Zoe has been going threw a tough time in recent months on the BBC soap

EastEnders fans said ‘welcome back’ as a soap icon was revealed as Zoe Slater’s stalker in a major twist on the streets of Albert Square.

Ever since making her return in September, fans have been speculating about Michelle Ryan’s character’s past. After being accidentally shot by Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati, it was revealed in a flashback sequence that Zoe gave birth to twins in 2006.

With the father of the children’s identity not shared, Zoe decided to place her son up for adoption and flee the hospital. Zoe was left heartbroken when she thought her daughter died after a nurse said she needed to speak to her.

Since being back in Walford, Zoe has been on a mission to track down her long-lost son. Things haven’t exactly gone to plan, with a number of shady private investigators giving her conflicting information about his whereabouts.

If that wasn’t bad enough for Zoe, she has been tormented by a stalker in recent weeks. Sadly, no one believed her for a long time until a threatening messages aimed at her was displayed at the town’s Christmas lights event.

It was recently revealed that the mysterious Jasmine is actually Zoe’s daughter, with fans confused by the reveal as she had been targeting Cindy Beale for a number of weeks.

On top of this, Anthony Trueman believes he is the twins’ father after finding out their birthday. However, Anthony has chosen not to tell Zoe this as revenge for not giving their past relationship another chance.

In scenes aired on Christmas Eve (December 24), Zoe has an awkward moment with Jasmine after asking if she had plans for Christmas. Inviting Jasmine to spend Christmas with the Slaters, Jasmine insisted that she had other plans.

While this was happening, Kat confronted Sam Mitchell in the Queen Vic about whether it was her that had been targeting her daughter. However, Sam admitted to her enemy that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Later in the night, Zoe discovered a card from her son as she was getting the Christmas presents ready under the tree. The card contained her lucky Ibiza keyring, with her son claiming he will meet her tomorrow.

As the bulk of the Walford residents were gathered at Yolande Trueman’s carol singing concert, Jasmine made a mysterious phone call. A flashback then played that showed it was her who has been after Zoe all along.

Meeting the person from the phone in a car, it was revealed that the driver was none other than Chrissie Watts. Tracy-Ann Oberman’s character then teased that she has big plans for Zoe on December 25.

Chrissie was last seen last year as Sharon Watts joined her in prison. Chrissie was released and drove off with her former flame Jake Moon, after years of being locked up for the murder of ‘Dirty’ Den Watts, which she initially framed Zoe for.

Those watching the episode at home rushed to X, previously known as Twitter, to have their say on one EastEnders biggest ever character making their long-awaited return to the programme.

@Louvienne_ said: “I don’t even think the twist at the end was that surprising. Sam, Zoe, and Chrissie being back on the square together makes sense so it’s not even a WOAH moment. Kinda predictable. #Eastenders.” @yh8787yh added: “OMG, SPOILER ALERT, almost 21yrs apart, Chrissie still trying to seek revenge on Zoe.”

@SophieBurrows2 wrote: “@TracyAnnO I’m gagged to see you back!!!! Let the chaos unfold. Chrissie is gunna make it one good Christmas #EastEnders.” @AjRochester97 stated: “Chrissie Watts had to return again didn’t she. Working with Zoes long lost daughter for some type of revenge ffs.”

@TanTheMan_95 commented: “Blimey!! Eastenders!!! Chrissie Watts, welcome back, I bloody knew it!! @bbceastenders #Eastenders.” @RyanSoapKing25 posted: “OMFG THAT TWIST! Jasmine and Chrissie Watts have been working together! I should’ve known that Chrissie would come back the moment Vicki made the comment in the cafe. WOW! #EastEnders.”