EastEnders fans are convinced the new Slater has already arrived in Walford.
Viewers watched last night as a mystery woman called Hayley began watching Martin Fowler before making a mysterious phone call about Stacey’s husband.
Answering a call from a private number in the cafe, Hayley said: “Took your time, didn’t you? Yeah, I’m here. You never told me this place was so friendly.”
The distinctly Slater-looking woman added: “So you got the pictures I sent then? That’s him, yeah? I knew it.
“I can sniff a wretch at 20 paces. So far up himself, I’m surprised it ain’t coming out the other end.
“Me? Wouldn’t touch him with the bottom end of a bog brush, thanks. Don’t you worry. I know exactly what to do next.”
The conversation and the lack of a surname for the character in the credits sparked the major theory.
It was enough to have fans suspecting that she has a secret connection to Albert Square already and is in fact the new Slater bosses promised.
One wrote: “Hayley is definitely a Slater.
“The attitude, the looks, the connection to Stacey. John Yorke confirmed a new Slater was joining with Kat, Mo and Jean. #Eastenders.”
Another added: “This new Hayley bird has to be a Slater… #EastEnders”
Read more: EastEnders viewers predict a hot new romance between Honey Mitchell and Jack Branning
Speaking before Christmas, EastEnders boss John Yorke confirmed the Slaters would return with a brand new one viewers hadn’t met.
He said: “Kat took swimming lessons as a child so she survived the dramatic storm of Redwater.
“She comes with Jean, Big Mo and another yet to be revealed Slater reuniting to sort Stacey out once and for all.”
Who do you think Hayley is? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!