Eastenders to tackle harrowing ‘manipulation’ storyline between mother and son
Eastenders is set to tackle a harrowing abuse storyline with Kat Slater and son Tommy.
Last night’s episode saw Kat find herself on the receiving end of Tommy’s anger after
his attempts to play matchmaker between her and Walford hardman Phil Mitchell fell flat. It comes after Kat has struggled with her son’s hostile behaviour in recent months. The storyline, set to run later this summer, will follow both characters as Tommy begins to use his behaviour to control and dominate Kat. READ MORE: EastEnders legend cryptically hints ‘crew are more my friends than anyone else’ on set READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star TV stories The fallout from the abuse will have an impact on their relationship and the wider Slater-Moon family as a whole. Tommy is part of the control-focused storyline (Image: BBC) Chris Clenshaw, exec producer, said of the storyline: “Kat is well-known in Albert Square for her no-nonsense attitude and fiery temper, but this storyline will explore how Tommy manipulates Kat’s unequivocal love for her son to exert his anger and elicit control.”
Show bosses have worked alongside several charities to ensure they accurately and sensitively portray the realities of child-to-parent abuse. Promoted Stories In other EastEnders news, Sonia Fowler has discovered she is expecting a baby with boyfriend Reiss Colwell following their IVF treatment, but the dad-to-be is continuing to scam Sharon Watts as his money troubles spiral. During Monday’s trip to Walford (July 22), Sonia confided in long-term friend Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth). Following Sonia’s announcement, EastEnders immediately took to social media to predict when Sonia and Reiss’ baby was due – pointing out that it could arrive in eight months time which is the 40th anniversary of the BBC One soap.
Tommy’s attempts to play matchmaker between her and Walford hardman Phil Mitchell fell flat Tommy’s attempts to play matchmaker between her and Walford hardman Phil Mitchell fell flat (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) As viewers will know, any big celebration in Walford comes a whole lot of drama and in February 2025 the soap will turn 40 years old, leaving fans fearing for Sonia. Taking to X, one person wrote: “If my timings and theories are correct Sonia is scheduled to give birth on 40th week and Reiss has been a slow burning storyline that will reach climax at same time.” Powered by A second added: “Sonia’s baby better stick this time and she gives birth on her sofa with Mo at the 40th. I can’t do ANOTHER round of Sonia complaining about her uterus and ovum #EastEnders.” EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and Player. If you have been affected by issues of domestic violence or coercive control you can call Refuge’s 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free. The number is 0808 2000 247
