EastEnders fans have grown increasingly uneasy about Tommy’s online activities, 

particularly his interactions with a mysterious contact. Concerns have mounted over the nature of their conversations, sparking fears that the young boy may be at risk of online grooming. The situation escalates when Tommy, recently returned home after staying with 

Zack Hudson due to prior behavioral issues, becomes visibly distressed when he is unable 

to access the internet. His desperation raises red flags for his mother, Kat Slater, and her partner, Alfie Moon, prompting them to take action.

Sensing that something isn’t right, Kat and Alfie begin investigating Tommy’s online communications. What they uncover leaves them deeply unsettled, and their fears only grow as they realize the extent of his involvement with this unknown person. The discovery has left viewers speculating about the identity of Tommy’s online friend, with theories ranging from the return of a past character to a more unexpected, futuristic twist.

One prevailing theory suggests that Tommy’s mysterious contact could be Matthew Rose, a character played by Joe Absolom who appeared in the soap between 1997 and 2000. Matthew’s storyline was a dramatic one—he was wrongfully convicted of the murder of Saskia Duncan before eventually being exonerated. Some fans believe that Matthew could be making a return to the show and that he may somehow be connected to Tommy’s online activities. One viewer even took to Reddit to share their theory, stating, “So, I had a little snoop on Google and found a character called Matthew Rose from 1997-2000. Do we reckon that this is the Matt that Tommy is talking to?”

However, not everyone agrees with this theory. Another fan dismissed the idea, suggesting instead that the show’s writers might take a different approach, saying, “Knowing the current writing, it will be some random he met in the game who turns out to be Kat’s long-lost adopted son.”

While some believe the contact could be a returning character, others have taken a more unconventional approach. A second theory speculates that Tommy’s online friend isn’t a person at all, but rather an artificial intelligence. Some viewers have pointed out that the way the messages appeared on Tommy’s screen seemed too mechanical, leading them to suspect that he may be unknowingly communicating with an AI rather than a human. One viewer theorized, “Tommy’s friend is an AI. The way the words appeared on the screen seemed too mechanical—there was no time for a read and reply. His friend is a beep boop.” Another agreed, adding, “Yeah, after today’s episode I have to agree with you. I picked up on that too and thought it was too automated.”

Beyond these theories, others believe Tommy’s friend could be Joey Branning, a character who appeared on EastEnders between 2012 and 2013. Joey, the son of Derek Branning and brother to Alice Branning, was known for his turbulent family relationships and a controversial romance with his cousin, Lauren Branning. Some fans think Joey’s recent mention in the show may hint at his return. One fan speculated, “Do you think Tommy’s gaming friend could be Joey Branning? A little mention from Bianca recently. Maybe because Kat told him not to go over to his dad when he was having a heart attack and he hasn’t forgiven her / holds a grudge.” However, not everyone was on board with this idea. Another viewer responded, “Oh, I seriously hope it’s not Joey. Not just because the actor was terrible, but because I do NOT want that incest storyline starting up again.”

With so many theories circulating, fans are eager to see if Tommy’s mysterious friend is a returning face from Walford’s past or if the truth will be something even more unexpected. Meanwhile, Kat is struggling with Tommy’s behavior, which has already caused her significant heartache in the past. Last year, Tommy became aggressive towards her and his younger siblings, a situation she kept hidden until Jean Slater intervened. Concerned for the safety of Tommy’s twin brothers, Jean contacted social services, leading to a devastating decision—Tommy was placed in social care.

Fortunately, Zack Hudson, who was already an approved foster parent, stepped up and took Tommy in, allowing him to stay with him until he could return home. Kat and Alfie were relieved when a social worker confirmed that Tommy could finally come back to the family home. However, their happiness was short-lived when Tommy had another outburst over his lack of internet access, reigniting Kat’s fears about her son’s well-being.

Later, the tension between them worsens when Mo unexpectedly leaves Tommy alone with the twins, an action that further strains Kat’s already fragile relationship with her son. Feeling betrayed, Tommy emotionally withdraws, shutting himself off from those around him. In an attempt to repair their fractured bond, Kat decides to buy Tommy a new games console, hoping it will serve as a peace offering. Initially, it appears to work, as Tommy quickly becomes engrossed in chatting with his online friend once again. However, instead of easing Kat’s concerns, the situation only makes her more anxious.

Alfie encourages Kat to have an honest conversation with Tommy, urging her to get to the bottom of his secretive online activities. Eventually, Tommy starts to open up about his mysterious friend, though the information he reveals does little to put Kat’s mind at ease. As the tension in the household continues to mount, fans are left on edge, waiting to see whether Tommy’s friend is someone from his family’s past—or if the truth is far more sinister.

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