A beloved EastEnders veteran has thrown down the gauntlet, threatening to walk away from Walford for good after delivering a shocking ultimatum that threatens to tear a family apart.
Jean Slater's Descent and a Shocking Demand
The new year has brought turmoil for the Slater family. With Zoe wrongly imprisoned and Kat in Corfu hunting the real killer, matriarch Jean has been left increasingly unstable. Her fragile state has worsened since the departure of her daughter and primary carer, Stacey.
In a disturbing turn, Jean has become fixated on the family's newest member, Jasmine, who recently revealed herself as Zoe's secret daughter. After Jasmine admitted to helping Chrissie Watts stalk Zoe, Jean's suspicions spiralled into a dark obsession. She has become convinced that Jasmine is possessed by the Devil and is turning everyone against her.
'Either She Leaves or I Do': The Ultimatum That Rocked Walford
The crisis reached its peak in episodes airing on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th January 2026. Jean, who had been isolating herself to watch videos about the devil, confronted Alfie Moon. In a tense scene punctuated by the iconic 'doof doof' cliffhanger music, she issued her explosive demand: "Either she leaves or I do."
This threat marks a potential exit for a character who first arrived in Walford at the end of 2004. Jean, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was initially cared for by Stacey and has been a central figure in numerous hard-hitting storylines about mental health over her two-decade tenure.
Fans Praise Realistic Portrayal and Fear for Jean's Future
Longtime viewers have expressed deep concern for Jean, with many hoping Alfie will seek professional help for her rather than give in to her ultimatum. The storyline has sparked significant conversation online, with fans praising the show's handling of bipolar disorder.
One viewer commented on the realism, drawing parallels to personal experience: "A family member of mine was going through a psychotic episode... They became really suspicious of my husband simply because he was a new person in my life."
Others singled out actress Gillian Wright for her powerful performance. One fan stated: "Gillian Wright is a sensational actress when it comes to Jean's episodes. Like I'm actually scared for her... one thing this show has always done well is bipolar, it always hits hard."
This intense plotline recalls Jean's previous severe episode in 2022, where she believed she was to marry Daniel Cook and walked into the sea, only to be saved and subsequently sectioned by Stacey. Many are now wondering if a similar intervention is needed to protect Jean from her current crisis.
