EastEnders fans woke up on Monday, June 16, 2025, expecting their usual early morning fix of the BBC One soap on iPlayer, only to find the episode missing. This unusual change marked the debut of Ben Wadey as the new executive producer, taking over from Chris Clenshaw. Instead of the customary 6am release on iPlayer, the episode was withheld until its traditional 7:30pm broadcast on BBC One, sparking excitement and speculation across the show's devoted fanbase.
Ben Wadey, who previously worked as a story editor on EastEnders and as a commissioning executive at Channel 4, explained the shift was intentional and tied to "something big" brewing in Walford. In a statement issued on Friday, June 13, he said, "Next week marks the start of something big in Walford that we hope will get everyone talking, and it’s only just the beginning. We've got twists, shocks, and plenty of drama lined up for a summer you don’t want to miss." This promise of a summer packed with intrigue set the tone for the new era under Wadey’s leadership.
The decision to delay the episode’s availability on iPlayer broke with the soap’s usual practice of releasing episodes over 12 hours ahead of their television broadcast. This departure fueled rampant speculation among viewers, many of whom believed the move was designed to shield a major storyline or a bombshell return from early spoilers. The BBC’s social media accounts added to the buzz by posting cryptic teaser videos showing a door opening onto Albert Square with the caption "Knock knock, who’s there?" and clips filmed from a mysterious point of view wandering around the iconic square. These teasers led fans to believe a familiar face might be returning to Walford.
Among the most talked-about possibilities were the returns of Zoe Slater and Max Branning, two beloved characters whose comebacks had been rumored for weeks. Michelle Ryan is widely tipped to reprise her role as Zoe Slater after a two-decade absence, potentially setting up an emotional reunion with her mother, Kat Slater (played by Jessie Wallace). Meanwhile, Max Branning, last seen in 2021, is thought to be making a comeback amid the unfolding drama surrounding his daughter Lauren Branning. Both returns were reportedly leaked by the press weeks earlier, but the show itself has remained tight-lipped, amplifying the mystery.
The episode itself, which finally aired at 7:30pm on Monday, June 16, did not explicitly confirm any character returns, but it was packed with drama nonetheless. The storyline picks up following Kat and Alfie Moon’s (Shane Richie) special wedding day, with Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) once again on the warpath. Jean is furious about misleading press coverage surrounding the new business venture launched by Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) and Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), which incorrectly named Kathy as Harvey’s wife, a title Jean believes should belong to her. Fueled by resentment, Jean attempts to sabotage the business, but Alfie steps in to calm her down and offers support as she copes with her heartbreak.
Adding to the tension, Alfie receives a troubling phone call from Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), which promises to stir up further trouble for him. The teaser for the episode revealed, "Alfie finds himself with another problem to contend with when Stacey calls him," leaving fans wondering if this call might relate to Zoe’s rumored return or perhaps some news about Max Branning. The suspense surrounding this phone call has become a focal point for viewers eager to unravel the next twists in Walford.
Another gripping subplot centers on Joel Marshall (Max Murray), who enlists Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) to film him on the London Underground. However, the situation takes a dark turn when Joel fakes falling onto a fellow passenger, Isla, touching her inappropriately during the act. Isla promptly reports the assault once they exit the tube, leading to Joel’s swift apprehension by station staff. Joel’s father Ross and stepmother Vicki Fowler are shocked to find him being detained, especially given Joel’s recent string of troubling behavior. This incident has been widely discussed by viewers as potentially marking the beginning of a significant new storyline.
The episode also touches on Elaine Peacock’s (Maria Friedman) struggles after cheating on her husband George Knight, who has fled the scene. Despite George considering forgiveness, Elaine’s reaction to his apology causes him to flee again, adding another layer of emotional complexity to the unfolding drama.
While the episode did not outright reveal the return of Zoe Slater or Max Branning, the strategic delay in releasing it on iPlayer, combined with the cryptic social media teasers and the intense storylines, has set the stage for a summer of gripping drama. The change in release strategy is not unprecedented; EastEnders has previously withheld early iPlayer releases for major events, such as its 40th anniversary week and Christmas episodes, when episodes were simulcast on iPlayer and BBC One simultaneously to maximize impact and prevent spoilers.
Fans took to social media to share their theories, with some speculating that the delay was a clever move to protect the surprise of a fan-favorite return. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "It's Max Branning and Oscar returning this Monday 16 June 2025 at Number 14 Albert Square spoiler reveal," though this remains unconfirmed by the show.
As EastEnders continues to air from Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One, with episodes normally available on BBC iPlayer from 6am, this new approach signals a fresh chapter under Ben Wadey’s stewardship. The soap’s loyal audience can expect a summer filled with twists, shocks, and plenty of drama, just as Wadey promised.
EastEnders has long been a cornerstone of British television, celebrated for its ability to blend everyday life with sensational storylines that keep viewers hooked. With a new executive producer at the helm and the tantalizing promise of major developments on the horizon, Walford is poised for an electrifying season that fans won’t want to miss.
