EastEnders legend Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) was left stunned in recent scenes when son Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) threatened her.
Kat has been having trouble with unruly Tommy over the past few weeks, but in Monday’s (July 29) episode, he took things a step too far.
While playing with his friends, Tommy came up with a game to kick a football at twin brothers Bert and Ernie, which resulted in his younger brother getting hurt.
When Kat stumbled across their game, she was horrified and immediately commanded Tommy to stop.
However, he was quick to retaliate, warning her to ‘watch herself’ if she didn’t want social services to come knocking again.
Last week, Tommy called social services on Kat after she pushed him over, in retaliation to him punching her in the stomach during an argument.
After being warned off by Tommy, Kat revealed that she didn’t know who he was anymore, though Tommy clearly couldn’t care less that his actions had upset her.
Later, Kat called on Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) for help, admitting that she couldn’t handle Tommy’s behaviour alone anymore.
Tommy’s behaviour marks the beginning of a new storyline for the Slaters which will see Kat abused by her eldest son.
As the story progresses, we’ll see Tommy use his behaviour to dominate Kat’s life and the effects it has on their dynamic, as well as the wider Slater-Moon clan.
Speaking of the story, executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: ‘Kat is well-known in Albert Square for her no-nonsense attitude and fiery temper, but this storyline will explore how Tommy manipulates Kat’s unequivocal love for her son to exert his anger and elicit control.
‘Jessie [Wallace] and Sonny’s [Kendall] performances have thoughtfully portrayed the complex realities of child to parent abuse with compassion and understanding.’
He continued: ‘To ensure we accurately and sensitively portray the realities of child to parent abuse, we have worked alongside Family Based Solutions, PEGS and NSPCC as well as other experts in the field.’
