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.
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
|
Promo 2 for Zoe's return
|
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.
