Zoe Slater’s Shocking Return: Michelle Ryan’s EastEnders Comeback After 20 Years

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Michelle Ryan has returned to EastEnders as Zoe Slater for the first time in two decades.

Today marked the debut of the first episode on BBC One’s soap opera, now overseen by new executive producer Ben Wadey. In an attempt to maintain the element of surprise, they decided to delay the early release on BBC iPlayer and save it for the terrestrial broadcast instead.

A report from The Sun hinted at Zoe Slater’s potential return, but the show held off on confirmation until now, and indeed, it has been confirmed that actress Michelle Ryan will reprise her role.

According to the BBC, Ryan is set to play Zoe in this week’s episodes on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a major return planned for the summer.

As a devoted fan, Zoe Slater had always been on my dream list of characters I’d love to see make a comeback. Even though it’s been two decades since we last saw her on screen, the enduring popularity of her compelling narratives has made her timeless.

I was overjoyed when Michelle decided to come back, and I’m ecstatic to have her return to Walford once more. Although I can’t reveal much yet, Zoe’s comeback is part of several intriguing plotlines we’ve been working on.

On Monday, June 16th, 2025, I found myself back in the world of EastEnders, and boy, was Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) in a pickle! She’s been MIA from Walford for a bit, but her return wasn’t exactly a joyful reunion. Seems she had some stolen purchases on her hands and was trying to get the bank to reverse the charges. Unfortunately, they weren’t as cooperative as she had hoped.

In a messy room, a woman with dark hair was found dozing on the couch beneath covers. As she moved, a liquor bottle tumbled out from under the blankets.

Stacey yelled at her to wake up and called her a thief.

After leaving her children with her cousin Lynne, Stacey later cleaned up the apartment she was staying in, remarking, “I’m not just sitting here to pick up your ‘pants’, if you could even call them that!” instead.

Next, Stacey attempted to reach Alfie by phone, but he failed to pick up. In an effort to engage Alfie, Stacey informed the person she was speaking with about his involvement, hoping this would prompt a conversation between them. Meanwhile, Stacey heard a woman retching in the restroom.

At home, Stacey arrived with groceries, only to find the apartment disorganized. She scolded the resident for being untidy – until she discovered they were gone.

Eventually, Stacey’s phone calls led to Alfie’s arrival, and he suggested they search for a particular individual. However, Stacey warned him off this person, referring to her as unstable, implying it might be wiser for them to leave the situation instead.

Yet, upon hearing the sound of the enigmatic woman’s arrival, Stacey warned Alfie to brace himself because she was not the same as how he had recalled her.

When the woman entered, Alfie finally addressed her, and her identity was revealed: “Zoe.”

After a gap of 20 years, viewers had their initial glimpse once more of Michelle Ryan portraying Zoe Slater, now appearing somewhat unkempt and discontent.

What’s the latest with her character? When can we expect to see her reconnecting with actress Jessie Wallace’s character, Kat Moon, again on screen?

Back in 2005, I found myself slipping away from Walford and escaping to the vibrant shores of Ibiza. You see, my past had caught up with me, entwined in the tragic murder of Den Watts – a connection that scheming Chrissie Watts had orchestrated.

After a challenging few years marked by the revelation that my friend Zoe was born from an incestuous, abusive relationship I suffered as a teen at my uncle Harry Slater’s hands, our bond seemed to fade away off-screen over time.

We’ll need to observe and find out how the story unfolds for one of EastEnders’ legendary mother-daughter duos.

Michelle Ryan shared with BBC about her comeback: “Everything fell into place at the perfect moment. I had been contemplating a return as I reconnected with Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell), reminiscing our cherished moments from the series. Additionally, I had recently joined social media and noticed that the character was still deeply loved by many.

Coincidentally, as EastEnders introduced a new Executive who shared my enthusiasm for Zoe and the Slaters, we found ourselves at a crossroads that suited us perfectly. I’m thrilled to be returning, especially after hearing Ben’s ideas for the storylines and reading the scripts – it felt like the perfect choice.

She remarked, “It seems as though I’ve returned home. Following the initial few takes, it felt like I hadn’t left at all.

Regarding Zoe’s current situation, Ryan observed: “I can’t reveal much because there’s a lot of turmoil on the horizon, but Zoe is in a state. She’s not the same person who left Walford twenty years ago, and she’s been having a tough time alone. Her protective walls are up, but this week you’ll see that she needs assistance. However, whether she’s open to receiving help is another matter entirely.

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2025-06-16 22:34