Kat Moon is to be the focus of a major new EastEnders storyline this summer, which will see her embark on an affair with a mystery lover.
The iconic character, played by Jessie Wallace, will return to the soap on Thursday 7 June, only to discover that the spark from her marriage to Alfie Moon has fizzled out.
However, she is destined to meet a mystery man with whom she will embark on a long-running affair, with viewers initially left clueless about the unknown suitor’s identity.
To ensure that the storyline’s dramatic conclusion isn’t leaked, EastEnders bosses are keeping E20’s latest Casanova a secret and will shoot scenes with an extra standing in for whichever Walfordian turns out to be the shadowy Romeo.
The soap’s executive producer Lorraine Newman said: “The consequences are not only great for Kat and Alfie, but also for each individual suspect. The audience will join the cast and crew guessing across the summer and autumn as we eliminate the suspects one at a time, leading to one almighty explosion.”
There are five Albert Square men named by the show’s chiefs who could potentially end up as Kat’s new beau, including all three Branning brothers:
Derek Branning
The eldest of the Branning siblings, Derek hasn’t had a relationship since he arrived in Walford, but he knows Kat likes to live life on the edge. Could he be the one to bring some passion back into her life?
Jack Branning
Jack is officially Soapland's Sexiest Male but he's been single ever since he got divorced from Ronnie earlier this year. He used to be something of a womaniser and always got on well with Kat, especially after Ronnie snatched baby Tommy. Could he be the fellow?
Max Branning
Despite living with ex-wife Tanya and their three children, Max has a history of affairs and is notoriously averse to saying no. Although he seems happy to be back with Tanya, things in the bedroom aren't quite back to normal. Might he be tempted to stray again?
Ray Dixon
Currently the partner of Kim Fox, Ray is a known romantic: having embarked on a relationship with Bianca Butcher years ago, he is the father of her son, Morgan. Ray is The Vic’s chef, and his flirty banter has had numerous Walford women enthralled in the past, so could he have turned his attentions to Kat?
Michael Moon
Due to marry Janine Butcher, who is currently pregnant with his child, Michael has already enjoyed an affair with Kat and is Tommy Moon's biological father. Although he has nothing to do with his son these days, could it be possible Michael still has feelings for Kat?
Who do you think is the most likely Lothario to become Kat Moon’s new lover? Vote in our poll below and let us know who you think is the most plausible catch…