Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater in EastEnders / BBC
Michelle Ryan is to return to EastEnders as Zoe Slater full-time, it has been confirmed by the BBC.
The character – daughter of Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) – was last seen in Walford 20 years ago but made a shock comeback in last night’s episode of the soap, confirming rumours of her impending return.
Zoe will appear in several episodes this week and then will be back in E20 permanently later in the year.
New executive producer Ben Wadey, who orchestrated Ryan’s return, said: “Before I even stepped into the role, Zoe Slater was on my wish-list of returnees as although we haven’t seen her on screen for twenty years, her character has transcended time due to her popular storylines.
“I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I’m thrilled to welcome her back to Walford. Whilst I can’t say too much at this stage, Zoe’s return is just one of the many exciting storylines we have planned.”
Ryan, meanwhile, explained: “It all happened at the right time. I’d already been thinking about a return because I’d met up with Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell) and we were reminiscing our fond memories of the show, and I’d also joined social media and saw that there was still a lot of love for the character.
“It just so happened that at the same time, EastEnders had announced a new exec who was keen to explore the potential of a return as he was such a massive fan of Zoe and the Slaters, so both of our worlds aligned at the right time, and I’m so excited to be back. When Ben pitched me the storylines, and when I read the scripts, I knew it was the right decision.”
On what is to come for Zoe, she added: “I can’t say too much as there is a lot of drama to come, but Zoe is a mess. She’s not the girl that left Walford twenty years ago, and she’s been really struggling on her own.
“She has her defences up, but this week you will see that she needs help, but whether she is willing to accept it is another story.”
EastEnders is released Mondays to Thursdays at 6am on iPlayer and airs at 7.30pm on BBC One.
