BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Sep 4 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 4 2025 What happened in EastEnders tonight: The Zoe and Max connection explained as her dark past was revealed The shocking revelations continued Max Branning Zoe Slater Share By Joel Harley Sep 4 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 4 2025 The connection between Zoe Slater and Max Branning was explained in EastEnders tonight (Thursday, September 4), as the soap revealed their surprising history together. As Zoe underwent surgery in hospital, a series of flashbacks showed how they met, and what Max wanted from her. We also learned exactly who has it in for Zoe, and what she needs the cash for. And, as Zoe regained consciousness, she called Max, issuing her ex lay a grim threat. If there’s one thing we know about Max Branning though, it’s that he won’t be told what to do. Here’s everything that happened in EastEnders tonight. So that’s how they know each other (Credit: BBC) The Zoe and Max connection was explained in EastEnders tonight Kat hung up on Zoe’s mystery caller, unaware that it was Max Branning on the other end of the line. As Stacey arrived at the hospital, Kat handed over the phone for safekeeping – with strict instruction she not answer if it rang. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Back in his dingy room, Max opened an expensive-looking necklace as he remised on the past. A flashback to earlier this year showed Zoe in a swanky bar, drinking with friends. At a nearby table, Max overheard the name when her card was declined. Interest piqued, Max sidled over and introduced himself. Settling Zoe’s bill, he introduced himself as a friend of the family and quickly began flirting. Putting off calls from ex-wife Tanya, he revealed that she was looking after Abi Jr. now, while launching into a self-pity party in honour of his own bad parenting. Still, there was an undeniable chemistry (and a lot of short drinks) at play there – even if ‘you remind me of Stacey’ is a terrible, terrible chat-up line to be using on Stacey’s actual cousin. Record time, even for Max (Credit: BBC) After taking it to the bedroom, Max and Zoe continued to swap notes on their past. Zoe revealed that she’d given birth to twins – a daughter who had died, and a son she’d abandoned in the hospital. It turned out, she’d been trying to track down her son, even hiring a private investigator to look into the case. Another flashback showed Zoe and Max, back in the same bar. Her private investigator had come up with a fresh lead, but he needed £5000 to secure the information. After handing over the necklace as a gift, he promised to lend her the money that she needed. A sleazy Private Investigator is out to get Zoe (Credit: BBC) Zoe’s mystery tormentor was revealed in EastEnders tonight Back in the present, Zoe’s phone began to go off with a series of texts. Noticing that they had a worried vibe rather than a threatening one, she was tempted to reply. As she opened up to Jean about her desire to leave all of this Walford drama behind, the phone continued to buzz. He’d still got her necklace, a text said. If it’s about the money, I can get you that too, another one read. Taking matters into her own hands, Stacey phoned the number. And it was Max Branning who answered. Immediately recognising the voice of Stacey Slater, he hung up. Back in flashback-land, Zoe and Max arrived at her private investigator’s place. Handing over the cash, Max wished her good luck as she headed into a dodgy-looking flat. She pressed the even dodgier-looking man inside for information, but he was saying nothing without the cash. After whetting her appetite with titbits on what he’d learned, Zoe’s PI demanded more money. As Zoe grew emotional, he turned nasty, attempting to sexually assault her. Zoe hit back, smashing him over the head with a lamp before fleeing. She ran back out onto the street, where Max was waiting. Revealing how her so-called Private Investigator had assaulted her, Max responded with a spot of victim-blaming, describing her as ‘out of control,’ and refusing to help. Flinging the necklace back at him, she told Max to leave, describing him as a ‘bunk up; a blank cheque.’ Once again alone and bereft of information, Zoe made a call. Enter Stacey Slater, and the events of June 2025. So that’s us up to speed, then. Max won’t take too kindly to Zoe’s threats (Credit: BBC) Zoe issued Max a threat as Kat lied to the police As Kat anxiously waited on news about Zoe, the police arrived to take a statement. Jack, too was hanging around, eager to find out whether the police knew anything. Zoe told the police that her daughter was in trouble, but knew nothing about the who or the why. What she did do is lie about the phone, telling the officers that she’d seen no sign of the device. Once they’d left, doctors informed the family that Zoe was out of surgery and stable. Kat was satting vigil at her daughter’s bedside when Zoe awoke with a start. As Kat rushed to fetch the doctors, a remarkably fresh-faced Zoe grabbed her phone and called Max. When he answered, Zoe demanded that he stop calling and texting her. Max responded by asking whether she was back in Walford, revealing how he’d heard Stacey over the phone. “You come here you tell anyone about us, about what I did. I will end you,” Zoe threatened. “That’s the thing about me, Zoe,” he replied. “I really hate being told what to do.” Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Sep 4 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 4 2025
