Latest news with #BionicWoman
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Soap stars who flopped in America from shop assistant to one-hit wonder
As Michelle Ryan rejoins EastEnders as gobby Zoe Slater after trying her luck stateside in the axed remake of Bionic Woman, we look at other soap actors from Enders, Corrie, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks who have tried to crack America Soap fans are celebrating the return of Michelle Ryan to EastEnders - back as gobby Zoe Slater after a 20-year gap. She left Walford in 2005 after landing the role of Jaime Sommers in the US remake of Bionic Woman. The show was set to make her a huge US TV star, but sadly the 2007 show was axed after just one series. Michelle, 41, is far from the only British star to be enjoying rebound soap success after following their acting dreams over the pond. Even one Oscar winner realised that home really is where the heart is... READ MORE: Emmerdale star loses 4 stone as lifestyle change reverses major health issue Patsy Palmer, EastEnders Michelle's Albert Square colleague, famous for those yells of "Rickaaay!" as Bianca Butcher, headed to California in 2014 with her husband Richard Merkell and her four children. But her career did not make as much headway out there, according to her IMDB entry, which cites a 2014 TV commercial for Best Buy and a UK short film in 2015, which starred her son Charley Palmer Rothwell, 33. Patsy does have a very glamorous claim to LA fame though. Her son Fenton Merkell, 25, dated supermodel Cindy Crawford's daughter Kaia Gerber, after they met as models. But the allure of Bianca's Puffa jacket has proven too strong. Patsy, 53, has yo-yoed in and out of the BBC soap for years. She returned last year, staying until earlier this year, when she went on Celebrity Big Brother. Rob Kazinsky, EastEnders He played Sean Slater from 2006 until 2009, before landing his big break in vampire series True Blood in 2013, as Macklyn Warlow. Rob, 41, then made the jump to the big screen in Pacific Rim (2013), Warcraft (2016) and Captain Marvel (2019). However it appears after time in the Marvel universe he was yearning for something more down to earth - as he headed back to EastEnders for a brief stint in 2019, and then made two more appearances in 2021 and 2022 Nikki Sanderson, Coronation Street As mouthy hairdresser Candice, she was a favourite on the ITV soap from 1995 to 2005. She tried her hand across the pond, with mixed results. Nikki, 41, did land a role in 2008 horror film Boogeyman 3, PRAISE but it went straight to DVD. Fast forward to 2012 and she joined the cast of Hollyoaks as Maxine Minniver, to great success. She was praised for playing a domestic violence victim in one of the Channel 4 soap's most harrowing storylines. Nikki won the Inside Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2023, before quitting the soap this year. Rachel Shenton, Hollyoaks She starred as Mitzeee Minniver for three years before leaving in 2013. She went on to appear in US series Switched at Birth from 2014 to 2017. The following year she won an Oscar for her short film The Silent Child, based on her own experiences as the child of a parent who became deaf. Rachel, 37, now stars in the family friendly drama All Creatures Great and Small on 5, as James Herriot's love interest. Adele Silva, Emmerdale Aside from a five-year break from 2000, the actress was part of the furniture at the ITV soap - first appearing as Kelly Windsor in 1993 aged 13. She tried to leave Kelly behind in 2007 and moved to the US, but struggled to find acting jobs, and in 2010 she was pictured working in a Ted Baker store in LA. Adele came back to Emmerdale briefly before starring in 2012 comedy horror film Strippers vs Werewolves with Freddy Kruger actor Robert Englund. Bagging more UK acting jobs rather than LA ones, Adele, 44, then headed to Hollyoaks for seven episodes in 2015, playing Leela Lomax's cousin, Angela Brown Joshua Richards, Emmerdale Joshua's career path is pretty unique as, unlike others soap rebounders, he was a Hollywood heavyweight who turned his back on Tinseltown to appear in soapland. More than two decades ago, Josh was starring with Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom and Peter O'Toole in 2004 blockbuster Troy. Josh, 65, also starred in 2017 film King Arthur: Excalibur Rising, before landing the role of Bear Wolf on Emmerdale. It was a dream job, because he was desperate to work in Yorkshire, where he has lived for 30 years "and be home in time for my tea". But he also has some early soap pedigree, after appearing in an episode of Heartbeat back in 1999. And here are some of the homegrown acting talents who became global stars after heading stateside... Idris Elba, Family Affairs His first big break came in the Channel 5 soap in 1997, as Tim Webster, followed by London's Burning in 2001, before trying his luck in the US . Idris, 52, hit the big-time playing Stringer Bell in the iconic cop series The Wire from 2002 to 2004. On the big screen, he has been in American Gangster (2007), Prometheus (2012) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Himesh Patel, EastEnders Himesh is one of biggest soap exports, and is now successful film actor since leaving his role as Tamwar Masood in EastEnders from 2007 to 2016. He has appeared in the Beatles inspired 2019 movie Yesterday, Christopher Nolan film Tenet (2020), Don't Look Up (2021), and 2022. film Enola Holmes 2. Himesh, 34, is now filming Enola Holmes 3, as Dr John Watson. Nathalie Emmanuel, Hollyoaks Three years after leaving the Channel 4 soap, as Sasha Valentine, in 2010, she played the major role of Missandei in Game of Thrones until 2019. She then appeared in 2022 horror film The Invitation, Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis last year, and Natalie, 36, also turned up in Fast & Furious seven, eight and nine. Ben Hardy, EastEnders Shortly after leaving his role of Peter Beale, he was cast in 2016 film X-Men: Apocalypse, followed by Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), and Love at First Sight (2023).
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Zoe Slater is an EastEnders icon. But cruel reaction to her return has left me fuming… everyone is missing key thing
WHEN Zoe Slater's mascara-smudged face appeared on my TV screen, I let out a little gasp. Michelle Ryan 's long-awaited EastEnders return can only mean more incredible, explosive storylines - 'You ain't my muvva!' is the greatest line in soap history - so what a shame her big moment was completely overshadowed. 6 6 I had seen all the rumours about her soap return on social media, and I even carefully studied the teaser clip producers had released just hours earlier which was apparently full of 'clues' about a former castmate's comeback. And even though I knew it was Zoe being barked at by Stacey Slater while hungover and hiding under a blanket on Lynne's sofa, I was still elated to see her reappearance after two decades. Vile jibes But I was shocked - actually, disgusted - to see Michelle's return blighted with vile criticism about her appearance. 'Put a lot of timber on,' one nasty troll spat, while another bitched, 'She's spent the 20 years eating burgers.' Another made reference to Michelle 's career in America where she starred as the lead in TV drama Bionic Woman, saying 'She let herself go a lot. I thought she went to Hollywood? Most people who go there come back thin.' Vilified for our looks I honestly despair. I'm so ashamed that we live in a world where it's become the norm for faceless keyboard warriors to spit venom and hate at women. I'm sick of women being constantly vilified over our appearance. And we can never win, by the way. We lose weight and we are too skinny or we look ill. We put on weight and we are fat or we've let ourselves go. Wrinkles mean we are past it and haggard, yet any form of beauty treatment to turn back the years and we are full of ourselves and vain. Zoe Slater left terrified and hiding major secret in EastEnders - as Michelle Ryan returns to Walford after 20 years I can't help but think that it's now become so normal to live in a world of airbrushed images and filters that society has forgotten what real women actually look like. It's almost like the toxic pockets of society completely freak out the moment they see anything that doesn't fit this unachievable mould. Michelle is a beautiful 41 year old woman, who just for the record was once voted one of FHM's sexiest women. It doesn't matter why she decided to come back or that her Hollywood career didn't span decades - when did that become the measure of a successful career? But that's not important. What matters is that she is an incredible actress, and due to her much-loved and memorable impact on the soap, was given the chance to come back. Michelle's character Zoe, Kat Slater's gobby daughter, was iconic back in the day. Who can forget her trying to get pregnant by Dirty Den before helping his wife Chrissie Watts to bump him off? 6 EastEnders' new top boss, executive producer Ben Wadey, even said Zoe was his 'wishlist of returnees.' It doesn't matter why she decided to come back or that her Hollywood career didn't span decades - when did that become the measure of a successful career? It's also totally irrelevant that Michelle doesn't look the same as she did in 2005, because the fact is none of us do. And that is the key thing these keyboard warriors are missing - news flash - women aren't stuck in a time warp, they age, grow and change. And if these faceless trolls ever have the guts to unmask themselves, they will see they haven't defied ageing either. 6 6
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Michelle Ryan's EastEnders to Hollywood Bionic Woman journey
The 41-year-old made her return to our screens last night (June 16) as the iconic Zoe Slater. Rewind to June 2005, and it was the last time the young actress would appear on the Square after being part of some of the soap's best-known storylines – including her bid to kill Dirty Den. National press were quick to speculate about Michelle's future, with headlines reading that she'd left EastEnders for Hollywood. At the time, Michelle was one of the soap's biggest names and bosses often hoped for her to return over the years. Maintaining a life away from the public eye, Michelle reportedly turned down previous offers for a Zoe Slater comeback. Michelle Ryan – Bionic Woman After her EastEnders exit, Michelle kickstarted her bid to crack America after landing the leading role in the TV show Bionic Woman. Michelle played bartender Jaime Sommers in the show, who was saved from a car accident and had her body repaired. However, the show was hit by the Writers Guild of America Strike in 2008, the Daily Mail reports. Production was halted after just eight episodes were filmed, and it was later axed due to low ratings. Michelle went onto star as villain Nimueh in the first series of BBC fantasy Merlin, and guest starred in Doctor Who Special Planet Of The Dead in 2009 alongside David Tennant. Michelle has since gone on to land roles in several independent films, starring alongside The Crown's Harry Treadaway and Danny DeVito. In 2010, Michelle joined a cast of future Hollywood favourites such as Emma Roberts in 4.3.2.1, and she also starred in the sci-fi Andron opposite Alec Baldwin in 2015. Michelle also took to the stage alongside Will Young in a 2012 West End production of Cabaret. When did Zoe Slater leave EastEnders? When Michelle quit EastEnders in 2005 she revealed that she had got 'bored' of the role. Recommended reading: She told the Bristol Evening Post at the time: '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 just want to work with people I admire and respect, wherever that be – big budget, low budget, leading role, supporting role.'
South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Michelle Ryan's EastEnders to Hollywood Bionic Woman journey
The 41-year-old made her return to our screens last night (June 16) as the iconic Zoe Slater. Rewind to June 2005, and it was the last time the young actress would appear on the Square after being part of some of the soap's best-known storylines – including her bid to kill Dirty Den. National press were quick to speculate about Michelle's future, with headlines reading that she'd left EastEnders for Hollywood. A post shared by Michelle Ryan (@michelleryan008) At the time, Michelle was one of the soap's biggest names and bosses often hoped for her to return over the years. Maintaining a life away from the public eye, Michelle reportedly turned down previous offers for a Zoe Slater comeback. After her EastEnders exit, Michelle kickstarted her bid to crack America after landing the leading role in the TV show Bionic Woman. Michelle played bartender Jaime Sommers in the show, who was saved from a car accident and had her body repaired. However, the show was hit by the Writers Guild of America Strike in 2008, the Daily Mail reports. Production was halted after just eight episodes were filmed, and it was later axed due to low ratings. Michelle went onto star as villain Nimueh in the first series of BBC fantasy Merlin, and guest starred in Doctor Who Special Planet Of The Dead in 2009 alongside David Tennant. A post shared by Michelle Ryan (@michelleryan008) Michelle has since gone on to land roles in several independent films, starring alongside The Crown's Harry Treadaway and Danny DeVito. In 2010, Michelle joined a cast of future Hollywood favourites such as Emma Roberts in 4.3.2.1, and she also starred in the sci-fi Andron opposite Alec Baldwin in 2015. Michelle also took to the stage alongside Will Young in a 2012 West End production of Cabaret. When Michelle quit EastEnders in 2005 she revealed that she had got 'bored' of the role. Recommended reading: EastEnders' Michelle Ryan speaks of soap return 20 years on EastEnders fans concerned BBC soap star has 'quit' after 6 years as character EastEnders confirm BBC schedule change next week as something 'big' is coming She told the Bristol Evening Post at the time: '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 just want to work with people I admire and respect, wherever that be – big budget, low budget, leading role, supporting role.'
Scottish Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders drops huge clue soap legend is returning with major schedule shake-up for new boss's first episode
Monday's episode is the first under the tenure of new boss Ben Wadey SOAP SHOCK EastEnders drops huge clue soap legend is returning with major schedule shake-up for new boss's first episode Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS has dropped the biggest clue yet a show icon is returning next week. The BBC has remained silent on The Sun revealing there are two icons making a shock comeback in the coming months. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Max Branning is set to make an explosive return to EastEnders Credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes 2 Michelle Ryan is also making a shock return but which will be back on Monday? Credit: BBC But now they have announced that Monday's episode - the first under the tenure of new boss Ben Wadey - will not be made available on iPlayer at 6am as has become standard. And it's set to be an exciting one. Ben said: 'Next week marks the start of something big in Walford that we hope will get everyone talking, and it's only just the beginning. 'We've got twists, shocks, and plenty of drama lined up for a summer you don't want to miss.' pisode spoilers have revealed it will feature a mysterious phone call from Stacey Slater to Alfie Moon. Stacey has undeniably connections to the two characters returning to the Square. Max Branning is her former lover, boyfriend and father-in-law. And her cousin Zoe Slater is also making a bombshell return after 20 years away. The shock return will see Michelle Ryan, 41, back in Walford this year — delighting fans who had hoped to see her in the soap's 40th anniversary special in February. A source said: 'Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right. EastEnders changes famous theme in honour of Max Branning's exit after 15yrs '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 on the soap from 2000 to 2005, before moving to Hollywood after landing the lead role in a series called Bionic Woman.
