EastEnders viewers are fearing for young Lily Slater (played by Lillia Turner) after she was a no-show at her father's funeral on Monday (April 7).
Fans were transported back to Walford for another dramatic episode, in which Stacey Slater (portrayed by Lacey Turner) returned to the Square after spending weeks with her brother Sean.
Stacey's comeback was anything but low-key as she rocked up drunk on a milk float just as her former spouse Martin Fowler's (James Bye) funeral procession commenced, following his heartbreaking demise in February.
Meanwhile, a distraught Lily took on the responsibility of preparing her brothers and sisters for the sombre occasion, her distress palpable. Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) had to step in to help sober Stacey up, but Lily was incensed at witnessing her mother's dishevelled state.
The residents of Walford witnessed poignant moments when Martin received a heartfelt guard of honour on Bridge Street, proceeding past his own fruit and veg stall for the last time.
Amidst these stirring scenes, Stacey confided in Sonia that she couldn't bring herself to attend the funeral, racked with guilt over Martin's death.
Sonia consoled Stacey, reassuring her that Martin's tragic end wasn't her burden to bear, and implored her to find closure by attending his last rites. The two then resolved to face the funeral together, reports Plymouth Live.
However, tempers flared when an indignant Lily caught sight of her mother near Martin's stall and seized the moment to challenge Stacey head-on about her recent actions.
An enraged Lily unleashed her fury, berating Stacey for sabotaging her relationship with Martin over time and obliterating any chance of happy family memories.
"You didn't deserve him," Lily sharply rebuked, "You still don't deserve him. Everyone knows you are nothing more than a cheap, dirty, lying slapper."
Stacey's reaction to her daughter's behaviour was to slap her across the face, leading to Lily missing the funeral. She didn't get to deliver her heartfelt eulogy and instead spent time in the playground, drinking vodka with Avani Nandra-Hart (portrayed by Aaliyah James).
EastEnders enthusiasts are now speculating that teen mum Lily is on the brink of developing an alcohol problem as she struggles with her sorrow and the tension with her mother.
On X, one viewer commented: "Lily is now the Square's newest drunk #EastEnders".
Another suggested a possible storyline: "Lily to end up being an alcoholic? #EastEnders."
A third chimed in with a less sympathetic take: "Yayyy Lily's now an alcoholic thanks druggie #EastEnders."
One fan pointed out the potential long-term impact: "Lily don't realise that not attending her dad's funeral is going to ruin her life #EastEnders", while another simply urged: "Lily needs to CHILL. #EastEnders."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
English (United States) ·