EastEnders fans were left astonished this week as iconic character Zoe Slater made a shock return to the BBC One soap after more than 20 years away.
In Monday’s episode, viewers were stunned to see Michelle Ryan reprise her role as Zoe in a surprise reveal in the episode’s closing moments.
The fan-favourite character, last seen on the show in 2005, was shown in a fraught state and secretly in contact with her cousin Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), who is currently living away from Albert Square in a temporary flat.
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) in disbelief and excitement over her comeback, with one writing: “Zoe Slater, back on the Square??? My life, you could’ve knocked me down with a feather! #EastEnders.”
Another added: “Still a major pinch-me moment that we’ve got Zoe Slater back on our screens in 2025 sharing scenes with Stacey & Alfie. It’s like the early 00s all over again.”
A third chimed in: “Zoe Slater back in #EastEnders in 2025 is wild man, I can’t get over it,” while a fourth said: “So great to have Zoe Slater back in Walford and I’m so glad that Michelle Ryan has come back to reprise the role.”
A fifth wrote: “Michelle Ryan looks incredible and really hasn’t aged a day. Can’t wait to see how the rest of this week unfolds. Bring on her full-time return in Sept #EastEnders.”
Tuesday night’s episode delved deeper into Zoe’s unexpected return, with Stacey revealing that Zoe had fled Spain and come back to London in debt to loan sharks.
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Stacey had called on Zoe’s stepfather, Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), for help, leading to an emotionally charged reunion.
Despite her visible bruises and distress, Zoe made one thing clear: she wanted nothing to do with her mother, Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace).
As Alfie and Stacey discussed Zoe’s situation, unaware she was secretly listening, tensions mounted. Zoe grew furious when Alfie suggested she reconnect with Kat and her siblings.
She lashed out, referencing the pain caused by Kat’s past marriage into the Mitchell family, particularly her betrayal involving Sam Mitchell and the murder of Den Watts.
Back in Walford, Kat had her own troubles – namely, her son Tommy’s behaviour – and called Alfie to ask him to come home. Alfie lied, saying he was with friends, but was caught out when Tommy used a tracking app to expose the truth.
As the drama escalated, threatening messages allegedly from loan sharks poured into Zoe’s phone. But Stacey grew suspicious of the timing, and her instincts proved right.
When she called the number, another phone rang from within the flat. The truth was revealed: Zoe had fabricated the entire story about the debt to secure shelter and money.
Furious but concerned, Stacey and Alfie again suggested contacting Kat, prompting a dramatic outburst from Zoe, who hurled a phone across the room. The episode ended on a cliffhanger as Kat appeared at the front door, calling out for Alfie.
BBC bosses have confirmed that Michelle Ryan’s return is not just a fleeting cameo. She’ll feature in three episodes this week, with a full-time return to EastEnders slated for later this summer.
