Fan favourite 'returns' as Kat continues her search for Chrissie in early iPlayer release

Where's Chrissie gone?
Joel Harley
By Joel Harley

WARNING: This piece contains spoilers for today’s episode of EastEnders, which is streaming on BBC iPlayer now, but has yet to air on BBC One – in which a fan favourite ‘returns’ amid Kat Slater’s search for Chrissie Watts.

Kat continues her search for Chrissie in EastEnders tonight (Monday, January 5), in the wake of Anthony Trueman’s shocking murder. With Zoe still in the frame, Kat is determined to find Chrissie and clear her daughter’s name… but where has she gone?

Chrissie looks angry
Where’s Chrissie gone? (Credit: BBC)

Kat continues her search for Chrissie in EastEnders today

As the soap continues, Zoe is still on the hook for Anthony’s murder. Kat leaves Alfie to look after Jean while she continues her search for Chrissie, revealing to Sam that she’s tracked down Chrissie’s old cellmate, Doreen Coleman.

Showing Sam the bundle of cash she’s packed, she reveals her plan to bribe Doreen (or Dor) for information.

EastEnders fans will recall how Doreen first appeared in September 2024, when Sharon found herself imprisoned for contempt of court. In doing so, Sharon was reunited with Chrissie, who was locked up in the same prison.

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Doreen, played by Sonia Ritter, became an instant fan favourite, with many at the time begging that she become a permanent addition to the cast.

While Doreen doesn’t appear on screen in today’s episode, it’s certainly good to hear from her again!

Doreen talks to Sharon in EastEnders

Doreen appeared on the soap in September 2024 (Credit: BBC)

Jean’s condition worsened as Kat set off on a mission

Returning to Walford after her meeting with Doreen, Kat reveals that Chrissie appears to have returned to Corfu. She’s reluctant to leave her family again – especially given Jean’s worsening mania, but Alfie assures her that he has a handle on everything.

Leaving Alfie in charge, Kat sets off in hot pursuit of Chrissie. Meanwhile, Jean heads to the Truemans’, where she issues Yolande a terrible warning about Jasmine.

Will she be successful in clearing Zoe’s name? And can Alfie get Jean the help she needs before it’s too late?

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns.