Zoe Slater has returned to Albert Square, with Michelle Ryan stepping back into the role after 20 years – and she’s set for plenty of drama ahead.
Michelle Ryan has made a striking comeback to EastEnders. The actress returned as the outspoken Zoe Slater in Monday’s episode after a 20-year absence. Her return was orchestrated by the soap’s new executive producer, Ben Wadey.
Talking about her comeback for the first time, Michelle said: “The timing felt right. I had already been considering coming back after catching up with Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell), and we were reminiscing about our great times on the show. I’d also started using social media and noticed how much love there still is for the character.”
“It just happened that around the same time, EastEnders brought in a new executive producer who was eager to explore the possibility of Zoe’s return because he’s a huge fan of Zoe and the Slaters. So our timing perfectly aligned, and I’m thrilled to be back. When Ben shared the storylines with me and I read the scripts, I immediately knew it was the right choice.”
Michelle has really enjoyed returning to the camera. She said, “It feels like coming home. After filming my first scenes, it felt like I’d never left.”
Michelle is set to be right in the thick of things, as the bosses have planned a series of major storylines for Zoe.
She said, “Zoe is a wreck. She’s not the same girl who left Walford 20 years ago, and she’s been having a tough time on her own. She’s guarded, but this week you’ll see she needs help—though whether she’s ready to accept it is a different matter.”
Executive producer Ben Wadey persuaded Michelle to come back to help increase ratings.
He said, “Even before I took on the role, Zoe Slater was one of the characters I most wanted to bring back. Although she hasn’t appeared on screen for 20 years, her storylines have kept her character timeless.
“I was over the moon when Michelle agreed to come back, and I’m excited to have her return to Walford. Zoe’s comeback is just one of many thrilling storylines we have in store.”
- Emmerdale and Coronation Street taken off air as viewers share identical frustration
- Emmerdale spoilers for next week: A first glimpse as Nate’s funeral begins
- Coronation Street next week: First glimpse as Mick Michaelis breaks out of prison
- “Coronation Street drops new promo as villain Mick breaks out of prison.”
- Coronation Street viewers call on ITVX to fix soap schedule shake-ups as they vent frustration over ‘missing’ episodes
