In tonight's gripping episode of EastEnders on Monday 16 June 2025, Zoe Slater (portrayed by Michelle Ryan) made a dramatic comeback, with more turmoil expected as she prepares to return to Walford - full-time - later this year.
Absent from Albert Square for two decades, Zoe remains a legendary figure in EastEnders history, forever etched in fans' memories for her role in iconic plots, including the unforgettable "You ain’t my mother" storyline, still quoted today.
In 2001, it was revealed that Zoe, the youngest of the Slater sisters, was actually the daughter of Walford's beloved Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), sparking a 24-year saga of bitterness between the mother and daughter.
Zoe is tied to one of the programme's more darker storylines involving family inbreeding, as her mum and dad are niece and uncle.
Zoe's time in Walford was marked by a series of doomed romances, none more destructive than her affair with Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman).
This led to her entanglement in the murder of Den Watts, alongside Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), following her secret pregnancy with Den.
In 2005, Zoe left Walford after confessing her part in Den's murder and briefly reconciling with Kat, however, their fragile bond crumbled during her years away, leaving them estranged once more.
With two decades of unresolved resentment, fractured family ties, and siblings she’s yet to meet, Zoe's return promises to be a turbulent journey.
The path back to Walford will be fraught with challenges, setting the stage for an unmissable chapter in EastEnders.
In 2001, it was revealed that Zoe, the youngest of the Slater sisters, was actually the daughter of Walford's beloved Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), sparking a 24-year saga of bitterness between the mother and daughter.
Zoe is tied to one of the programme's more darker storylines involving family inbreeding, as her mum and dad are niece and uncle.
Zoe's time in Walford was marked by a series of doomed romances, none more destructive than her affair with Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman).
This led to her entanglement in the murder of Den Watts, alongside Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), following her secret pregnancy with Den.
In 2005, Zoe left Walford after confessing her part in Den's murder and briefly reconciling with Kat, however, their fragile bond crumbled during her years away, leaving them estranged once more.
With two decades of unresolved resentment, fractured family ties, and siblings she’s yet to meet, Zoe's return promises to be a turbulent journey.
The path back to Walford will be fraught with challenges, setting the stage for an unmissable chapter in EastEnders.
Ben Wadey (Executive Producer - EastEnders)
Ben Wadey, who took the reins of BBC's juggernaut Serial Drama from Chris Clenshaw earlier this year and this evening's episode marked his first as Executive Producer.
Ben Wadey, said:
"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. I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I'm thrilled to welcome her back to Walford. Whilst I can't say too much at this stage, Zoe's return is just one of the many exciting storylines we have planned."
Ben Wadey, said:
"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. I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I'm thrilled to welcome her back to Walford. Whilst I can't say too much at this stage, Zoe's return is just one of the many exciting storylines we have planned."
© 2025: BBC / EastEnders / Elstree Studios
Michelle Ryan, said:
"It all happened at the right time. I'd already been thinking about a return because I'd met up with Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell) and we were reminiscing our fond memories of the show, and I'd also joined Social Media and saw that there was still a lot of love for the character. 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, so both of our worlds aligned at the right time, and I'm so excited to be back. When Ben pitched me the storylines, and when I read the scripts, I knew it was the right decision."
Michelle, concludes:
"It feels like coming home. After doing my first few scenes, it was like I'd never been away. 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. She has her defences up, but this week you will see that she needs help, but whether she is willing to accept it is another story".
EastEnders continues on BBC One / BBC One HD / BBC iPlayer.
"It all happened at the right time. I'd already been thinking about a return because I'd met up with Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell) and we were reminiscing our fond memories of the show, and I'd also joined Social Media and saw that there was still a lot of love for the character. 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, so both of our worlds aligned at the right time, and I'm so excited to be back. When Ben pitched me the storylines, and when I read the scripts, I knew it was the right decision."
Michelle, concludes:
"It feels like coming home. After doing my first few scenes, it was like I'd never been away. 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. She has her defences up, but this week you will see that she needs help, but whether she is willing to accept it is another story".
EastEnders continues on BBC One / BBC One HD / BBC iPlayer.
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