Oscar and Zoe's lives hang in the balance when a deadly fire breaks out in early iPlayer release

Zoe's life is in peril... again
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 not yet aired on BBC One – in which Zoe and Oscar are trapped in a terrible house fire.

Oscar and Zoe’s lives are at risk in EastEnders today (Tuesday, December 16), when a deadly fire breaks out at Lauren and Peter’s place. Heroic Oscar rushes inside to save Zoe, putting his own life in peril in an attempt to save the family’s newest house guest.

Will Oscar and Zoe survive? And how did the fire start, anyway?

Zoe in a flaming house
Zoe’s stalker starts a fire (Credit: BBC)

Zoe trapped as a fire starts in EastEnders today

As the soap continues tonight, Zoe is home alone at Lauren and Peter’s place. With Lauren and the family stewing over the events of the day – which saw the police release Jasmine, having no evidence of her attack on Cindy, or any Ford connection – Oscar is also in a funk.

He’s just broken up with Jasmine, having grown frustrated with her inability to be honest. Jasmine is still keeping a secret, of course… and doesn’t bother to mention that Zoe is her mum.

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Read all the latest spoilers

Max Branning returns as Oscar attempts to rescue Zoe from a deadly house fire Tue, Dec 16

Max Branning returns as Oscar attempts to rescue Zoe from a deadly house fire

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2 days ago
Jasmine's connection to the Fords revealed as Linda returns to Walford Mon, Dec 15

Jasmine's connection to the Fords revealed as Linda returns to Walford

5 days ago
It's Max vs Cindy as Harry seeks revenge and Zoe gets a Christmas shock Mar 3 - 6

It's Max vs Cindy as Harry seeks revenge and Zoe gets a Christmas shock

5 days ago
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The truth about Annie looms large as Max and Linda return to Walford

6 days ago
Nicola leaps into action to save Harry as Oscar suffers birthday heartbreak Thu, Dec 11

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6 days ago

Zoe is alarmed when she smells smoke, and heads into one of the bedrooms to investigate. She finds a teddy bear on fire, and the blaze beginning to grow.

Just then, someone slams the door behind her, trapping Zoe inside.

Jasmine with Oscar outside the burning house

Oscar risks his own life to save Zoe’s (Credit: BBC)

Oscar to the rescue!

Outside, Zoe’s cries for help alert Oscar to the fire. He rushes into the house, and breaks down the door.

As Amy raises the alarm at The Vic, the Walford residents rush out to see Oscar rescue Zoe from the fire. Kat and Zoe immediately begin pointing fingers, blaming Jean for the fire.

However, Jean has an airtight alibi – she was with Alfie all day. And what about Jasmine? The Brannings accuse her too, although she insists she’d never do anything to hurt Oscar.

As the family continue to bicker at the hospital, they’re shocked by a sudden arrival… Max Branning is back! Again.

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