EastEnders fans were left reeling on June 16, 2025, as the beloved character Zoe Slater made a stunning return to Albert Square after a 20-year absence. Played by Michelle Ryan, Zoe's comeback was a highlight of the first episode under new executive producer Ben Wadey, who had long hoped to bring the character back to the BBC soap.
Zoe Slater first burst onto the scene in 2000 as part of the iconic Slater family. Her storyline quickly became one of the most memorable in soap history when, in 2001, it was dramatically revealed that Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), previously thought to be her sister, was in fact her mother. This revelation came in a gripping scene where Zoe defiantly shouted, "You ain’t my mother!" to which Kat responded firmly, "Yes I am!" This moment has since become legendary, cementing Zoe as a fan favourite and a key figure in EastEnders lore.
During her original run, Zoe's life was marked by tumultuous relationships and dramatic events. She was involved in several failed romances, most notably a fraught affair with Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman). This relationship resulted in a pregnancy and entangled Zoe in the infamous murder of Den Watts, alongside Chrissie Watts and Sam Mitchell. The fallout from these events ultimately led to Zoe's departure from Walford in 2005, when she fled to Ibiza to escape the consequences.
While Zoe and Kat parted on seemingly good terms at that time, the two have since become estranged. In the two decades away from the show, their relationship broke down again, adding layers of complexity to Zoe’s return storyline. Fans will also see Zoe navigating new family dynamics, including meeting siblings she has never encountered before and dealing with fractured relationships within the Slater clan.
Michelle Ryan, now 40, expressed excitement about reprising the role, describing it as "coming home." She shared that after reconnecting with former cast members like Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell), and seeing the enduring affection fans hold for Zoe on social media, the timing felt right. Ryan explained, "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." She added that reading the scripts confirmed to her that returning was the right decision.
Executive Producer Ben Wadey echoed this enthusiasm, stating, "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." Wadey expressed delight at Ryan’s agreement to return and hinted at many exciting storylines ahead, though he remained tight-lipped about specifics.
Viewers first glimpsed Zoe’s return in the June 16 episode, which was notably withheld from early release on BBC iPlayer to preserve the surprise. The episode featured a mysterious brunette sleeping dishevelled on a sofa, later revealed to be Zoe. The character appeared visibly troubled, described by Ryan as "a mess" who has "been really struggling on her own." She has her defences up, but as the week’s episodes unfold, it becomes clear she needs help—though whether she will accept it remains uncertain.
Zoe's return coincides with a major event in Walford: her mother Kat preparing to marry Alfie Moon for the third time and take over the Queen Victoria pub. This backdrop sets the stage for intense family drama and emotional confrontations, especially given the strained history between Kat and Zoe.
Michelle Ryan’s journey with EastEnders has been notable. After her departure in 2005, she pursued other projects, including a leading role in the American remake of "The Bionic Woman," which was unfortunately cancelled after one season. She also appeared in independent films such as "4.3.2.1." and "Cockneys vs Zombies," and had guest roles in popular BBC shows like "Merlin," "Doctor Who," and "Death In Paradise." Despite previously expressing boredom with the repetitive nature of soap acting and ruling out a return in 2008, Ryan’s stance softened in recent years, acknowledging in 2024 that "never say never" applies to a potential comeback.
Fans have long speculated about Zoe’s return, especially around milestone events like EastEnders’ 30th and 40th anniversaries. When Ryan shared nostalgic photos on social media in early 2025, excitement surged, with many expressing hope that she would reprise her role. Now, that wish has been fulfilled, setting the stage for fresh storylines exploring Zoe’s fractured family ties and personal struggles.
As EastEnders continues to air Monday through Thursday evenings on BBC One, with episodes available early on BBC iPlayer, audiences can look forward to seeing Zoe’s story unfold in the coming weeks and her full-time return later this summer. With the combination of a beloved character, a new executive producer eager to shake things up, and the backdrop of Kat and Alfie’s wedding, Walford is poised for some compelling drama.
For now, one thing is clear: Zoe Slater’s return is not just a nostalgic nod to the past but a bold step into new, emotionally charged territory, promising to captivate both longtime fans and new viewers alike.
