Latest news with #MichelleRyan
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders' Slater sisters stars living very different lives now as Zoe returns
From EastEnders mainstays to personal tragedy and a new career as security in B&M Bargains, the Slater sister actresses' lives have all gone in different directions Excited EastEnders fans are bracing for a bombshell - Michelle Ryan appears be returning to Albert Square! The 41-year-old TV star famously played Zoe Slater on the BBC soap from 2000 until 2005, and appearing in 559 episodes and her character was involved in one of the most explosive and iconic lines of soap history. Who could forget when she told Jessie Wallace's character Kat Slater that she couldn't boss her around, famously yelling: "You ain't my mother!" Kat screeched back to deliver the explosive response: "Yes I am!" and the moment cemented the family as EastEnders royalty. Of course, the pair are two of five Slater sisters. Ahead of her expected Walford return, the Mirror remembers them all with their five lives going in very different directions since they found fame. Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) Jessie Wallace continued working in soapland, even when the Slater family dwindled and has been on and off the soap for almost 25 years. She was dramatically suspended from the BBC show early 2020 after being accused of being drunk on set. Jessie, 53, was written out of storylines for a brief period but made a triumphant return two months later. It was the second time her partying has got her into trouble with BBC bosses. Back in the 2000s, she was previously suspended from the show, and then in 2003, she was convicted on a drink-driving charge. In 2018 she was sent home from the British Soap Awards for being tipsy but remains a certified Square legend. Hayley Slater (Katie Jarvis) Katie Jarvis joined the Slater gang in 2018 but she didn't last long on the Swquare. The 32-year-old is a mother to two kids, and since leaving EastEnders has ditched acting in favour of working as a security guard in at B&M Bargains in Romford, east London. Katie previously explained to the Daily Star: "I've taken a step back from acting. I've got a job and I'm looking after my kids." In May 2021, it was revealed she will stand trial for assault and racially aggravated harassment, having appeared before Basildon Crown Court. The star was charged with racially aggravated harassment, common assault and two counts of assault by beating. In court, she spoke only to confirm her personal details and to deny the four charges, and she was bailed until her trial date of April 19th next year. The accusations relate to an alleged incident in Southend in Essex on July 31 2020. Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) Returning Zoe Slater was the baby sister of the Slater clan and was portrayed by Michelle Ryan. Since leaving the Square, Michelle has continued to act and has starred in several high shows including Doctor Who, Mansfield Park, Miss Marple and Merlin. Zoe also won the lead role of Jaime Sommers in the Bionic Woman reboot across the pond but sadly it was cancelled after just one series. In 2011, Michelle played Helena from A Midsummer Night's Dream in the BBC Learning project, Off By Heart Shakespeare.2. Also in 2012, Michelle toured with in a production of Cabaret which played in London's West End and now fans can't wait to see her big return to Walford. Little Mo (Kacey Ainsworth) Kacey Ainsworth - famed for playing tormented Little Mo, the quiet Slater sister - left EastEnders in 2006. The star went on to appear in The Bill and Holby Blue as well as Casualty, Grantchester and The Worst Witch. Kacey is almost unrecognisable since her EastEnders days as she has overhauled her appearance by swapping her dark locks in favour of platinum blonde tones. She has also embraced a shorter style by chopping off her former shoulder-length tresses into a chic bob. Lynne Hobbs (Elaine Lordan) Elaine Lordan played Lynne Hobbs on the soap from 2000 until 2004. The year after she left the soap, Elaine went to the jungle for I'm A Celebrity but only lasted a day after she passed out twice. She also appeared on Soapstar Superstar in 2007 but was the first celeb to the voted out. Elaine has also battled tragedy in her personal life after marrying her husband, Peter Manuel, in 2005 when their baby son died when he was just a few days old. The baby needed surgery for a diaphragmatic hernia and tragically died just nine months after Elaine's mum, Bernie, had taken her own life. Two years later, Elaine and her husband were expecting another baby but she suffered a miscarriage and just 12 months later she lost her father.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Four clues Michelle Ryan was returning to EastEnders – as Zoe Slater is back after 20 years offscreen
EASTENDERS star Michelle Ryan is returning to the soap - but did you spot these four clues hinting at her comeback. The Sun revealed Michelle, 41, will be reprising her role as Zoe Slater this year - after two decades away. 8 8 A source 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.' Michelle starred in the BBC soap from 2000 until eventually bowing out in 2005. Listed below are some clues pointing to the star's Albert Square return. On-screen 'cameo' 8 Zoe may have left Walford two decades ago, but many of her family members still live in the area. Earlier this year, fans began speculating a possible comeback after the soap featured a shot focusing on a photo frame shot of the Slater sisters on Kat's mantlepiece. Speaking on Reddit, one viewer wrote: "Tonight was a dead giveaway -- the way the camera focused directly on Michelle Ryan in that framed Slater photo, that's no accident. "She's totally coming back this week. That was a deliberate teaser." They added: "I suppose a red herring is possible, but for the love of God EE, please don't let us down on this one as well and not do it after all this." "It's way overdue. We haven't had Little Mo back, we haven't had Carol back, we've got to have Zoe." Co-star reunions 8 Michelle has previously caught up with ex-EastEnders castmates - although they no longer work together on the BBC soap. One example was her reunion with Kacey Ainsworth, who played Zoe's aunt Little Mo. Sharing a snap of the two, Michelle penned, in part: "Just got back from a lovely dog walk with my friend Kacey. "We worked together many moons ago (no pun intended) on Eastenders as sisters. Part of the Slater family. "Our boss John Yorke took a real risk putting a family of women in the show and it paid off as on one week when Zoe found out that Kat was her mother viewers tuned into the BBC for 19, 18, 20 and 21 million per episode plus the omnibus." One fan commented: "I'd love to see Zoe back on The Square, even if it was just a short time. I wonder if she'd actually get on with Stacey now." Another remarked: "Would you not just come back? It would be epic!" While a third wrote: "Enjoyed seeing Zoe again in Classic Eastenders episodes recently, be nice to see you back in show someday." Meanwhile, Michelle also caught up with actress Kim Medcalf, who has played Sam Mitchell across two stints. 8 Michelle posted their comeback selfie onto her Instagram grid page as she sent soap fans into a frenzy. She captioned the snap: "Kim and I on a pre Christmas catch up. We hadn't seen each other in five years. As easy company as ever." 40th Anniversary celebration 8 Although Zoe didn't return on-screen for the soap's 40th anniversary, Michelle paid homage to her time in EastEnders. She made a rare post on Instagram celebrating her time on Eastenders, reposting shots from her official photoshoot when joining the series. "I was just sent these two photos from the square that were taken when I was 17/18, that's early 2000's!" she wrote. "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!," she said. "Many great memories. Congratulations to everyone (Don't read into the song chosen, it's playing in the cafe)." Co-stars discuss return on podcast 8 Fans aren't the only ones who wanted Zoe to return - some of Michelle's former co-stars voiced their interest in this happening. Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, welcomed Jessie Wallace, aka Kat Slater, to her podcast We Started Here. Speaking in the episode, Lacey said: "The Kat and Zoe [storyline]… I'd love it if she came back. Would you?" To which Jessie replied: "I think it'd be great. I think it would be lovely. "Can we make that happen? Wouldn't it be great?" Fans made reference to these comments under Michelle's post, as she wrote: "It came up on a feed, very proud of Lacey having her own podcast. Lovely of Jessie to say." Kat Moon's EastEnders Timeline Kat Slater burst onto the Square in 2000 as feisty Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace. She is the eldest sister of the Slater family. She soon makes a big name for herself. She is a loud and brash character who is renowned for her leopard print skimpy outfits and loads of red lipstick. She has played the 'tart with a heart' character but has also had an epic love story with Alfie. Here is a rundown of her greatest soap storylines. Kat arrives in Walford as part of the Slater clan, She soon begins a fling with Steve Owen (Martin Kemp) behind the back of his girlfriend Mel Healey. Kat's sister Zoe (played by Michelle Ryan) was revealed to be her sister after shocked viewers learned she was raped by her uncle Harry Slater as a child and Kat being only 13, was known as her sister. Kat and Zoe's relationship was turbulent. They both vied for the attentions of Anthony Trueman. Kat and Anthony were together but broke up and Zoe then seduced him. Kat later learns she was pregnant but then has to have an abortion. She is comforted by her boss Alfie Moon but then he realises he is in love with her. Kat, becomes briefly engaged to Andy Hunter a local crime boss (Michael Briggs) but she jilts him on her wedding day for the true love her life Alfie. Kat sparks a romance with Alfie Moon and it is the love story of the square. She finally marries Alfie Moon on Christmas day in the Vic. Alfie takes a loan from Andy which he is unable to repay and then threatens to kill him unless Kat sleeps with him. Their relationship becomes cold and distant. One of Kat's biggest storylines was helping her daughter cover up the murder of Dirty Den Watts. She left the soap in 2005 sailing into the sunset with Alfie for a new life in America. Kat returned to the soap in 2010 on the run from a man who she and Alfie conned for money. While Alfie was serving time, she had an affair with Michael Moon who happened to be Alfies cousin and she is now pregnant with his child. Another Kat storyline focused on the breakdown of her and Alfie's marriage and her separation from Tommy and their twin sons Bert and Ernie. Kat's union with Phil Mitchell began after months of feuding. She then sleeps with him marries him beginning a war with his ex Sharon Mitchell over the Mitchell empire. The latest storyline has focused on her son Tommy who idolised Phil and is trying to get back at Kat for breaking up the marriage. Kat meanwhile is back with the love of her life Alfie who is suffering from cancer.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Shane Richie teases another huge EastEnders comeback after it's confirmed Michelle Ryan will return as Zoe
SHANE Richie has hinted about another EastEnders star's comeback after it was revealed Michelle Ryan is returning as Zoe Slater. The soap legend opened up about the new executive producer Ben Wadey's plans as he takes over the role from Chris Clenshaw. 2 2 In the week that the BBC soap won a total of eight gongs for its 40th anniversary episodes, actor Shane teased "fireworks" and the potential for Spencer Moon to return. He told the Mirror: "Chris 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." Talking about the potential for his on-screen brother to rejoin the soap, Shane said: "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." Christopher played Spencer Moon between 2002 and 2005 before he quit acting for good and started working as a lawyer. The Sun revealed actress Michelle, 41, is back on Albert Square later this year - two decades after quitting the soap. Michelle starred on the soap from 2000 to 2005, before moving to Hollywood after landing the lead role in a series called Bionic Woman. EastEnders' Shane Richie reveals new trauma for Alfie Moon amid prostate cancer storyline A source 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.' EastEnders was awarded Best Soap after its huge live episode and anniversary week which saw Anita Dobson return as Angie Watts and Martin Fowler killed off in the arms of his love, Stacey. Actress Lacey Turner received the trophy for Best Leading Performer ahead of her impending exit from the show. The 40th anniversary also managed to clutch the Scene of the Year thanks to Angie's shock return. Steve McFadden a won a trophy for Best Dramatic Performance as Phil Mitchell, but did not attend the ceremony with Angela Wynter and Rudolph Walker also receiving prizes as Patrick and Yolande for the Best On-Screen Partnership award.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Iconic EastEnders star set for return 20 years after leaving the BBC soap
Iconic EastEnders actress Michelle Ryan is set to return to the BBC soap 20 years after her departure from Albert Square. Ryan played the role of Zoe Slater on the soap from 2000 to 2005. During her time on EastEnders, Ryan's character was involved in one of the most explosive and iconic moments in the soap's history. Involved in a heated argument with Kat Slater (played by Jessie Wallace), Zoe yelled: 'You can't tell me what to do. You ain't my mother.' To which Kat famously replied: 'Yes I am!' Michelle Ryan (pictured left) was involved in one of the most iconic moments in EastEnders history. (Image: BBC) Ryan's character Zoe left the show in 2005, moving away to start a new life in Ibiza after being wrongly made to believe she had killed Den Watts. EastEnders fans had hoped Ryan, and her character Zoe, would return for the 40th anniversary special in February. While she didn't appear in the anniversary special earlier this year, reports are that Ryan is set to return to EastEnders 20 years after leaving the BBC soap. A source, speaking to The Sun, 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.' RECOMMENDED READING: Former EastEnders star 'honoured' to be joining 'iconic' ITV soap Emmerdale EastEnders star set to return after 8 years and fans say it's the 'perfect' time Coronation Street star signs new ITV contract ahead of Emmerdale crossover The BBC offered "no comment" when asked about reports of Ryan's return to EastEnders. Since leaving EastEnders, Ryan has gone on to appear in several other TV shows and films, including Death in Paradise (Lexi Cunningham), Bionic Woman (Jaime Sommers), Cockneys vs Zombies (Katy) and Cleanskin (Emma). EastEnders airs every Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or you can watch episodes on BBC iPlayer from 6am.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders icon set to make huge 'return to Albert Square' 20 years after quitting the BBC soap
EastEnders star Michelle Ryan is reportedly set to return to Albert Square 20 years after quitting the BBC soap. The actress, 41, portrayed Zoe Slater between 2000 and 2005, before leaving for a new life in Ibiza after wrongly believing she killed Den Watts. During her time on the show, Michelle was involved in one of EastEnders' biggest storylines with it revealed that Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) was in fact Zoe's mother and not her sister, with explosive scenes seeing her yell: 'You ain't my mother!', only for Kat to reply: 'Yes I am!' And now it's said that Michelle will return to the show that catapulted her to fame, with the star believing now is the 'perfect' time to make her long-awaited comeback. A source told The Sun: '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.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. They added: 'She feels like now is the perfect moment — and there was an exciting script on the table.' MailOnline have contacted EastEnders representatives who declined to comment. After leaving EastEnders, Michelle headed over to the US after landing the lead role in series Bionic Woman. It comes after MailOnline revealed in February that, despite multiple attempts from bosses over the years, Michelle has refused to return to EastEnders - turning them down every time they've asked. Back in 2001, EastEnders' leopard-print-loving Kat Slater, who had been sexually abused by her uncle, finally revealed to her 'sister' Zoe that she was, in fact, her mother. It remains one of the most famous and iconic moments in EastEnders ' 40-year history - a scene that has been mimicked by soap fans worldwide. The unforgettable storyline catapulted Michelle, then 16, to superstardom, and in 2005, she walked away from Walford for the final time, five years after arriving in EastEnders with the rest of the Slater clan. A source told MailOnline: 'Bosses reached out to Michelle several times over the years, they would love to have her back. For example, as the soap was approaching its big 30th anniversary, it was a gentle approach asking if she would consider a return in the lead up to it all. 'This was at the very early stages of their plans but Michelle refused and there was a lot of disappointment amongst bosses. 'It's always been quite baffling why she wouldn't want to reprise a character who is still very much adored by the fans. It's been 20 years since she left Albert Square but still people are talking about her character.' In the lead up to the soap's 40th a number of former characters came back including Grant Mitchell, Bianca Jackson, Chrissie Watts, David Wicks, Nigel Bates, Mickey Miller and even Angie Watts but there was no Zoe. Michelle admitted at the time of quitting that she 'got quite bored in the end' playing Zoe, telling the Bristol Evening Post: 'Doing the same thing day in, day out. It's just so boring. I like to jump from different things.' 'I always saw EastEnders as an apprenticeship. I always wanted to go on and do different things. I have some really good friends from that show but the door is closed. 'I've always taken chances. I think that's how you progress – by stepping out and doing different things. 'I really do like my freedom and jumping from job to job. I just want to work with people I admire and respect, wherever that be – big budget, low budget, leading role, supporting role.' After leaving the show 20 years ago, the star almost cracked America after landing the leading role in the re-imagining of the popular seventies TV show Bionic Woman, though the show was cancelled after just one season. Since then the British star has appeared in several independent films, including 4.3.2.1. and Cockneys vs Zombies. She has also had guest roles in BBC shows Merlin, Doctor Who and Death In Paradise. Her most recent acting film appearance was in Frankenstein: Legacy where she starred as Lady Charlotte, in addition to 2025's Finding My Voice in which she layed Lisa Kendall.
