During Tuesday’s trip to Walford (July 23), Kat found herself on the receiving end of Tommy’s outburst as his hostile behaviour turned violent.

The teenager became aggressive after he tried to play matchmaker between Kat her and her hard nut ex-husband Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), and failed.

Over the next few weeks and months, viewers of the BBC One soap will see Tommy use his behaviour to control and dominate Kat.

This will have a huge effect on their relationship, as well as a wider effect on the whole Slater-Moon family.

Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, said: “Kat is well-known in Albert Square for her no-nonsense attitude and fiery temper, but this storyline will explore how Tommy manipulates Kat’s unequivocal love for her son to exert his anger and elicit control.

“Jessie [Wallace] and Sonny’s [Kendall] performances have thoughtfully portrayed the complex realities of child to parent abuse with compassion and understanding, and the storyline will demonstrate how Tommy’s behaviour effects their relationship and the wider Slater-Moon family as a whole.”

Clenshaw added: “To ensure we accurately and sensitively portray the realities of child to parent abuse, we have worked alongside Family Based Solutions, PEGS and NSPCC as well as other experts in the field.”

EastEnders are working with both Family Based Solutions and PEGS on the storyline as well as the NSPCC, who have been consulted on wider aspects of the storyline ahead of the heartbreaking scenes.

Jason Phasouliotis, Secondary Age Lead Practitioner at Family Based Solutions, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside EastEnders on this storyline to bring to light a critical and often overlooked issue: child-to-parent abuse (CPA).

“Throughout our time working together, EastEnders has shown a deep commitment to portray this sensitive topic with the seriousness it deserves, and we hope this storyline will resonate with families experiencing CPA to encourage them to reach out for support.”

Michelle John, Director at PEGS, added: “This storyline is a critical turning point for those experiencing child to parent abuse. By EastEnders showing the reality of child to parent abuse (CPA), not only will it shine a light on CPA, but we hope it will encourage important discussions and raise awareness of the situations parental figures are facing across the UK and further afield.

“PEGS was privileged to work alongside EastEnders and provide insight, guidance and support for the team.

“It was clear from our first conversation that the script writers wanted to ensure the storyline came across in a way that was real but with respect and compassion for those who have or who are experiencing this form of abuse. We hope that will encourage parents, carers or guardians to come forward and seek support.”