are bracing for a dark turn, with one predicting: 'This business with Stacey being stalked by Theo is gonna result in her having a bipolar episode. She's gonna be blaming herself and paranoid about letting anyone else in again.'
