Award Winning Actress, 41, Returns to 'EastEnders' After 20-Year Hiatus
It's been twenty years since Michelle Ryan last appeared on EastEnders as the tragic heroine Zoe Slater, and now after years of speculation and fan theories, the beloved actress is making her long-awaited return.
Ryan became a cultural icon as Zoe Slater during her original run, when her iconic maternity reveal became a catchphrase throughout the nation. On screen Zoe had been raised as one of the Slater sisters. After a year of build up Zoe and her 'sister' Kat got into an argument over Zoe's plans to live with their uncle Harry. Kat tells Zoe that she cannot leave, that she has to stay in Walfrod. In a moment that would go down in the soap opera history books Zoe responds 'You can't tell me what to do, you ain't my mother.' To which Kat screams back 'YES I AM!'
Now twenty years since her first appearance, Ryan has returned to EastEnders as Ben Wadey, the newest showrunner, era of the series begins.
Earlier this year Ryan sparked speculation on her return when she, seemingly randomly, posted two photos of her original time on EastEnders along with the following caption 'I was just sent these two photos from the square that were taken when I was 17/18, that's early 2000's! They were actually never used for cards to be signed (although I'm being told that some people have them, 🤦🏻♀️ I didn't realise).Wishing everyone on the square a very Happy 40th Birthday! What an achievement for a show to run for that long!Many great memories. Congratulations to everyone 🥂🎈🎂 (Don't read into the song chosen, it's playing in the cafe) 😂😂'
Fans quickly began speculating in the comments, one saying, 'It's brewing Michelle, the nation wants Zoe back. Jessie & Lacey want you back. Please say you would bring Zoe back we have been waiting 20 years 😂 Zoe is so iconic and that's down to how great you are of an actress that we are all waiting for for her to storm in to the Vic and go 'alright Kat, long time no see' 😂', with a second adding, 'Of all eastenders characters who've came and gone you're the one I'd hope to return the most! What an iconic return it would be❤️'
Since leaving EastEnders, Ryan has appeared in numerous series including, Jekyll, Bionic Woman, Merlin, Doctor Who, Covert Affairs, and more.
EastEnders streams Monday through Thursday's on BBC One in the UK and on Britbox in the USA.
Award Winning Actress, 41, Returns to 'EastEnders' After 20-Year Hiatus first appeared on Parade on Jun 16, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
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