EastEnders fans are bracing for yet another tragedy in Walford, as a brand-new trailer hints at a terrifying car crash that could change everything for several major characters. Just as the community is still picking up the pieces from the recent explosion at the Queen Vic, the soap’s latest teaser confirms that the danger is far from over.

The trailer, recently released on EastEnders’ official social media accounts, wastes no time grabbing attention. It shows a car speeding through the dark streets of Walford before plummeting off a bridge and into a river below. Accompanied by a chilling text overlay reading “Coming Soon”, the teaser withholds any hints about who is inside the vehicle, leaving fans guessing—and fearing the worst.

As the camera pans to the car sinking beneath the water’s surface, one question hangs in the air: whose life is in jeopardy? The answer, for now, remains tightly under wraps, but fan theories are circulating at lightning speed. The dramatic nature of the crash and its ominous timing have fueled speculation that this isn’t just a random accident—it could mark a major turning point for the show.

One of the most popular theories involves Zack Hudson, who recently learned the shocking truth that he is the biological father of Barney, one of the sons of Teddy Mitchell. With Zack now grappling with that revelation and the emotional chaos it’s unleashed, some fans believe he may attempt to flee with the child—or that someone, perhaps Teddy’s partner Nicola, gives chase to stop him. A dramatic confrontation could easily spiral into disaster.

One viewer took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a dramatic prediction: “My theory is, this is when Zack attempts to kidnap Barney & Teddy or Nicola gives chase. Nicola fires her gun at the car, Zack loses control, the car crashes with Barney & Zack inside.” The addition of gunfire and a desperate car chase only ups the stakes, making this scenario feel like a very real possibility.

Other viewers suggest that Nicola herself—or even Teddy—could be behind the wheel, or become victims of the accident. Still, there’s another bombshell theory gaining traction: that this tragic moment could mark the dramatic send-off for Stacey Slater.

Actress Lacey Turner, who has portrayed Stacey for over two decades, recently confirmed she’ll be taking a break from the soap. Having just welcomed her third child, Lacey told The Sun that it felt like the right moment to step back and give Stacey a rest. She hinted that fans shouldn’t expect her to be gone forever, but acknowledged that, with Stacey’s track record, her temporary exit certainly wouldn’t be uneventful.

“Knowing Stacey,” Lacey said, “it will never be boring.”

And the EastEnders producers appear to agree. A soap insider also confirmed that Lacey’s departure had been in the works since last year and that the storyline surrounding her exit would be suitably dramatic. That, combined with the timing of the trailer, has fans worried that Stacey might be the one inside the submerged car.

The show has a history of delivering high-stakes exits for beloved characters, and with Stacey’s life currently in turmoil—from her complicated love life to her never-ending family drama—it wouldn’t be a surprise if her departure came in the form of a near-death experience, or worse.

Meanwhile, Zack’s arc has also been heating up. His emotional reaction to the discovery of his parenthood, and the tension brewing between him, Teddy, and Nicola, sets the stage for a potential outburst of desperation. If he really does try to take Barney away from the Mitchells, it could turn into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse—with devastating consequences.

Adding to the suspense is the complete lack of visibility into who is inside the car. The trailer intentionally avoids showing any passengers or giving away any clues, leaving every major character a possible candidate. Could it be Zack and Barney, as fans predict? Could Stacey be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or is this part of a bigger twist, with an entirely different set of characters at the center?

Regardless of who’s involved, one thing is certain: EastEnders is gearing up for another emotionally charged, potentially fatal moment that will send shockwaves through Albert Square.

The imagery of the car hurtling off the bridge into the black water is both haunting and symbolic—suggesting that whoever is in that car is plunging into darkness, uncertainty, and maybe even death. With tensions already at a boiling point in several storylines, this crash could serve as a brutal climax or the beginning of even more chaos.

It’s also worth noting that EastEnders has a tradition of tying big character exits to major stunts—so fans should brace themselves. Whether this marks the end for Stacey, a shocking twist in Zack’s fatherhood drama, or an entirely unforeseen tragedy, it’s clear the soap isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

As the trailer leaves audiences with more questions than answers, one thing is undeniable: Walford is on the brink of another catastrophe, and the fallout will be unforgettable.

The only question that remains is… Who won’t make it out of that river alive?