This page is dedicated to news and updates on Michelle's return to Eastenders in 2025.
SUMMARY OF MICHELLE'S PREVIOUS TIME ON THE SHOW:
Michelle Ryan began her tenure on EastEnders in September 2000, portraying Zoe Slater, a character introduced alongside the rest of the Slater family. At just 16 years old, Ryan quickly became central to some of the soap's most dramatic and memorable storylines. One of the most iconic moments in British television history occurred in 2001 when Zoe discovered that her sister Kat was, in fact, her mother, following a traumatic revelation about Kat's past. The confrontation culminated in the unforgettable exchange: "You ain't my mother!"—"Yes I am!"
Throughout her time on the show, Zoe's character was involved in several intense plots. She experienced a complex relationship with Dennis Rickman, which led to a controversial affair with his father, Den Watts. This entanglement resulted in Zoe's involvement in Den's murder, a storyline that saw her conspiring with Chrissie Watts and Sam Mitchell. Believing she had killed Den, Zoe was later devastated to learn that Chrissie had delivered the fatal blow. This series of events led to Zoe's departure from Walford in June 2005, as she sought a fresh start away from the turmoil.
During her five-year stint on EastEnders, Michelle Ryan appeared in over 200 episodes, leaving a lasting impact on the show's legacy. Her portrayal of Zoe Slater earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
Michelle Ryan began her tenure on EastEnders in September 2000, portraying Zoe Slater, a character introduced alongside the rest of the Slater family. At just 16 years old, Ryan quickly became central to some of the soap's most dramatic and memorable storylines. One of the most iconic moments in British television history occurred in 2001 when Zoe discovered that her sister Kat was, in fact, her mother, following a traumatic revelation about Kat's past. The confrontation culminated in the unforgettable exchange: "You ain't my mother!"—"Yes I am!"
Throughout her time on the show, Zoe's character was involved in several intense plots. She experienced a complex relationship with Dennis Rickman, which led to a controversial affair with his father, Den Watts. This entanglement resulted in Zoe's involvement in Den's murder, a storyline that saw her conspiring with Chrissie Watts and Sam Mitchell. Believing she had killed Den, Zoe was later devastated to learn that Chrissie had delivered the fatal blow. This series of events led to Zoe's departure from Walford in June 2005, as she sought a fresh start away from the turmoil.
During her five-year stint on EastEnders, Michelle Ryan appeared in over 200 episodes, leaving a lasting impact on the show's legacy. Her portrayal of Zoe Slater earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
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4th September 2025
*** SPOILER WARNING *** As Zoe's storyline continues to dominate the Eastenders this week, 2 further articles around 'revelations' of her return are discussed: EastEnders confirms tragedy for Zoe Slater in emotional death story EastEnders fans 'work out' identity of Zoe's son as Max Branning makes bombshell return |
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3rd September 2025
*** SPOILER WARNING ***
Will this unresolved plot point be picked up now Zoe is back? - Kat Slater and Zoe plot point EastEnders really need to resolve after 'forgetting' storyline.
*** SPOILER WARNING ***
Will this unresolved plot point be picked up now Zoe is back? - Kat Slater and Zoe plot point EastEnders really need to resolve after 'forgetting' storyline.
2nd September 2025
Zoe and Kat hit the covers of TV Choice and Inside Soap this week - check out the covers and features below.
Zoe and Kat hit the covers of TV Choice and Inside Soap this week - check out the covers and features below.
1st September 2025
Some press junket articles out today:
Digital Spy: EastEnders' Michelle Ryan confirms major Zoe Slater change ahead of iconic return
Daily Mirror: Everything to know about Zoe Slater's EastEnders return as BBC bosses make huge U-turn
Some press junket articles out today:
Digital Spy: EastEnders' Michelle Ryan confirms major Zoe Slater change ahead of iconic return
Daily Mirror: Everything to know about Zoe Slater's EastEnders return as BBC bosses make huge U-turn
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31st August 2025
The wait is over, Michelle officially returns full time to Eastenders this week. The BBC publicity machine has been running over time with clips and updates teasing what we can expect. The is airing Monday thru Thursday. It usually release at 06:00am on BBC, ahead of the official transmission, but Wednesday's episode releases the same time as the BBC One airing, w=so we can expect this to be the BIG moment kat comes face-to-face with Zoe foe the first time. On her Instagram page Michelle said tonight: I really want to see these episodes! It’s going to be quite the week. And the episodes just keep building to what we are currently filming. It’s keeping me on my toes and I’m grateful for such a great character arc. Roll on Monday. And I won’t be able to watch early on I player before work, so I’ll be watching with everyone else. |
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2nd July 2025
The Daily Mirror today as some news and photo's of Michelle back the Eastenders on-set filming. No return date is set as yet, but our guess is sometime in the next few weeks, after Wimbledon. The article said:
In the pictures, Michelle could be seen filming on set with Sonny Kendall, who plays Kat Slater's (Jessie Wallace) son, Tommy Moon. Zoe has never met her half-brother Tommy, but from the pictures, it looks like their first meeting could be happening very soon. As well as Tommy, Zoe also has half brothers Bert and Ernie, who she's also yet to meet.
Fans can expect drama to go down when Zoe eventually does reunite with her mum Kat. The pair had a turbulent relationship, with which included revelations about Kat's past and the truth about Zoe's parentage. Despite a reconciliation, the pair's relationship became fractured again and they now remained estranged.
The Daily Mirror today as some news and photo's of Michelle back the Eastenders on-set filming. No return date is set as yet, but our guess is sometime in the next few weeks, after Wimbledon. The article said:
In the pictures, Michelle could be seen filming on set with Sonny Kendall, who plays Kat Slater's (Jessie Wallace) son, Tommy Moon. Zoe has never met her half-brother Tommy, but from the pictures, it looks like their first meeting could be happening very soon. As well as Tommy, Zoe also has half brothers Bert and Ernie, who she's also yet to meet.
Fans can expect drama to go down when Zoe eventually does reunite with her mum Kat. The pair had a turbulent relationship, with which included revelations about Kat's past and the truth about Zoe's parentage. Despite a reconciliation, the pair's relationship became fractured again and they now remained estranged.
Michelle has been pictured filming for Zoe's return later in the summer(Image: ISOIMAGES LTD)
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Michelle Ryan pictured back on EastEnders set for first time(Image: ISOIMAGES LTD)
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21st June 2025
News today is that Eastenders is have a slight schedule shake up due partly to Wimbledon, which runs from Monday June 30th to Sunday July 13th.:
"Due to this, there won’t be any room for EastEnders to air in the usual 7.30pm slot.
Instead, viewers will need to head over to BBC Two to get their usual fix of the soap.
On the week commencing June 30, EastEnders will only air on Monday and Tuesday.
However, it will broadcast two episodes in a row, therefore effectively broadcasting a week’s worth of episodes in just two days."
As seen on Thursday's episode, Alfie has flown abroad to try and track down Zoe and bring her home to Walford. I wouldn't be surprised if Michelle is back on our screens in the next fortnight or so, given the momentum they have built this week for her return. It's possible they will wait until the show returns to it's normal scheduled which would potentially put Michelle and Alfie coming back to the Square on Monday July 14th.
Meanwhile the BBC have released to official video's promoting Michelle's return:
News today is that Eastenders is have a slight schedule shake up due partly to Wimbledon, which runs from Monday June 30th to Sunday July 13th.:
"Due to this, there won’t be any room for EastEnders to air in the usual 7.30pm slot.
Instead, viewers will need to head over to BBC Two to get their usual fix of the soap.
On the week commencing June 30, EastEnders will only air on Monday and Tuesday.
However, it will broadcast two episodes in a row, therefore effectively broadcasting a week’s worth of episodes in just two days."
As seen on Thursday's episode, Alfie has flown abroad to try and track down Zoe and bring her home to Walford. I wouldn't be surprised if Michelle is back on our screens in the next fortnight or so, given the momentum they have built this week for her return. It's possible they will wait until the show returns to it's normal scheduled which would potentially put Michelle and Alfie coming back to the Square on Monday July 14th.
Meanwhile the BBC have released to official video's promoting Michelle's return:
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19th June 2025
Screen grabs from Michelle's episode last night, Wednesday the 18th. Her final appearance, by the looks of it, in this block. She is due to return 'in the Summer'. Keep tuned to our site for updates on when this is.
Screen grabs from Michelle's episode last night, Wednesday the 18th. Her final appearance, by the looks of it, in this block. She is due to return 'in the Summer'. Keep tuned to our site for updates on when this is.
July 18 2025
Screengrabs from last night's episode (Tuesday 17th June). This is the 2nd of Michelle's 3 appearances this week.
Screengrabs from last night's episode (Tuesday 17th June). This is the 2nd of Michelle's 3 appearances this week.
Michelle returns to the Square looking the worse for wear,
June 17th 2025
Michelle made her return to Eastenders last night, in dramatic fashion, looking very much the worse for wear when she was revealed at the end of the episode. We have been promised she will be in 2 more episodes this week, before coming back fulltime in 'the Summer'. Follow the official Eastenders web page here, BBC Press Office news on her return is here.
On her character’s return storylines, Ryan said: “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 20 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.”
We have 3 new articles/interviews about Michelle's Return - BBC PRESS RELEASE - Yahoo news - The Independent
Michelle made her return to Eastenders last night, in dramatic fashion, looking very much the worse for wear when she was revealed at the end of the episode. We have been promised she will be in 2 more episodes this week, before coming back fulltime in 'the Summer'. Follow the official Eastenders web page here, BBC Press Office news on her return is here.
On her character’s return storylines, Ryan said: “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 20 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.”
We have 3 new articles/interviews about Michelle's Return - BBC PRESS RELEASE - Yahoo news - The Independent
Official promo photo for Michelle's return to Eastenders
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Promo 2 for Zoe's return
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June 3rd 2025
Several media outlets are now saying Michelle will return to the show 'later this year', which gives the impression it will be around Autumn time.
Entertainment Daily had the following today, on speculation how Michelle's character might be reintroduced into the show:
1. Making up with Kat
Highest on fans’ list of demands is that estranged mother and daughter Kat and Zoe settle their differences. With Zoe now in her 40s, it would be interesting to see the family dynamic between an all-grown up Zoe and her mother.
“Have her makeup with Kat. Last time we heard from her, she no longer wanted Kat in her life,” wrote one fan on Reddit.
“The scenes of her and Kat are going to incredible,” said another.
Could Zoe return to Albert Square to repair her relationship with Kat?
2. She’s married to Max
Another theory has predicted that when she does return to Walford, she may not do so alone. With Jake Wood’s Max Branning also rumoured to be headed back into town, some have wondered whether she may have met and married Max during the missing years.
“Theory going around that Zoe returns with her husband Max Branning. Can you imagine?” said one fan.
“What if Zoe new fella is Max?” asked another.
“The mess that would be interesting tbf,” a third mused.
3. For Kat and Alfie’s wedding (again)
Upcoming EastEnders spoilers have revealed that Kat and Alfie are set to tie the knot for a third time. The soap has already released images of Kat and Alfie in their full wedding gear, but some have predicted a twist in store.
“Apparently I’ve heard that these scenes are for a “Fake wedding” as part of Alfie & Kat’s new photoshoot setup. This means that the actual #Kalfie wedding ( if there is one) could still take place in September in line with Zoe’s return,” one viewer teased.
“I’m guessing Zoe will return at Kat and Alfie’s wedding then,” said another.
4. She’s taking over The Vic
With a recent leak revealing that The Vic is set to go up for auction in the upcoming weeks, speculation has been rife about who the new owners might be. Putting two and two together – and adding another fan theory to the sum – one viewer has predicted that Zoe might become the pub’s new landlady.
“Watch when Zoe is Max’s new rich wife and they’ve come back to run the Vic together…” this fan said on X.
Several media outlets are now saying Michelle will return to the show 'later this year', which gives the impression it will be around Autumn time.
Entertainment Daily had the following today, on speculation how Michelle's character might be reintroduced into the show:
1. Making up with Kat
Highest on fans’ list of demands is that estranged mother and daughter Kat and Zoe settle their differences. With Zoe now in her 40s, it would be interesting to see the family dynamic between an all-grown up Zoe and her mother.
“Have her makeup with Kat. Last time we heard from her, she no longer wanted Kat in her life,” wrote one fan on Reddit.
“The scenes of her and Kat are going to incredible,” said another.
Could Zoe return to Albert Square to repair her relationship with Kat?
2. She’s married to Max
Another theory has predicted that when she does return to Walford, she may not do so alone. With Jake Wood’s Max Branning also rumoured to be headed back into town, some have wondered whether she may have met and married Max during the missing years.
“Theory going around that Zoe returns with her husband Max Branning. Can you imagine?” said one fan.
“What if Zoe new fella is Max?” asked another.
“The mess that would be interesting tbf,” a third mused.
3. For Kat and Alfie’s wedding (again)
Upcoming EastEnders spoilers have revealed that Kat and Alfie are set to tie the knot for a third time. The soap has already released images of Kat and Alfie in their full wedding gear, but some have predicted a twist in store.
“Apparently I’ve heard that these scenes are for a “Fake wedding” as part of Alfie & Kat’s new photoshoot setup. This means that the actual #Kalfie wedding ( if there is one) could still take place in September in line with Zoe’s return,” one viewer teased.
“I’m guessing Zoe will return at Kat and Alfie’s wedding then,” said another.
4. She’s taking over The Vic
With a recent leak revealing that The Vic is set to go up for auction in the upcoming weeks, speculation has been rife about who the new owners might be. Putting two and two together – and adding another fan theory to the sum – one viewer has predicted that Zoe might become the pub’s new landlady.
“Watch when Zoe is Max’s new rich wife and they’ve come back to run the Vic together…” this fan said on X.
