In a dramatic twist for EastEnders fans, Zoe Slater's long-lost son is finally making his way to Walford, confirmed in the episode airing on 19 February. This revelation comes at a critical moment, as his sister Jasmine remains imprisoned following a shocking betrayal by their grandmother, Kat Slater.
Josh Goodwin's Arrival Confirmed
The episode ended with a cliffhanger where Cindy Beale was about to destroy Jasmine's phone when a call came through. Viewers heard a male voice identify himself as Josh, Jasmine's brother, played by actor Joshua Vaughn. Josh Goodwin, as listed in the credits, shares a complex history with Jasmine; both were adopted and fostered after Zoe abandoned them at birth, explaining why their last names differ from Slater.
Family Fractures and Betrayal
Josh's arrival coincides with the fallout from Kat Slater's actions. Earlier in the week, Kat learned that Jasmine had killed her father, Anthony Trueman, in self-defence, a crime Zoe was wrongly held for. Believing Jasmine would never confess, Kat called the police, leading to Jasmine's arrest in front of family and friends at the Queen Vic, including her grieving grandfather, Patrick.
Since her release, Zoe has been desperately searching for Jasmine's phone, which contains a video proving the killing was self-defence. This phone was taken by Max Branning, who initially wanted to expose Jasmine as a negative influence on his son, Oscar. However, after viewing the video, Max became conflicted about his next steps.
Cindy's Role and Fan Reactions
Cindy stole the phone from Max, claiming she had disposed of it, but she actually kept it. As she prepared to smash it, Josh's call interrupted her, leaving her visibly shaken. Fans noted Cindy's reaction, with one commenting on her surprise at Jasmine having a brother, while others urged her to hand the phone to the police.
Speculation is rife that Josh's arrival could be pivotal for Jasmine's trial, potentially helping to secure her freedom. This development adds a new layer to the ongoing Slater family drama, promising more twists in upcoming episodes.
