EastEnders star teases huge storyline to run for months as Zoe Slater 'returns'
EXCLUSIVE: EastEnders actor Shane Richie has hinted at a major new storyline on the cards for Alfie Moon and Kat Slater amid a wedding for the pair, with the reports Zoe Slater is returning
Alfie Moon actor Shane Richie may have shared hints at the rumoured EastEnders return of Zoe Slater. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror at The British Soap Awards 2025, the Walford legend revealed there were huge scenes on the way. He promised a massive new storyline that would top the soap's 40th anniversary.
Not only that, but he revealed the storyline would run for months, continuing into next year. He remained coy over what and who the storyline involved, but teased "fireworks".
He hinted it would involve Alfie and Kat, amid reports Kat's daughter Zoe will finally make her return to the show after decades. Michelle Ryan is tipped to reprise her role for the first time since 2005, so perhaps this is what Shane was referring to.
Teasing all, Shane revealed new producer Ben Wadey had huge things planned for the show. The actor told us: "He has told me some things. I said let me sit down.
"There's fireworks, there's Kat and Alfie. There is a story that is about to kick in, which will carry on through to after C hristmas. Honestly it's a big story. If you thought the 40th was big wait until you see this story. That's all I'm saying."
Shane also told us about his hopes for a Spencer Moon return. Spencer was mentioned recently on the show after his partner Vicki Fowler made her own comeback after more than 20 years away.
Now, Shane is hoping Alfie will be reunited with his brother but maybe not too soon. He explained: "I would like him to come back. One of my sons keeps in touch with Christopher [Parker], but he's a lawyer now.
"He flies between LA and London. I would love to think that one day they might bring back Spencer, but so much is going on at the moment. Alfie could probably do without that."
It comes amid The Sun reporting that Michelle Ryan would be reprising her role as Zoe, while the BBC soap have yet to confirm the news. According to the publication, a source claimed it was "the perfect moment" for the return and the timing "felt right".
They said: "Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right. People are still talking about her character, so it's a real coup to bring her back.
"She feels like now is the perfect moment — and there was an exciting script on the table." It comes after other returns being teased in the coming weeks and months.
Max Branning has been teased to make a comeback, as well as his son Oscar Branning. When asked by The Mirror about this, EastEnders cast members including Jacqueline Jossa and Scott Maslen declined to comment.
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