Michelle Ryan has been spied on the EastEnders set for the first time since her dramatic return to the BBC soap a few weeks back.
Eagle-eyed viewers were gobsmacked when Zoe stepped back onto the soap after two decades away, although she took off once more following a dicey encounter with her mother Kat.
In her fleeting appearance this month, Zoe was seen at Stacey Slater’s (Lacey Turner) flat as Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) popped in to lend a hand.
After a close shave with her mum Kat in Barcelona, Zoe took flight, harbouring a hefty secret that she feared would make everyone “hate her” should it come to light. Currently, Alfie is hot on her heels in Barcelona attempting to coax Zoe back to Walford.
It’s confirmed that Zoe will make a comeback to the Square later in the year, with fresh snaps from the set making their debut.
In the released photos, Michelle can be spotted filming alongside Sonny Kendall, who portrays Kat Slater’s (Jessie Wallace) son, Tommy Moon. Zoe, having never encountered her half-brother Tommy, seems poised for what could be their first ever meeting judging from the shots, reports the Mirror.
Zoe also has yet to meet her other half siblings, Bert and Ernie.
When Zoe finally does face-to-face with her mum Kat again, fans are braced for sparks to fly. The tumultuous history between the two includes shocking disclosures about Kat’s past and the real story of Zoe’s parentage.
Although they reached a truce, their bond soured once again, leaving them distant.
Alfie is hatching a plan to reunite with Zoe by whisking her away from Barcelona, but there could be fireworks if things don’t go as planned. He’s keeping the whole thing under wraps from his wife, telling Kat he’s off to Australia to help his brother Spencer.
Kat’s already smelling a rat, confiding in Kathy Beale (played by Gillian Taylforth) that she’s not had a peep from Alfie since he jetted off, and Spencer’s been acting all sorts of strange when she’s tried ringing him.
Before Alfie scarpered, Kat laid it on the line, warning him their relationship was kaput if she sniffed out any fibs about where he was headed. Will Kat find it in her heart to forgive him?
And what’s in store for her catch-up with Zoe?
Zoe’s comeback coincides with Ben Wadey stepping up as the new Executive producer, and it’s not just Zoe who’s making a comeback. Word has it Karen Henthorn is set to return as Julie Bates, with Nigel’s dementia taking a turn for the worse.
Ben Wadey couldn’t contain his excitement about Michelle Ryan strutting back into the soap, saying: “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.”
