Festive Fear in Walford: Could Christmas Day Claim a New Victim?

In the gritty world of EastEnders, the holiday season is rarely a time of peace and goodwill. Historically, December 25th has served as a grim milestone for the residents of Albert Square, claiming legendary figures like Pauline Fowler, Jamie Mitchell, and Derek Branning. As 2025 draws to a close, the air in Walford is thick with more than just winter frost; a sense of impending tragedy has fans locked in a heated debate over who might be the next to face a fatal festive end.

The Shadow of the Past: Jasmine Fischer

The most prevalent theory circulating among the show’s dedicated following centers on Jasmine Fischer. Recently revealed to viewers as the long-lost daughter of Zoe Slater, Jasmine has been operating right under her mother’s nose, yet Zoe remains tragically unaware of her true identity.

Long-time viewers are drawing chilling parallels to the 2009 Ronnie Mitchell and Danielle Jones tragedy. The fear is that history is poised to repeat itself: a mother and daughter reunited for a fleeting heartbeat, only for the child to be snatched away by death before a real relationship can form. Social media is rife with anxiety, with fans warning that if Jasmine is killed off before the truth surfaces, it would be a “heartbreaking blow” not just for Zoe, but for Cat Slater, who would lose a granddaughter she never even knew existed.

A Mother’s Sacrifice?

However, some theorists believe the writers might subvert expectations by turning the lens toward Zoe herself. Zoe’s return earlier this year was a seismic event for the Slater clan, reopening decades-old wounds. Her death would send shockwaves through the Square, particularly for Cat, whose bond with her daughter has always been defined by unresolved conflict. The prospect of Zoe dying without ever learning the truth about her twins is a “devastatingly cruel twist” that many believe fits the show’s penchant for Shakespearean tragedy.

The Villain in the Mists: Anthony Truman

While the Slaters face emotional turmoil, a darker threat looms in the form of Anthony Truman. Once a respected figure, Anthony’s return has seen him slide into villainous obsession. Having discovered Zoe’s lies regarding the birth dates of her twins, Anthony has convinced himself of his own paternity.

His manipulation has reached chilling heights; he recently lied to Cat, claiming both babies had died, all to maintain control over Zoe. With Zoe’s stalker storyline still simmering, many are convinced that Anthony’s web of lies will reach a violent breaking point on Christmas Day. Whether he is the perpetrator or the victim of a desperate act of self-defense remains the burning question.

The Lingering Heartbreak of Nigel Bates

Finally, the emotional weight of Nigel Bates’s dementia battle continues to hang over the Square. The reappearance of Pat and Barry Evans as figments of Nigel’s fading memory led many to believe his end was near—Pat having previously appeared to Peggy Mitchell in her final hours. However, recent spoilers suggest Nigel may survive into the New Year. For many, this “longer, more painful decline” is even harder to witness than a sudden exit, proving that in Walford, survival can sometimes be as tragic as death.

As the lights twinkle on the Queen Vic, one thing is certain: festive cheer in EastEnders always comes at a price. Whether through a shock murder or a cruel twist of fate, heartbreak is the only guarantee this Christmas.