EastEnders spoilers follow.
Note: This article contains discussion of topics including baby loss.
EastEnders has ruled out a major fan theory surrounding Zoe Slater with an unexpected new clue.
Since Michelle Ryan reprised her role as Zoe back in June, fans have speculated that villainous teenager Joel Marshall was actually her son.
However, in last night's episode, which included a series of flashbacks, we found out that Zoe had welcomed a baby boy back in 2006, which seems to shut down the Joel theory once and for all.
As Joel is still a teenager and appears to have been born sometime around 2009 or 2010, this new development means it's highly unlikely that he is Zoe's child.
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Taking to X, fans shared their thoughts on the new information, with one fan penning: "Joel ain't 19, kids. Neither is he a twin. I suspect we can chill on that theory."
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One fan penned: "THE ABYSMAL JOEL IS NOT ZOE’S CHILD", while another said: "Well, I guess that rules out Joel as her son… unless he’s secretly 20."
"She’s not Joel’s mother!!!! 2006!!! He’s too young, omg thank god, praise the Lord," wrote one relieved viewer.
In yesterday's episode, Zoe's life hung in the balance after she was accidentally shot by Jack and Ravi during Tuesday's instalment.
In a series of flashbacks from 2006, Zoe gave birth to twins in hospital though her baby girl tragically died. Kat was left heartbroken when she learned the truth.
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After the traumatic birth, Zoe was seen insisting that her baby boy was adopted before she fled from the hospital, leaving her newborn child behind.
Back in the present day, Zoe was rushed off for life-saving surgery and when her phone rang, Kat answered it but nobody spoke.
In a major twist, Max Branning was revealed as the person ringing Zoe and his connection to her will be revealed in tonight's episode.
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
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Organisations including Sands and Tommy's are able to offer help and support to anyone affected by baby loss.
