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.

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.

“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).

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.”