Stalker Theo Hawthorne (William Ellis) manipulated Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) into kicking Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) out of the house in tonight's EastEnders (17th August).

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After Eve learned that Caroline 'Caz' Johnston (Bryony Afferson) was actually the woman who ran over and killed Eve's sister, Erica, 30 years ago, Eve arrived home drunk and emotional. After she confided in Stacey, Stace was supportive and promised to go with her the next time she spoke to Caz.

But when Stacey advised her to wait before seeing Caz again, Eve ignored her and went to see the other woman alone. Meanwhile, Stacey assumed Eve was working at the bap van, and the family prepared for a social worker to visit, to approve Stacey as a carer for her daughter Lily's (Lillia Turner) unborn baby.

At Walford East, Eve demanded to know why Caz had suddenly appeared after decades of silence, and Caz explained she had a male fiancé, and wasn't gay or bisexual as she had let Eve believe. Caz had been encouraged by her partner to face Eve so she could move on from her actions, but Caz soon saw how selfish this was.

Caz revealed that she had actually stopped near the scene of the accident, despite what Eve thought. And when she said she wanted to hear all about Erica, Eve softened enough to talk fondly of her beloved lost twin.

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But when Caz explained that she knew she was lucky to have got her life back after 3 years in prison, and added that she hadn't touched alcohol since that night, Eve questioned this.

As it dawned on Eve that Caz had been drink-driving on the night she killed Erica, Caz confessed she had been drinking shots of vodka. In scenes played powerfully by Peace, Eve erupted in fury, screaming that her sister had been taken from her before she had the chance to turn 18.

Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater looking concerned in EastEnders.
Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater looking concerned in EastEnders. BBC

Upon Eve's return to the Slaters', Theo made an attempt to step in. But this only fuelled Eve's rage and she smashed up the kitchen, just moments before social worker Naz (Buckso Dhillion-Woolley) arrived!

Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) took over with Eve and tidied the kitchen while Lily and Stacey dealt with Naz. But thankfully, Naz was pleased to see such a normal, lived-in house and complimented Stacey on creating a stable and loving environment.

Eve had now calmed down and was apologetic, but Stacey was in no mood to listen, and she confided in Theo instead. Theo commented that perhaps Eve didn't want the Slaters as her family, and urged Stacey to give up on Eve.

William Ellis sat as Theo Hawthorne in EastEnders.
William Ellis sat as Theo Hawthorne in EastEnders.

Later, with Theo's words in mind, and worried for Lily and the baby's wellbeing, Stacey ordered Eve out. But will Stacey see that Theo is the real danger? And where does Eve go from here?

Viewers who identify with Stacey's story can contact the National Stalking Helpline on 08088020300, or visit suzylamplugh.org. You can also visit Safeguarding Hub.

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EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.

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