In a dramatic early iPlayer release, EastEnders finally revealed the new owners of the iconic Queen Vic pub — and it’s none other than Kat and Stacey Slater. The auction, long teased across several episodes, sees the Slater sisters beating out other big contenders like Ian Beale and a local property developer. Their emotional pitch, centered on keeping the pub within a strong, supportive family, wins over Linda Carter and Elaine Peacock, who have decided to step away from running the pub.

But just when everything seems to be falling into place for the Slaters, a major twist threatens to turn their triumph into disaster.

Earlier in the episode, Stacey had promised to fund the pub purchase with a £100,000 insurance payout from Martin Fowler’s death. However, things change when Alfie Moon suddenly contacts her, revealing that the money is urgently needed to help Zoe — Kat’s estranged daughter — who’s in serious trouble abroad. The details are murky, but the stakes are clearly high.

Torn between loyalty to Kat and concern for Zoe, Stacey initially pulls the money. Jean Slater, misunderstanding the situation and believing Alfie is helping Hayley instead, persuades Stacey to go forward with the original plan. She re-offers the money, but by then, the auction is already underway, and there’s no clear way to backtrack.

Despite this financial chaos, Kat and Stacey are still declared winners. They officially become the new landladies of the Queen Vic and even agree to a house swap with the Carters as part of the deal. On the surface, it’s a massive victory — a symbol of new beginnings, power,