Slater has taken over The Vic! But can he hide the truth about Zoe Slater for much longer?

Alfie is back from sneakily searching for Kat’s estranged daughter Zoe in Barcelona, though the outcome of his rescue mission is being kept under wraps for now.

This week, viewers have seen Kat use Stacey Slater’s money from Martin Fowler’s life insurance to bid for the pub, with Linda Carter cancelling the auction at the last minute to accept her offer.

Kat wanted to keep this joyous secret from Alfie, especially considering the pair’s history with the pub, so he will return home to a huge surprise.

But things aren’t smooth sailing as Kat believes that Alfie has been with his young daughter Cherry, so rages at her husband for lying about his trip.

Feeling guilty, Alfie boldly promises Kat that he will never lie to her again, despite being well aware that he’s harbouring a dark secret about Zoe and the sinister situation that she has found herself in…

“Alfie’s web of lies just keeps growing,” says our Walford insider. “As Kat found out herself, he was never with Spencer in Australia, but he certainly wasn’t with little Cherry either.

“Stacey, who is in on the plan, was tempted to give Alfie the £50,000 he needed to save Zoe from some very dangerous people. But Stacey opted to give the cash to Kat instead, so what does this mean for Alfie and Zoe?”

With Kat back in the iconic pub as the landlady, The Vic also hosts a special celebration next week, honouring Martin on what would have been his 40th birthday.

The Slaters turn up in force for the big day, while Martin’s friends and neighbours – including Zack Hudson, Eve Unwin and Denise Fox – also make the effort to show their love for him.

“It’s a joyful, but heartbreaking scene,” reveals our source, “as Martin should be celebrating his milestone birthday with his family. But Stacey has a smile on her face, and the occasion prove that the Slater clan are stronger than ever.”

But now that Alfie is back on home turf and back in The Vic, will Kat edge closer to finding out that her daughter is in danger? And how far will Alfie go to ensure that Zoe is safe?