At the heart of the action, Kat is feeling confident. With Stacey and Martin’s support, she’s looking to use the life insurance payout from Martin as a deposit for the pub. Martin’s thoughtful gesture has given Kat and her family a real shot at a future they’ve always dreamed of. The kids are excited, imagining their new bedrooms and a fresh start, and Kat is already envisioning a bustling future behind the bar.

However, not everyone is on board with the idea. Ian, never one to hold back his opinions, throws a bucket of cold water over Kat’s ambitions. He questions her decision to use what he considers the children’s inheritance to invest in a risky pub venture. For Ian, the pub is nothing more than a “dodgy boozer,” and he sees Kat’s plan as short-sighted and impulsive. He even mocks the idea of her wearing leopard print while pulling pints. But Kat isn’t backing down. This isn’t just about nostalgia or ego—it’s about creating a legacy for her boys and building something meaningful out of tragedy.

Stacey stands firmly in Kat’s corner. She reminds everyone that Martin cared deeply about the family and that this move isn’t reckless—it’s brave. Life is short, and if Martin were here, Stacey believes he would encourage them to go for it. “Live for today,” she urges, echoing Martin’s spirit and the urgency of seizing happiness when it’s within reach.

Still, doubt begins to creep in when others get wind of the potential sale. Kathy, visibly uncomfortable, hints that Alfie might also be looking to secure the Vic. It’s clear there are more players in the game, and time is running out. The auction looms, and there’s no guarantee Kat will be the highest bidder.

Meanwhile, Alfie is wrestling with a crisis of his own. A mysterious phone call has shaken him. Someone from his past is demanding a hefty sum—£50,000—to help with something connected to Zoe. There are hints that Zoe might be in danger or caught in a difficult situation, and Alfie is desperate. He turns to Stacey for help, revealing that if they don’t come up with the money soon, they might lose their chance to find Zoe altogether.

Stacey is torn. She’s already promised the money from Martin’s insurance to Kat for the pub, and shifting those funds now could destroy Kat’s dream—and trust. But Alfie’s desperation is palpable. He begs Stacey to consider the possibility that Zoe could be hurt or vanish forever if they don’t act fast. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Stacey’s heart is pulled in every direction.

Kat remains unaware of the tug-of-war happening behind her back. Her focus is on finalizing the deal and surprising Alfie with the news if she secures the Vic. The idea of reclaiming her place behind the bar—her name above the door again—is empowering. It symbolizes resilience, new beginnings, and the chance to rebuild in the place where so much of their history unfolded.

But with the auction drawing near and multiple bidders circling, Kat’s plan teeters on the edge. She’s trying to keep her cards close, especially from Alfie, but secrets have a way of surfacing in Walford. The pressure is immense—not just from financial logistics, but from emotional burdens too. Grief still lingers, and doubts—no matter how buried—begin to rise.

As Kat prepares for a future at the Vic, others around her are quietly making decisions that could affect everything. Will Stacey shift the funds to help Alfie save Zoe? Or will she stick to her promise and stand by Kat’s side? And what happens if Alfie learns Kat has been plotting to buy the Vic without him? Could the trust between them survive another betrayal?

Meanwhile, rumors start swirling about developers interested in turning The Queen Vic into flats, making Kat’s urgency even more critical. This isn’t just about the Slaters—it’s about preserving a piece of Walford history. The pub represents more than just business; it’s a cornerstone of community, identity, and pride. 

As the final day approaches, emotions run high. The kids bicker excitedly about room arrangements, unaware of the adult dilemmas swirling around them. Everyone wants a piece of the future, but the past continues to knock at the door. When Alfie learns what’s at stake—and how close Kat is to sealing the deal—his reaction could make or break the dream she’s built.

“Will Kat buy The Queen Vic?” is not just a question of money—it’s about loyalty, legacy, and love. With Alfie desperate, Stacey caught in the middle, and the ghost of Martin’s wishes hanging heavy in the air, the Queen Vic’s fate hangs in the balance.

As Walford holds its breath, Kat must decide whether to chase the future she’s always wanted—or risk losing everything she holds dear.

Stay tuned, because this battle for the Queen Vic is about to explode. And in true EastEnders fashion, nothing is ever simple when hearts, history, and secrets collide.