In a recent episode of EastEnders, Kat Slater’s growing concern for her son Tommy Moon deepened when she discovered his secret online interactions. Tommy introduced his mother and Alfie Moon to ‘Matt’, his AI chatbot friend, explaining that their conversations helped alleviate his loneliness. Kat was visibly upset by Tommy’s reliance on this virtual companion, emphasizing the importance of real-life connections. citeturn0search1

This storyline addresses the complexities of digital friendships and their impact on youth, especially when offline relationships are strained. The producers have collaborated with organizations like Family Based Solutions, PEGS, and the NSPCC to ensure a sensitive and accurate portrayal of these issues. citeturn0search1

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30 pm on BBC One and is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, with episodes typically released at 6 am prior to their TV broadcast. citeturn0search1

For a visual recap of this pivotal moment, you can watch the following video:

EastEnders reveals Tommy Moon’s secret new pal in early iPlayer release