Tensions ran high in EastEnders as Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) delivered a brutal accusation against Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), leaving fans stunned. 

As emotions boiled over during a memorial for the late Martin Fowler (James Bye), Ruby’s grief took a sharp turn, 

culminating in a confrontation that could change everything for Stacey.

A Memorial Full of Tension

Ruby, determined to honour Martin’s memory, arranged an elegant memorial at Harry’s Barn, aiming to create a refined and fitting tribute. 

However, the event didn’t sit well with some of Martin’s closest friends and family. Stacey, still struggling with her grief, opted not to attend, as did Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean). 

Instead, Martin’s adoptive daughter, Lily (Lillia Turner), arrived alongside her grandmother Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and Jean’s partner Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman).

Despite Ruby’s efforts, the atmosphere at the gathering felt off. Some of Martin’s friends commented that the music choice didn’t reflect his personality, while Lily openly mocked the wine selection. As the event continued, those who knew Martin best sought to bring some authenticity to the occasion by playing a few of his favourite songs, making the event feel more personal.

Tensions Erupt as Lily Speaks Out

The tension escalated when Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) was encouraged by his wife Honey (Emma Barton) to share a few words. Billy fondly recalled Martin’s youth, particularly the times he’d witnessed Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard) scolding him. His speech painted a picture of Martin as a decent man and a true friend.

Ruby, however, took a different approach, speaking about the future that had been stolen from her and their son, Roman. This did not sit well with Lily, who had overheard a conversation between her mother and grandmother. Unable to contain herself, Lily publicly declared that Martin had professed his love for Stacey just before his death.

Ruby Confronts Stacey

Ruby was visibly shaken by Lily’s revelation and immediately sought out Stacey for answers. Bursting into her home, she demanded to know the truth, desperate to confirm what had really happened between Martin and Stacey in his final moments.

Stacey, faced with the direct confrontation, decided to lie to defuse the situation. She told Ruby that Lily had simply misunderstood and insisted that Martin had truly been in love with Ruby until the end.

Though Ruby appeared to accept the explanation, she made it clear that she had reached her breaking point with the Slater family. Handing over responsibility for Martin’s funeral to Stacey, she washed her hands of any further involvement. But before walking away, Ruby delivered a final, cutting blow—blaming Stacey for Martin’s death.

Is Stacey Responsible?

Ruby’s accusation is a harsh one, but viewers will recall the tragic circumstances leading up to Martin’s death. In the aftermath of The Queen Vic’s collapse, Stacey and Martin had been trapped together. Rather than focusing on escaping, Stacey insisted they needed to talk about their unresolved feelings. This crucial decision delayed their exit from the wreckage and ultimately sealed Martin’s fate.

While Stacey’s actions were driven by love and desperation, Ruby’s words may force her to confront the weight of her choices. Will this guilt send Stacey into a downward spiral as she struggles to cope with the loss of Martin?

What’s Next for Stacey and Ruby?

With emotions still raw and the funeral arrangements now in Stacey’s hands, the fallout from this confrontation is far from over. Ruby’s grief has turned to anger, and it remains to be seen whether she will continue to blame Stacey or if she will come to terms with Martin’s tragic fate. Meanwhile, Stacey must wrestle with both her sorrow and the painful reminder that her choices may have played a role in his demise.

As EastEnders continues to unfold, fans are left wondering how Stacey will handle the weight of this accusation—and whether Ruby will seek further retribution in the weeks to come.

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