The Queen Vic’s doors swing open to a new era—one built on fire, sass, and undeniable legacy—as none other than Kat Slater becomes the pub’s new landlady. After years of turbulent ownership and recent heartbreak for Linda Carter and Elaine Peacock, the legendary EastEnders character reclaims her rightful spot behind the bar, sending shockwaves through Walford.

Kat Slater’s return to the iconic pub is more than just a casting choice—it’s a bold statement. She’s not just coming back for a pint and gossip; she’s back to rule the Vic.

A Legendary Return Years in the Making

Kat Slater, portrayed by Jessie Wallace, first arrived in Walford back in 2000, making an immediate splash with her leopard-print wardrobe, sharp tongue, and emotional complexity. Viewers fell in love with her quick wit and fierce loyalty, and she quickly became one of EastEnders’ most iconic and unpredictable characters.

Now, over two decades later, Kat is taking her place in EastEnders royalty by assuming control of the Queen Victoria pub—perhaps the most sacred space in soap history. She steps into a legacy occupied by names like Peggy Mitchell, Angie Watts, and Sharon Watts, determined to make her own mark once again.

Why Now?

The Queen Vic has been in turmoil for months. Following the emotional collapse of Linda Carter and Elaine Peacock’s attempts to keep the Vic alive after Mick Carter’s tragic disappearance, the pub was placed on the market. With financial pressures and emotional strain mounting, Linda made the heart-wrenching decision to let it go.

Enter Kat.

Fresh from a complicated series of family dramas—including her rollercoaster relationship with Alfie Moon, her feud with Phil Mitchell, and her never-ending quest to keep the Slater clan afloat—Kat saw an opportunity not just to step up, but to take back control of her narrative.

In recent months, Kat has proven she’s more than just a survivor—she’s a fighter. Owning the Queen Vic isn’t just a business move; it’s a personal mission.

A Woman Reclaimed

What makes Kat’s return so compelling is how far she’s come. From troubled daughter and scandal magnet to fierce matriarch and businesswoman, Kat’s evolution is one of EastEnders’ strongest character arcs.

Her years have been marked by heartbreak—most memorably her tumultuous marriage to Alfie, her hidden pregnancy with Zoe, her PTSD and trauma, and the shocking reveal that she was sexually abused by her uncle. Despite it all, she’s stood tall. Her pain turned into grit. Her wounds turned into wisdom.

Now, as Queen Vic landlady, she’s not running from her past—she’s owning it.

Expect the Unexpected

If there’s one thing everyone knows about Kat Slater, it’s that she doesn’t do boring. Her time behind the bar will be anything but quiet. Insiders tease that under Kat’s management, the Queen Vic will become louder, more chaotic, and more electric than ever.

Here’s what fans can expect:

• Bold new rules: Kat’s not afraid to kick out troublemakers or call someone out for bad behavior. Expect lots of public showdowns.