Latest news with #BBCEastEnders
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
‘I'm so excited to be back': Michelle Ryan to return to EastEnders as Zoe Slater
The 41-year-old will return to the role for the first time in 20 years, with her character having been involved in some of the show's best-known storylines, including one which saw her tell her mother Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) 'you ain't my mother', before finding out she was. Speaking about her return, 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 and Kim Medcalf 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 (Wadey, EastEnders executive producer) pitched me the storylines, and when I read the scripts, I knew it was the right decision.' Wadey added of his decision to bring Zoe back: 'Before I even stepped into the role, Zoe Slater was on my wishlist of returnees as we haven't seen her on screen for 20 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.' Producers say Zoe will return with 20 years of 'deep-rooted resentment' towards her mother, fractured family relationships, and siblings she has never met, adding that the character 'will be in for one hell of a ride' when she returns. Michelle Ryan on the set of EastEnders (BBC EastEnders/PA) On her character's return storylines, Ryan said: '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 20 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.' Zoe had countless failed love interests, including one with Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman), which saw Zoe embroiled in the murder of Den Watts (Leslie Grantham) with accomplices Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), after her affair with Den and subsequent pregnancy. The character left Albert Square in 2005, when she reconciled with Kat after admitting the truth about Den's murder, but during her time away from Walford, Zoe and Kat's relationship broke down once again and the pair have been estranged ever since. Speaking about how it felt to return to the set, Ryan added: 'It feels like coming home. After doing my first few scenes, it was like I'd never been away.' Zoe made her first appearance in the soap in September 2000 along with the rest of the Slater family, and last appeared on screen in June 2005, when she left Walford for Spain after revealing her part in Den's murder to mum, Kat. She will also appear in Tuesday and Wednesday's episodes before making a full return in the summer.
Rhyl Journal
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
EastEnders icon Kat Moon revealed as new Queen Vic landlady
Kat Moon is set to take over the famous landmark after having pulled her first pint there back in 2000. It will be the first time that Kat's name will be over the door, despite having run the pub alongside husband Alfie from 2010 to 2013. The Sun revealed the news reporting that it would be a 'full-circle moment' for the character. It comes after current owners Linda Carter and her mum Elaine Peacock will be forced to put the pub up for sale. A source told The Sun: 'This will be Kat's third time working in the Queen Vic, but this will be her first time at the helm. 'It's a full-circle moment for the character, as when she first moved on to Albert Square in 2000, Kat gained employment as a barmaid at the pub. Then, ten years on, she helped Alfie. 'But now she's going to be the sole licensee of the boozer and it will kick-start a whole new chapter for the pub. 'Kat follows in the high heels of the Square's most formidable women — Angie Watts, her daughter Sharon and Peggy Mitchell — and puts her at the centre of the action.' Fans were eager to take to social media to share their excitement for Kat and actress Jessie Wallace. Many hinted at the nostalgia Kat's presence back in the Vic would bring. One person wrote: 'You're kidding me, I prayed for times like this, omg I'm going to cry!' Another said: 'So excited - 2010 comes calling!' 'We are so back, thank you lord,' one person commented, while another made reference to new producer Ben Wadey's recent arrival. 'Ben Wadey finally treating Jessie with the respect she deserves, I love it!' The Sun reports that for now, for unknown reasons, it will be just Kat's name above the door. A post shared by Jessie Wallace Official (@ The Queen Vic has had some memorable characters behind the bar across the years. Peggy Mitchell's reign in the late 90s alongside Frank Butcher brought a lot of dramatic moments, while Sharon Watts comeback in 2001 also caused a stir. Den Watts returned to take the helms of the pub in 2004 alongside then wife Chrissie. 'Dirty Den' Watts, played by the late Leslie Grantham, was also the original landlord of The Queen Vic when the show first started back in 1985. In recent weeks, fans speculated on Reddit who they thought would work well at the Vic if it was to change hands. Recommended reading: BBC EastEnders: When did it begin and will it ever end? Calls for EastEnders to bring back 'iconic' character 3 years after exit Where is EastEnders filmed and are you able to visit the BBC show's set? 'I think Alfie was at his best when he was running the pub,' one commented. 'Phil can take it back over and have Alfie and Kat back in the reins. Or maybe I'm just all for the nostalgia though.' 'Kat and Alfie should be back running it,' another said. The Brannings, Beales and Sharon were also names that fans suggested. EastEnders declined to comment when approached by Newsquest.
Metro
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Huge fears for EastEnders' Linda as Phil unleashes his rage on Elaine
Linda Carter's (Kellie Bright) wellbeing is the subject of much concern in EastEnders next week as Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) clocks how stressed she is. The landlady of the Queen Vic is forced to pick up the pieces for mum Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who is set to make a reckless decision in the wake of her fears about George Knight (Colin Salmon). George, as viewers know, has been keeping secrets from Lainey, such as a secret kiss with his ex Sabrina and his involvement in making her love rival Cindy Beale's (Michelle Collins) opening night a success. With Elaine's head elsewhere, Linda ends up doing the lion's share of the work at The Vic, which leaves Phil incredibly concerned. As a busy night gets underway at the establishment, with Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) and Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan-Levy) among those in attendance, Elaine declares that the prosecco is on the house all night, which leaves Linda utterly reeling. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Phil pops in for a drink with Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) and it doesn't take him long to realise just how much Linda is struggling with the extra workload and therefore he offers her a helping hand. Elaine, meanwhile, offers to book Priya a singles cruise, telling her she can pay her back later. Linda witnesses £5,000 leave the business account and she's utterly horrified. Wasting little time in confronting Elaine, the Carter matriarch demands answers. Elaine, however, is completely indifferent to the situation, dismissing Linda's concerns entirely. The following day, Elaine wakes with a vicious hangover. Linda tries to talk sense into her mum, who once again shuts her down – and refuses to engage with her altogether. Phil continues to worry about Linda, who is quite clearly struggling under the pressure, and therefore he steps in and gives Elaine a piece of his mind, chastising her for treating Linda so carelessly. Left with food for thought, Elaine decides to speak to Linda, who continues to play down her true feelings. And let's just say that she is overwhelmed. More Trending Will Elaine realise that Linda can't do everything on her own? Will she come to realise the error of her ways where Priya is concerned? Linda has been Walford's resident agony aunt over the past few months, always on hand to offer helpful advice to those in need. But can she get the help she needs from those around her? View More » EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: BBC EastEnders return spells trouble for major couple in early iPlayer release MORE: Another EastEnders couple hit the rocks amid 'cheating' scandal MORE: All 46 EastEnders pictures for next week as cheating crisis strikes
Edinburgh Live
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC EastEnders star 'crazy' as one-woman show set to debut at Edinburgh Fringe
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A BBC EastEnders star is set to take her one-woman show to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer. Speaking on This Morning, Michelle Collins who plays Cindy Beale in the popular soap, said "she knows she is crazy" for performing at the festival. The 63-year-old actress admitted she always wanted to go to the Fringe but the opportunity never happened. Now she is set to be in the capital from July 30 to August 25 as she makes her debut in 'Motorhome Marilyn'. Speaking on the ITV daytime show, Michelle said: "BBC have kindly given me one month off to do the Edinburgh festival and I have never done it. "I always wanted to go and it didn't happen and then this opportunity came up. It's a play called Motorhome Marilyn. "I met this woman who was dressed as Marilyn and she was my kind of age and she was driving a motorhome in LA by the Chinese Theatre. "I was really intrigued by this woman. How did she get to this place? Who is she? "I never saw her again and then I wrote a play about her. I know I am crazy, I am mad. Don't worry because if you don't like Cindy it doesn't matter because I am not Cindy, I am playing someone else." A description of the show on Gilded Balloon reads: "Michelle Collins makes her Edinburgh Fringe debut in Motorhome Marilyn, a dark comedy by Ben Weatherill. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "The play follows Denise, an aspiring actress with an obsessive relationship with Marilyn Monroe, hoping to live up to the icon's fame and beauty. In the 1980s, she heads to Hollywood, but as her dreams falter, she is forced to confront the painful truth of unfulfilled aspirations. "Inspired by Michelle's real-life encounter with a woman known as Motorhome Marilyn, the play reveals the toll of living in the shadow of an icon, exploring failure, aging, and the heartbreaking cost of unattained dreams." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Michelle Collins has many notable TV roles including in the BBC dramas Real Women, Sunburn and Two Thousand Acres of Sky. She first appeared in Eastenders in 1988. You can find out more about the show here.
Daily Record
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC EastEnders Ben Mitchell tipped for soap return following axe
BBC EastEnders Ben Mitchell tipped for soap return following axe EastEnders Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell, is set to make an iconic return to Albert Square later this year after two years away from the BBC soap with bosses keen to give his character a second chance. Max Bowden could be reprising his role as Ben Mitchell (Image: BBC / Jack Barnes ) EastEnders fans are in for a treat, as it seems another familiar face will make an iconic return to the soap later this year. Max Bowden, famed for his role as Ben Mitchell, is set to make a comeback two years on from his exit. It comes as viewers were thrilled when it was announced that Jack Wood would be reprising his role of Max Branning. Now, there's one more to add to the list for fans of the BBC soap to look forward to. Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell, will reportedly be back for a brief stint in the show later this year, with the possibility of coming back full time as reported by the Mirror. The star was axed from the BBC soap back in December 2023 after fronting the role of Ben Mitchell for five years. His final scenes commenced in April the following year. The character left the show after being arrested for an international crime, and is now held in an American prison. Ben, and his dad Phil, are still often mentioned in the soap. Reports at the time suggested that as Max's contract came to an end, bosses decided not to extend it. However, it's been reported that new boss Ben Wadey wants to give the star another chance. Max's character Ben is currently in a US prison on EastEnders and only briefly mentioned (Image: BBC ) Article continues below A source told the Sun of the reported return: 'Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one. It's taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.' 'Ben wanted to meet Max and see where his head was at," the source continued, revealing that the new boss went to see the actor in the musical Midnight Cowboy. 'Things hadn't ended particularly well and Ben wanted to assure him this could be his fresh start," the source continued. They then revealed that Max had "agreed to come back for a short stint" after Ben pitched a comeback storyline for the character. "But who knows what will happen? It really does depend on Max," the source concluded. Shortly after his onscreen exit last year, Max took to Instagram to write: "It's been one hell of a ride! Thanks for taking Ben to your hearts and allowing my version into your lives. I had an amazing five years at @bbceastenders and learnt a hell of a lot about myself and the craft I love so dearly; it got me through some very hard personal times and I will be forever grateful! I really will never be able to thank everybody for the support enough, because the fans of the show are so passionate, caring, and invested and it enables us as actors to want to keep going and always be better; so I really do from the bottom of my heart appreciate every single person who has sent any sort of positivity my way over the last five years - I love you all. Ben Mitchell 6.0 over and out. Goodbye EE! I'll miss you all. X." EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Article continues below
