Lily Slater struggles to cope with the devastating loss of her stepfather, Martin Fowler, whose life was tragically cut short following the Queen Vic explosion. As Walford residents gather for his funeral, Lily’s grief manifests in anger, particularly toward her mother, Stacey Slater, who has been absent in recent weeks. Stacey, seeking solace with her brother Sean, returns home intoxicated, further widening the rift between mother and daughter.

Frustrated and feeling abandoned, Lily turns to alcohol herself, encouraged by Avani Nandra-Hart. When Stacey discovers her daughter inebriated, she attempts to reconnect, but Lily rejects her efforts. Their strained relationship takes a turn, however, when tragedy strikes again—Martin’s cherished market stall is consumed by flames. This shared outrage unites the grieving mother and daughter, pushing Stacey to vow justice. As she sets out to uncover who is behind the destruction, the question remains: Will she find the culprit, or will more secrets emerge from the shadows of Albert Square?