Tragedy has struck Walford once again, and in the aftermath of Martin’s heartbreaking death, Stacey Slater finds herself spiraling into a well of sorrow and guilt that threatens to consume her entirely. EastEnders fans are in for a gut-wrenching episode as Stacey’s grief reaches its breaking point, and the entire Square reels from the devastating loss.

The emotional toll is written all over Stacey, who numbs herself with alcohol in a desperate attempt to escape the crushing reality. It’s Sonia who discovers her, fragile and intoxicated, barely able to hold herself together. Gently but firmly, Sonia urges her to come home, to try and sober up, but Stacey’s pain is raw and overwhelming, pouring out in every slurred word and tear-streaked glance.

Meanwhile, the tragic absence of Martin is starting to ripple through his family and friends. Little Charlie, innocent and oblivious to the finality of death, looks forward to his day as usual, unaware that his father will never come back. Stacey, watching him, feels her heart shatter all over again — the realization that her son will grow up with only faint memories of Martin is almost too much to bear. Sonia, ever the voice of comfort, promises Stacey that they will make sure Charlie knows exactly what kind of man his father was — strong, loving, brave. A small spark of solace flickers in Stacey’s grief-stricken heart, but it is clear that her wounds are far from healing.

Across the Square, the boarded-up pub serves as a grim monument to the tragedy that unfolded, a constant reminder to everyone of what was lost. Sharon tries to lift spirits by urging the community to remember Martin’s good nature — to picture him laughing at the Queen Vic’s doorway, full of life. But even the fondest memories are laced with an unbearable sadness.

Alfie Moon, too, struggles with his emotions, torn between mourning a lost friend and dealing with the complications of fractured family loyalties. Tensions simmer among the locals, as questions arise about who should — and shouldn’t — attend Martin’s funeral, given past betrayals and buried grievances. Amid the quiet judgment and whispered doubts, Stacey steels herself for the hardest day of her life, trying desperately to hold her family together while barely keeping her own grief in check.

As the funeral approaches, Stacey’s emotional armor crumbles. In a heart-wrenching moment, she breaks down to Sonia, confessing the unbearable guilt she carries. Through tearful, broken sentences, Stacey reveals her deepest fear — that Martin died because of her. He had stayed behind at the pub to protect her during the chaos, and now he’s gone, leaving Stacey drowning in self-blame. She feels unworthy of the love Martin gave her, convinced that forgiveness is something she’ll never deserve.

Sonia, standing strong despite her own heartbreak, reminds Stacey of the truth: Martin’s actions were born out of love and bravery, not regret or blame. She pleads with Stacey to take small steps — to get dressed, to step outside, to face the day. It’s those small acts, Sonia promises, that mark the beginning of healing, even if it feels impossible right now.

But for Stacey, the thought of facing Martin’s funeral — of seeing all the faces that loved him, and perhaps blamed her — feels like an insurmountable mountain. She’s terrified of their judgment, but even more terrified of facing herself. Sonia’s words are gentle but powerful: Martin would have wanted her to live, to laugh, to be free from guilt. If he could speak to her now, he’d wrap her in his arms and tell her it was okay to move forward.

As the episode draws to a close, Stacey stands at a painful crossroads. Will she find the courage to attend Martin’s funeral, to say a final, tearful goodbye? Or will her guilt bury her deeper into isolation and despair?

This powerful episode promises one of EastEnders’ most emotional hours in recent memory — a raw and devastating exploration of grief, guilt, and the fragile path toward healing. Through Stacey’s heartbreak and Sonia’s unwavering compassion, viewers are reminded that even in the darkest moments, love and friendship can still light the way.