ZOE SLATER RETURNS TO EASTENDERS AS MICHELLE RYAN REPRISES ROLE

Following her epic return in the Monday 16 June episode and with more drama expected to continue, Zoe Slater is making her way back to Walford later this year as Michelle Ryan reprises the role.

Although her character hasn’t been seen on screen for 20 years, Zoe Slater is immortalised in EastEnders’ rich history having been involved in some of the show’s most iconic storylines, including the classic ‘You ain’t my mother’ storyline which is still quoted to this very day.

In 2001, it was revealed that Zoe Slater, the youngest sibling of the all-female Slater clan, was in fact the daughter of Walford’s iconic Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), and the news kickstarted a 24-year cycle of resentment that the mother-daughter duo have been unable to shift.

Zoe had a string of countless failed love interests during her time in Albert Square, but the most detrimental of all was her relationship with Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman) which saw Zoe embroiled in the murder of Den Watts with accomplices Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), after her affair with Den and subsequent pregnancy came to light.

Zoe left Albert Square in 2005 when she reconciled with Kat after admitting the truth about Den Watts’ murder, but during her time away from Albert Square, Zoe and Kat’s relationship broke down once again and the pair have been estranged ever since.

With twenty years of deep-rooted resentment towards her mum, fractured family relationships, and siblings she has never met, Zoe will be in for one hell of a ride when she returns, but the road back to Walford will not be an easy one…

Speaking on his decision to bring Michelle Ryan back to the role of Zoe Slater, EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey 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.”

EastEnders airs Mon-Thu at 7:30pm on BBC One.