**Jessie Wallace Takes on Landmark Role as Kat Moon Becomes the New Queen Vic Landlady on EastEnders**
EastEnders fans can expect a dramatic shift in Albert Square, as beloved character Kat Moon—portrayed for years by Jessie Wallace—steps into a significant new role. The iconic Queen Vic pub, long a focal point for neighbourhood intrigue and drama, will soon find Kat at the helm, prompting both anticipation and reminiscence among the show’s dedicated viewers.
After a period of uncertainty for the Queen Vic, with regulars Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) forced to put the bustling boozer up for sale, it’s Kat who will now take ownership of the pub’s legendary bar. Sources from within the production indicate that this development is not just another plot twist, but a milestone for Kat as a character, and for Jessie Wallace’s impressive run on the BBC soap.
This fresh appointment carries a sense of narrative full-circle. Kat’s EastEnders journey famously began in 2000, when she joined Albert Square as a barmaid at the very same Vic she will now run. A decade later, she returned to assist her on-screen partner Alfie Moon—played by Shane Richie—in a joint attempt to restore order to the time-honoured establishment. However, this marks the first occasion that Kat will be solely in charge, licensed as the singular authority behind the bar, paving the way for compelling storylines ahead.
Kat’s recent marriage to Alfie Moon for the third time has been something of a fan-driven event, with the couple’s on-and-off relationship spanning more than two decades. Their tumultuous but passionate partnership has become a lynchpin of EastEnders’ emotional landscape, and the appointment of Kat as landlady is seen as an evolution for both characters.
For many, Kat joins an exclusive club of EastEnders royalty. The list of famous landladies and pub owners reads like a who’s who of British television. Legends such as Angie Watts (Anita Dobson), Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement), Peggy Mitchell (Dame Barbara Windsor) and Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) all left indelible marks during their time running the Queen Vic, and Kat’s arrival promises to add a fresh dynamic to the pub’s enduring legacy.
The baton is being passed not only onscreen but behind the scenes as well. This Friday’s episode will mark the final contribution from Chris Clenshaw, who has guided the soap for the last three years as executive producer. Clenshaw’s tenure included critically acclaimed story arcs, among them the surprise return of Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) in 2023 and Lola Pearce’s heart-wrenching farewell—earning awards for its sensitive portrayal of loss.
As Clenshaw steps away, experienced script editor Ben Wadey is poised to take on the executive reins. Commenting on the transition, cast members have spoken positively of Wadey’s creative vision and his collaborative approach, suggesting a promising future for the series as it continues to explore the complexities of East End life.
Actor Colin Salmon, who plays George Knight on the show, recently described EastEnders as being in a “very good place” and attributed much of the programme’s enduring popularity to its “authentic humour” and the way it reflects real-life struggles and levity. His on-screen wife, Harriet Thorpe, echoed these sentiments, complimenting Wadey’s innovative energy and leadership.
For Jessie Wallace, stepping into the shoes of a Queen Vic landlady reflects her character’s growth and the strength she brings to the Square. The move is expected to spark new drama, laughter, heartbreak, and—true to the spirit of EastEnders—no shortage of surprises for those who gather in Walford’s most famous watering hole.
Viewers can catch Kat’s debut behind the bar in upcoming episodes, as the soap heads into a new chapter under fresh stewardship, both on and off camera.