EastEnders’ Jessie Wallace calls for iconic Slater character’s return to soap: “Make it happen!”

2005 saw both Wallace and Ryan departing the soap, with Ryan not returning since then, whereas Wallace has made several comebacks since then and has remained an ongoing member of the cast since 2018.

In the debut episode of Lacey Turner’s latest podcast, We Started Here, Wallace expressed his enthusiasm about the possibility of seeing Zoe return to Albert Square as well.

Turner remarked, “You’ve been involved in some truly memorable plotlines.” The one with Kat and Zoe… It would be fantastic if she returned. What do you think about that possibility?

Wallace replied: “I think it’d be great. I think it would be lovely.”

After Turner said “Hello Mum”, Wallace responded with a shiver, saying, “Wow, that sent chills down my spine! How about we recreate that moment? It would certainly be wonderful!

Reflecting on my role in the previously discussed narrative, I must confess that it was an incredibly challenging experience.

She shared: “In those days, we’d receive bags loaded with letters, mostly from teenage girls who were experiencing or had experienced similar situations as Kat. They were connecting with her and seeking my advice.

Although I’m an actor, I had to give the role to the NSPCC, which was quite challenging. Yes, it left a significant impression. Initially, Kat gave birth to Zoe when she was only 12 years old in the storyline, but John Yorke, our executive producer, altered it so that Kat was 14 instead. As a result, I now have to play a character who is two years older than me on screen, making me appear as a 54-year-old actor.

It’s worth noting that last year, Ryan expressed a possibility of returning to EastEnders at some point in the future, stating that she wouldn’t entirely rule it out.

In response to fan inquiries on Instagram regarding her reunion post with Kacey Ainsworth, Ryan hinted that a potential return might be under consideration, as she replied “that decision lies with the producers.” Thus, it seems that the possibility is very much alive.

Our show “We Started Here” begins distribution across all podcast platforms starting Tuesday, January 28th. On the other hand, the soap opera “EastEnders” airs daily, Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM on BBC One, and is also available from 6 AM on BBC iPlayer.