EastEnders has explained Kat Slater’s absence from the 40th anniversary week, as she made a surprise return in tonight’s live episode.

Viewers have been confused by Kat’s mysterious absence in this week’s dramatic episodes, especially when partner Alfie and children Tommy, Bert and Ernie all attended Billy and Honey’s wedding with the rest of the Slaters.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed that in a script shown in some behind-the-scenes footage, Kat was meant to be in the joyous wedding scenes, so were disappointed that she didn’t end up appearing in the week’s events.

But thankfully, Kat returned to Walford during tonight’s live episode, rushing into the cafe in the aftermath of the explosion with Alfie and Jean in tow.

It wasn’t confirmed where she had supposedly been and why, but she exclaimed that “I’d only been gone a few hours”, suggesting that she had been out of town during the day so had missed the dramatic action.

As she came to terms with the carnage that had unfolded in Albert Square, she joined in with a prayer session led by Yolande, before Ian declared that everyone should be out in the Square to show support for those still trapped in the pub.

The community were heartened when Lauren and Bianca emerged from the pub with the announcement that Sonia had given birth to her baby (who she named Julia, thanks to the public vote).

But devastation then followed, when the crowd heard Stacey’s screams from inside The Vic and Ruby realised that her partner Martin had tragically died in the aftermath of the explosion.

Kat will be back on screen again soon, as in scenes that will air early next month, she and Alfie attempt to rebuild their family but face challenges when Tommy finally moves back home.