EastEnders: Michelle Ryan returns as Zoe Slater after 20 year gap
Actress Michelle Ryan has returned to play Zoe Slater in EastEnders after being away from the soap for 20 years.According to Barb, 2.2 million people watched her shock appearance on the BBC One soap, which unusually had not been made available on iPlayer earlier in the day.The character is best remembered for the 2001 cliffhanger in which she screamed at her sister Kat Slater "you ain't my mother!" who fired back with the iconic twist: "Yes I am."Ryan described returning to the show as feeling "like coming home".
Ryan was revealed to viewers at the end of the episode, making a dramatic reunion with step-father Alfie Moon and cousin Stacey Slater just before the credits.It is the first episode produced by the show's new executive producer Ben Wadey who said the character was on his wish-list of returnees before stepping into the role.He said: "I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I'm thrilled to welcome her back to Walford."Although it was the second most watched programme in its time slot, a slightly larger audience had tuned in to both Emmerdale and Coronation Street on ITV.The viewing figures do not include people who watched the episode on tablets, phones or other smart devices.
After leaving the soap in 2005, Ryan made appearances in BBC One shows Merlin, Doctor Who and Jekyll.She was also cast as the lead in a remake of the 1970s programme The Bionic Woman, which was cancelled by US broadcaster NBC after eight episodes.The actress revealed that the invitation to return to Elstree Studios arrived at a time she had been reflecting on her time on the BBC soap with old castmates.She said: "It all happened at the right time. I'd already been thinking about a return because I'd met up with Kacey Ainsworth and Kim Medcalf and we were reminiscing our fond memories of the show."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."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 twenty years ago, and she's been really struggling on her own."
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Scottish Sun
23 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders star Michelle Ryan reveals she turned down HUGE US role as Zoe Slater returns to Walford
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS legend Michelle Ryan has revealed she turned down a massive role in the US - before she made her shock return to Walford as Zoe Slater. Nearly 20 years after waving goodbye to Albert Square, Michelle is stepping back into Zoe Slater's heels as part of a dramatic new storyline. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Michelle revealed she turned her back on a shot at Hollywood fame Credit: PA 5 The role was eventually snapped up by Kelly Macdonald Credit: HBO The actress, 40, kept a low profile in recent years, admitting she 'never ruled out a return' - but says the timing had to be right. But Michelle revealed she turned her back on a shot at Hollywood fame - by snubbing an audition for hit US series Boardwalk Empire. The EastEnders icon wanted to try out for the role eventually snapped up by Kelly Macdonald in 2010, but gave it a miss over fears of being tied into a five-year contract. She admitted the long-term commitment made her think twice - despite the role being in one of the biggest HBO dramas of the decade. Boardwalk Empire was a critically-acclaimed American period crime drama that aired on HBO from 2010 to 2014, spanning five seasons. Set during the Prohibition era in 1920s Atlantic City, the series followed the rise and reign of corrupt political figure Enoch "Nucky" Thompson (Steve Buscemi). The stellar cast also included Michael Shannon, Michael Pitt, Stephen Graham as Al Capone and Shea Whigham. Created by Terence Winter (The Sopranos) and produced by Martin Scorsese, the series was a hit with critics and fans alike - bagging two Golden Globes, 20 Emmys, and plenty of praise for its stylish production, gripping storylines and powerhouse performances. Despite ending after five seasons, it's still remembered as one of HBO's most lavish and ambitious shows. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Michelle wrote: "What a phenomenal series this is. Another by Terence Winter. I love Kelly McDonald, she is just so compelling in her role. EastEnders' Michelle Ryan reveals emotional secret reunion with soap cast before Zoe Slater's bombshell return "My agent at the time, back in 2010 wanted me to meet for a part on this for casting, I passed. 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ A big mistake for sure. I was wary of five year contracts back then. "Anyway, things happen for a reason. And the actress who was given the role is so so so good. I love what she did with the part. "It also taught me that when you read a pilot it doesn't show you the entire part of a character and that when it's a new series it will evolve, lesson learned! "Everyone in the series is incredible. It's such a luxurious piece. And I'm only on season one! Yay." Michelle shot to fame playing feisty Zoe in the early 2000s - best known for the iconic 'You ain't my mother!' scene with on-screen mum Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace). Forgotten soap storylines The nation's soaps have had many gripping storylines play out over the years. However, some plots proved to be far less memorable. Here are some forgotten stories from Weatherfield, Walford and more... Coronation Street Ken and Audrey's romance (2015): After the death of wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), Coronation Street original Ken Barlow (William Roache) started to move on in his life. He started to develop a spark with old friend Audrey (Sue Nicholls), with then-Corrie boss saying it would be like "Ross and Rachel". In the end, nothing ever came of it and the two remained platonic pals. After the death of wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), Coronation Street original Ken Barlow (William Roache) started to move on in his life. He started to develop a spark with old friend Audrey (Sue Nicholls), with then-Corrie boss saying it would be like "Ross and Rachel". In the end, nothing ever came of it and the two remained platonic pals. Beth's bigamy (2016): Despite being happily married to Kirk (Andrew Whyment), a troubling secret came to light about Beth Tinker (Lisa George). It transpired that she had never divorced from her first husband, Darryl (Paul Loughran), father of her son Craig (Colson Smith). Although Craig and Kirk were shocked - and Beth was arrested - the storyline didn't didn't go much further. EastEnders Kat Slater's secret son (2017): Capitalising on the popularity of Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie), the two received a spin-off back in 2017. Titled 'Redwater', it saw the two travel to Ireland where they met long-lost son Luke, now called Dermott Dolan, played by Oisín Stack. Despite the high-tension events during Redwater, Kat seems to have put the experience behind her as Dermott's not been mentioned since. Capitalising on the popularity of Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie), the two received a spin-off back in 2017. Titled 'Redwater', it saw the two travel to Ireland where they met long-lost son Luke, now called Dermott Dolan, played by Oisín Stack. Despite the high-tension events during Redwater, Kat seems to have put the experience behind her as Dermott's not been mentioned since. Alfie's brain tumour (2015): Having learned in 2015 that he had a brain tumour, Alfie kept the news from Kat until their trip to Ireland. At the time, actor Shane Ritchie revealed fans would see a change in Alfie as he battled the illness. It would appear that at some point after leaving the Square, was told the tumour was non-malignant. By the time Alfie returned in 2022, fans were left confused over what had happened to the storyline. Having learned in 2015 that he had a brain tumour, Alfie kept the news from Kat until their trip to Ireland. At the time, actor Shane Ritchie revealed fans would see a change in Alfie as he battled the illness. It would appear that at some point after leaving the Square, was told the tumour was non-malignant. By the time Alfie returned in 2022, fans were left confused over what had happened to the storyline. Kathy and Buster's affair (2016): In 2016, Walford legend Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) fell into the arms of convict Buster Briggs, played by Karl Howman. Buster was the long-time lover of Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and fathered both her sons - Mick (Danny Dyer) and Dean (Matt Di Angelo). When Buster left, he begged Kathy to join him, but she refused for the sake of her family. Meanwhile Buster didn't even stop to say goodbye to Shirley before exiting with a broken heart. Fans expected a showdown between the two women, but this never came to pass. Emmerdale Jacob's OCD (2016): After his dad, David (Matthew Wolfenden), was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This manifested in the form of cleaning. Jacob's OCD made a brief return one year on, after David had another scare after finding a lump. Jacob frantically searched the bins for a 'lucky coin' that had accidentally been thrown away. Despite stressful situations - such as being groomed by his teacher Maya, losing his fiancee Leanna to a serial killer, dealing with mum Leyla's drug addiction, and surviving a stabbing - the condition doesn't appear to have returned. After his dad, David (Matthew Wolfenden), was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This manifested in the form of cleaning. Jacob's OCD made a brief return one year on, after David had another scare after finding a lump. Jacob frantically searched the bins for a 'lucky coin' that had accidentally been thrown away. Despite stressful situations - such as being groomed by his teacher Maya, losing his fiancee Leanna to a serial killer, dealing with mum Leyla's drug addiction, and surviving a stabbing - the condition doesn't appear to have returned. Marlon and Charity's fling (2003): Few fans would likely remember few will remember the one-night stand between Charity (Emma Atkins) and Marlon (Mark Charnock) in 2003. The pair slept together when Charity was staying with Marlon while still under suspicion for husband Chris's supposed "murder". Hollyoaks Alex Browning's revenge plot (2014): Fans expected a confrontation when Dr Browning's son Alex (Ojan Genc) mer stepmum Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe). After all, Mercedes, with Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) and Lindsey Butterfield (Sophie Austin) had murdered Alex's dad, double-murderer Dr Paul Browning, after he kidnapped and attacked his new wife. In fact, the soap teased Alex would seek revenge for his father's death upon arriving. However, he instead gave Cindy's son Hilton (his half-brother) a life-saving transplant, became his godfather, and leaving the village soon after. The iconic character made her dramatic return to Walford after two decades away, but viewers are already speculating there's a hidden agenda behind the familiar face resurfacing. Some viewers are convinced she's not here for a cosy family catch-up. Instead, they think she's got unfinished business with Ross and stepson Joel, who rocked up alongside Vicki Fowler earlier this year for Martin Fowler's funeral. Since landing on the Square, teen Joel has been ruffling feathers - and while fans have uncovered a string of his dark secrets, one mystery remains... who's his real mum? Now, viewers reckon Zoe could be hiding the ultimate bombshell. Taking to the Instagram, one fan wrote: "We reckon she's Joel's mum!" Another added: "Omg it will be crazy if she is acc Joel's biological mum!" A third penned: "You ain't my mother' to be recreated with Zoe & Joel, I predict." Viewers will see Zoe in two further episodes this week - but she will be on board full-time this summer. EastEnders new boss, Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: '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.' 5 EastEnders fans reckon Zoe Slater's shock return ain't about Kat - but all about a bombshell link to troublemaker Joel Marshall Credit: BBC 5 Joel's secrets are beginning to unravel - but who is his real mum? Credit: BBC
The Sun
39 minutes ago
- The Sun
EastEnders star Michelle Ryan reveals she turned down HUGE US role as Zoe Slater returns to Walford
EASTENDERS legend Michelle Ryan has revealed she turned down a massive role in the US - as she makes her shock return to Walford as Zoe Slater. Nearly 20 years after waving goodbye to Albert Square, Michelle is stepping back into Zoe Slater's heels as part of a dramatic new storyline. 5 5 The actress, 40, kept a low profile in recent years, admitting she 'never ruled out a return' - but says the timing had to be right. But Michelle revealed she turned her back on a shot at Hollywood fame - by snubbing an audition for hit US series Boardwalk Empire. The EastEnders icon wanted to try out for the role eventually snapped up by Kelly Macdonald in 2010, but gave it a miss over fears of being tied into a five-year contract. She admitted the long-term commitment made her think twice - despite the role being in one of the biggest HBO dramas of the decade. Boardwalk Empire was a critically-acclaimed American period crime drama that aired on HBO from 2010 to 2014, spanning five seasons. Set during the Prohibition era in 1920s Atlantic City, the series followed the rise and reign of corrupt political figure Enoch "Nucky" Thompson (Steve Buscemi). The stellar cast also included Michael Shannon, Michael Pitt, Stephen Graham as Al Capone and Shea Whigham. Created by Terence Winter (The Sopranos) and produced by Martin Scorsese, the series was a hit with critics and fans alike - bagging two Golden Globes, 20 Emmys, and plenty of praise for its stylish production, gripping storylines and powerhouse performances. Despite ending after five seasons, it's still remembered as one of HBO's most lavish and ambitious shows. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Michelle wrote: "What a phenomenal series this is. Another by Terence Winter. I love Kelly McDonald, she is just so compelling in her role. EastEnders' Michelle Ryan reveals emotional secret reunion with soap cast before Zoe Slater's bombshell return "My agent at the time, back in 2010 wanted me to meet for a part on this for casting, I passed. 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ A big mistake for sure. I was wary of five year contracts back then. "Anyway, things happen for a reason. And the actress who was given the role is so so so good. I love what she did with the part. "It also taught me that when you read a pilot it doesn't show you the entire part of a character and that when it's a new series it will evolve, lesson learned! "Everyone in the series is incredible. It's such a luxurious piece. And I'm only on season one! Yay." Michelle shot to fame playing feisty Zoe in the early 2000s - best known for the iconic 'You ain't my mother!' scene with on-screen mum Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace). Forgotten soap storylines The nation's soaps have had many gripping storylines play out over the years. However, some plots proved to be far less memorable. Here are some forgotten stories from Weatherfield, Walford and more... Coronation Street Ken and Audrey's romance (2015): After the death of wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), Coronation Street original Ken Barlow (William Roache) started to move on in his life. He started to develop a spark with old friend Audrey (Sue Nicholls), with then-Corrie boss saying it would be like "Ross and Rachel". In the end, nothing ever came of it and the two remained platonic pals. Beth's bigamy (2016): Despite being happily married to Kirk (Andrew Whyment), a troubling secret came to light about Beth Tinker (Lisa George). It transpired that she had never divorced from her first husband, Darryl (Paul Loughran), father of her son Craig (Colson Smith). Although Craig and Kirk were shocked - and Beth was arrested - the storyline didn't didn't go much further. EastEnders Kat Slater's secret son (2017): Capitalising on the popularity of Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie), the two received a spin-off back in 2017. Titled 'Redwater', it saw the two travel to Ireland where they met long-lost son Luke, now called Dermott Dolan, played by Oisín Stack. Despite the high-tension events during Redwater, Kat seems to have put the experience behind her as Dermott's not been mentioned since. Alfie's brain tumour (2015): Having learned in 2015 that he had a brain tumour, Alfie kept the news from Kat until their trip to Ireland. At the time, actor Shane Ritchie revealed fans would see a change in Alfie as he battled the illness. It would appear that at some point after leaving the Square, was told the tumour was non-malignant. By the time Alfie returned in 2022, fans were left confused over what had happened to the storyline. Kathy and Buster's affair (2016): In 2016, Walford legend Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) fell into the arms of convict Buster Briggs, played by Karl Howman. Buster was the long-time lover of Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and fathered both her sons - Mick (Danny Dyer) and Dean (Matt Di Angelo). When Buster left, he begged Kathy to join him, but she refused for the sake of her family. Meanwhile Buster didn't even stop to say goodbye to Shirley before exiting with a broken heart. Fans expected a showdown between the two women, but this never came to pass. Emmerdale Jacob's OCD (2016): After his dad, David (Matthew Wolfenden), was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This manifested in the form of cleaning. Jacob's OCD made a brief return one year on, after David had another scare after finding a lump. Jacob frantically searched the bins for a 'lucky coin' that had accidentally been thrown away. Despite stressful situations - such as being groomed by his teacher Maya, losing his fiancee Leanna to a serial killer, dealing with mum Leyla's drug addiction, and surviving a stabbing - the condition doesn't appear to have returned. Marlon and Charity's fling (2003): Few fans would likely remember few will remember the one-night stand between Charity (Emma Atkins) and Marlon (Mark Charnock) in 2003. The pair slept together when Charity was staying with Marlon while still under suspicion for husband Chris's supposed "murder". Hollyoaks Alex Browning's revenge plot (2014): Fans expected a confrontation when Dr Browning's son Alex (Ojan Genc) mer stepmum Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe). After all, Mercedes, with Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) and Lindsey Butterfield (Sophie Austin) had murdered Alex's dad, double-murderer Dr Paul Browning, after he kidnapped and attacked his new wife. In fact, the soap teased Alex would seek revenge for his father's death upon arriving. However, he instead gave Cindy's son Hilton (his half-brother) a life-saving transplant, became his godfather, and leaving the village soon after. The iconic character made her dramatic return to Walford after two decades away, but viewers are already speculating there's a hidden agenda behind the familiar face resurfacing. Some viewers are convinced she's not here for a cosy family catch-up. Instead, they think she's got unfinished business with Ross and stepson Joel, who rocked up alongside Vicki Fowler earlier this year for Martin Fowler's funeral. Since landing on the Square, teen Joel has been ruffling feathers - and while fans have uncovered a string of his dark secrets, one mystery remains... who's his real mum? Now, viewers reckon Zoe could be hiding the ultimate bombshell. Taking to the Instagram, one fan wrote: "We reckon she's Joel's mum!" Another added: "Omg it will be crazy if she is acc Joel's biological mum!" A third penned: "You ain't my mother' to be recreated with Zoe & Joel, I predict." Viewers will see Zoe in two further episodes this week - but she will be on board full-time this summer. EastEnders new boss, Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: '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.' 5 5
Telegraph
39 minutes ago
- Telegraph
King and Queen arrive at Royal Ascot
The King and Queen recalled the 'thrill of victory' as they arrived at Royal Ascot for the opening day of the glamorous sporting event. Their Majesties led the traditional carriage procession as they swept onto the Berkshire course to loud cheers from the crowd. They were joined by horse breeder Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud and Lady Sarah Keswick, one of the Queen's closest confidantes, for the first of five days of racing. In their traditional message to guests, the King and Queen referred to their triumph in 2023, when their horse, Desert Hero, won the King George V Stakes, marking their first Royal Ascot winner as owners. 'Having experienced the thrill of victory at Royal Ascot ourselves in 2023, we can only wish all those competing this week the very best of luck and that everyone watching has a most enjoyable five days,' they said. Riding behind the King and Queen in the second carriage was the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Wellington, and the Queen's sister, Annabel Elliot. Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips and his girlfriend, Harriet Sperling, were in the third carriage, joined by author Anthony Horowitz and his wife, Jill. The Queen's Reading Room, Camilla's book club and charity, with which Horowitz is closely associated, has an exhibition stand at Ascot for the first time that will encourage visitors to take a break from the hustle and bustle and 'sit back and relax with a book'. The King and Queen said they hoped it would be of interest 'and that the delights of reading might even serve to enhance the pleasures of riding...' Riding in the fourth carriage was barrister Henry Morton Jack and his wife, Lady Joanna, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Halifax, alongside Lord and Lady Vestey. The royal procession is celebrating its 200th anniversary, a tradition which began during the reign of George IV in 1825 when the monarch was accompanied by the Duke of Wellington. The King and Queen lost out on a winner last year but will be hoping for victory in the Ascot Stakes, when their horse Reaching High, trained by Willie Mullins, takes on other thoroughbreds. Mullins, reflecting on the thoroughbred's narrow defeat at Leopardstown racecourse in Ireland, said: 'I've been very happy since his first run, he did everything nicely at Leopardstown and if he could run a similar type of race at Ascot I would be very pleased.' Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign. The King and Queen have taken on her stable of horses and were visibly emotional when Desert Hero triumphed in 2023.
