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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Justice Sotomayor Says Supreme Court Just Countered 'Decades' of Precedent
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the Supreme Court countered "decades" of legal precedent in its decision to uphold a Tennessee law banning certain medical treatments for transgender youth. The Court ruled 6-3 to uphold the legislation on Wednesday, with liberal Justices Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elena Kagan dissenting. The Court's majority opinion, delivered by Chief Justice John Roberts, states that some medical treatments are "uniquely bound up in sex." "In the medical context, the mere use of sex-based language does not sweep a statute within the reach of heightened scrutiny," Roberts wrote. Sotomayor challenged this finding in her dissent. "Fashioning a medical-context-only exception also runs counter to decades of equal protection precedents," Sotomayor said. She added that the Court has previously held that "every sex-based distinction does warrant intermediate scrutiny." Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor speaks at an event in Miami, Florida, on February 11, 2025. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor speaks at an event in Miami, Florida, on February 11, 2025. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky Why It Matters The legislation at the center of this case, Tennessee's Prohibition on Medical Procedures Performed on Minors Related to Sexual Identity, Senate Bill 1, was enacted in 2023. The law prohibits healthcare providers from prescribing, administering, or dispensing puberty blockers or hormones to minors. Three transgender minors, their parents and a doctor challenged the law. The Supreme Court's ruling comes amid debates over the rights of transgender individuals under the law at both the state and federal levels. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20, declaring that sex is "not changeable" and shall refer to an individual's biological classification as male or female. What To Know Roberts called the plaintiff's allegations of stereotyping on the basis of sex "misplaced." "SB1 does not exclude any individual from medical treatments on the basis of transgender status but rather removes one set of diagnoses—gender dysphoria, gender identity disorder, and gender incongruence—from the range of treatable conditions," Roberts said. Sotomayor said sex determines who has access to the medications restricted under Tennessee's law. "Yet the majority refuses to call a spade a spade," Sotomayor said. "Instead, it obfuscates a sex classification that is plain on the face of this statute, all to avoid the mere possibility that a different court could strike down SB1, or categorical healthcare bans like it." The decision was met with criticism from legal rights and advocacy groups, including the Human Rights Campaign. The group's president, Kelley Robinson, called the ruling a "devastating blow to transgender youth and the families who love them" in a statement sent to Newsweek. "This Court chose to allow politicians to interfere in medical decisions that should be made by doctors, patients, and families—a cruel betrayal of the children who needed them to stand up for justice when it mattered most," Robinson said. What People Are Saying Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in a dissent: "The Court's willingness to do so here does irrevocable damage to the Equal Protection Clause and invites legislatures to engage in discrimination by hiding blatant sex classifications in plain sight. It also authorizes, without second thought, untold harm to transgender children and the parents and families who love them. Because there is no constitutional justification for that result, I dissent." Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, in the Court's majority opinion: "This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates about the safety, efficacy, and propriety of medical treatments in an evolving field. The voices in these debates raise sincere concerns; the implications for all are profound. The Equal Protection Clause does not resolve these disagreements. Nor does it afford us license to decide them as we see best." Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson, in a statement sent to Newsweek: "As parents, advocates, and community leaders, we know that our fight doesn't end in courtrooms—it lives in our communities, our hearts, and our unwavering commitment to each other. Still, we will not be deterred." GLAD Law Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights Jennifer Levi told Newsweek: "The Court today failed to do its job. When the political system breaks down and legislatures bow to popular hostility, the judiciary must be the Constitution's backbone. Instead, it chose to look away, abandoning both vulnerable children and the parents who love them. No parent should be forced to watch their child suffer while proven medical care sits beyond their reach because of politics." What Happens Next The Court's ruling affirmed the decision made by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The decision upholds Tennessee's law banning puberty blockers and hormones among minors. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ban on tobacco sale near schools goes up in smoke
Chennai: At least two outlets near every city school illegally sell tobacco products, grossly violating state laws that prohibit such sales within 100 yards of educational institutions, a multi-country study has revealed. While alcohol access is limited, small groceries and convenience stores near schools continue to sell tobacco products, it found. The representative sample study, conducted in Bangladesh, India (Delhi and Chennai), Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, was published in the May edition of scientific journal BMC Medicine. It showed non-compliance with tobacco and alcohol zoning regulations around schools. While most surveyed locations showed a higher percentage of non-compliant alcohol outlets, in Chennai, tobacco is more easily accessible near school zones. Scientists found 1,650 outlets near 247 randomly selected schools across the city. Out of these, 392 outlets selling tobacco were within 100 yards of a school. In Tamil Nadu, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 2003 prohibits the sale of cigarettes or other tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of any educational institution. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The New Honda CR-V Is Is Turning Heads Everywhere (Take a Look) SneakerToast Undo Additionally, Tamil Nadu has banned the manufacture, storage, and sale of chewable tobacco such as gutka and pan masala. "Easy access to tobacco near schools increases the likelihood of experimentation and early initiation of tobacco use, which can lead to severe nicotine addiction. Studies have shown proximity normalises tobacco, making it appear less harmful and more socially acceptable," said Dr Anjana Mohan, one of the study's senior authors. The authors called on govts to strictly enforce existing zoning regulations to restrict access to tobacco and alcohol for young people. Among the non-compliant 392 shops, 241 (61.4%) were small grocery/corner convenience stores, 109 (24.8%) were food stalls or stationary carts, and 35 (8.9%) were mobile carts. The remaining outlets included one supermarket, one public market, one temporary store, and two each in specialty food retailers and restaurants. There were 176 non-compliant shops around 86 primary schools, 193 non-compliant shops around 129 secondary schools, and 67 non-compliant shops around 32 colleges/universities, said the study's co-author Rajendra Pradeepa from Madras Diabetes Research Foundation. Scientists observed fewer outlets violating rules for alcohol sales. Among the 247 schools in the city, there were a dozen non-compliant shops selling alcohol. This includes five outlets near primary schools, six near secondary schools, and four near colleges/universities. Though sale of alcohol is mandated only from Tasmac outlets and licensed bars/hotels, researchers spotted alcohol sales on stationary food carts and at small grocery stores. Out of the 12 non-compliant outlets, five were food stalls or stationary carts, six were small grocery or convenience stores, and one was a restaurant. Violations were more rampant in Delhi, where there were at least three shops violating tobacco norms around every educational institution. Zoning regulations varied by country. While Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which have banned outlets within a 100-metre zone from selling tobacco, violations were identified in five shops and three shops around each school respectively, Pakistan, with a 50-metre restriction, had fewer than one shop per school within its buffer zone. According to experts, tobacco accessibility undermines prevention efforts, contributes to long-term health problems like respiratory illnesses and cancers, and can even act as a gateway to abuse of other substances, jeopardising overall well-being. These effects are also reflected in data from Madras Metropolitan Tumour Registry, the city's cancer registry. The crude incidence rate of oral cancer among men in the 20-39 age group increased to 9.7 per 1,00,000 in 2014-18 compared to 3.5 per 1,00,000 in 2004-2008. Among women in the same age group, cancer cases increased marginally to 1.1 per lakh from 0.8 during the same time.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Cigarettes at an arm's length for students
A small tea shop adjacent to Presidency Girls Higher Secondary School on Spur Tank Road, facing chief education officer's office, sells tobacco products, including cigarettes, blatantly violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, (COTPA) 2003. A TOI investigation in at least a dozen schools across Egmore, Tondiarpet, Royapuram, Adyar, Perumbakkam, Thirumangalam, and Porur revealed COTPA violations by shopkeepers, some of whom sell the products openly and others on the sly. P Geetha, who runs a stationery shop opposite T S T Rajah Girls Matriculation Higher Secondary School, redirects customers seeking cigarettes to another shop she secretly owns. When asked if she was aware that she was breaking the law by selling cigarettes near a school, she said, "I don't sell them to students. Also, the sale of cigarettes only happens during evenings and nights (after school hours)…" Even departmental and stationery shops near schools have cigarettes for sale. Shopkeepers said they do not sell tobacco to students. In some shops, cigarettes and other tobacco products are hidden from public view. Activists argue that the issue is not about selling cigarettes or pan to students. "It is about providing easy access to tobacco products. There has to be awareness among teachers and shopkeepers by the education and health departments. Police must ensure adherence," Cyril Alexander, state convenor, Tamil Nadu's People Forum for Tobacco Control, said. Tobacco is the gateway drug, he said. "Several shops put up advertisements for cigarettes, which is against the law. Yet, we see no action against them," he added. An official from the office of chief education officer confirmed that schools must display "no-smoking zone" banners/messages on their walls or around their premises to alert shops. None of the schools that TOI visited had any such warning. Headmaster in-charge of Presidency Girls Higher Secondary School, A Joseph, said steps were being taken to put up such warning messages on the school's compound wall.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders star Michelle Ryan reveals she turned down HUGE US role as Zoe Slater returns to Walford
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS legend Michelle Ryan has revealed she turned down a massive role in the US - before she made her shock return to Walford as Zoe Slater. 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. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Michelle revealed she turned her back on a shot at Hollywood fame Credit: PA 5 The role was eventually snapped up by Kelly Macdonald Credit: HBO 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. EastEnders' Michelle Ryan reveals emotional secret reunion with soap cast before Zoe Slater's bombshell return "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). Forgotten soap storylines The nation's soaps have had many gripping storylines play out over the years. However, some plots proved to be far less memorable. Here are some forgotten stories from Weatherfield, Walford and more... Coronation Street Ken and Audrey's romance (2015): After the death of wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), Coronation Street original Ken Barlow (William Roache) started to move on in his life. He started to develop a spark with old friend Audrey (Sue Nicholls), with then-Corrie boss saying it would be like "Ross and Rachel". In the end, nothing ever came of it and the two remained platonic pals. After the death of wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), Coronation Street original Ken Barlow (William Roache) started to move on in his life. He started to develop a spark with old friend Audrey (Sue Nicholls), with then-Corrie boss saying it would be like "Ross and Rachel". In the end, nothing ever came of it and the two remained platonic pals. Beth's bigamy (2016): Despite being happily married to Kirk (Andrew Whyment), a troubling secret came to light about Beth Tinker (Lisa George). It transpired that she had never divorced from her first husband, Darryl (Paul Loughran), father of her son Craig (Colson Smith). Although Craig and Kirk were shocked - and Beth was arrested - the storyline didn't didn't go much further. EastEnders Kat Slater's secret son (2017): Capitalising on the popularity of Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie), the two received a spin-off back in 2017. Titled 'Redwater', it saw the two travel to Ireland where they met long-lost son Luke, now called Dermott Dolan, played by Oisín Stack. Despite the high-tension events during Redwater, Kat seems to have put the experience behind her as Dermott's not been mentioned since. Capitalising on the popularity of Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie), the two received a spin-off back in 2017. Titled 'Redwater', it saw the two travel to Ireland where they met long-lost son Luke, now called Dermott Dolan, played by Oisín Stack. Despite the high-tension events during Redwater, Kat seems to have put the experience behind her as Dermott's not been mentioned since. Alfie's brain tumour (2015): Having learned in 2015 that he had a brain tumour, Alfie kept the news from Kat until their trip to Ireland. At the time, actor Shane Ritchie revealed fans would see a change in Alfie as he battled the illness. It would appear that at some point after leaving the Square, was told the tumour was non-malignant. By the time Alfie returned in 2022, fans were left confused over what had happened to the storyline. Having learned in 2015 that he had a brain tumour, Alfie kept the news from Kat until their trip to Ireland. At the time, actor Shane Ritchie revealed fans would see a change in Alfie as he battled the illness. It would appear that at some point after leaving the Square, was told the tumour was non-malignant. By the time Alfie returned in 2022, fans were left confused over what had happened to the storyline. Kathy and Buster's affair (2016): In 2016, Walford legend Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) fell into the arms of convict Buster Briggs, played by Karl Howman. Buster was the long-time lover of Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and fathered both her sons - Mick (Danny Dyer) and Dean (Matt Di Angelo). When Buster left, he begged Kathy to join him, but she refused for the sake of her family. Meanwhile Buster didn't even stop to say goodbye to Shirley before exiting with a broken heart. Fans expected a showdown between the two women, but this never came to pass. Emmerdale Jacob's OCD (2016): After his dad, David (Matthew Wolfenden), was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This manifested in the form of cleaning. Jacob's OCD made a brief return one year on, after David had another scare after finding a lump. Jacob frantically searched the bins for a 'lucky coin' that had accidentally been thrown away. Despite stressful situations - such as being groomed by his teacher Maya, losing his fiancee Leanna to a serial killer, dealing with mum Leyla's drug addiction, and surviving a stabbing - the condition doesn't appear to have returned. After his dad, David (Matthew Wolfenden), was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This manifested in the form of cleaning. Jacob's OCD made a brief return one year on, after David had another scare after finding a lump. Jacob frantically searched the bins for a 'lucky coin' that had accidentally been thrown away. Despite stressful situations - such as being groomed by his teacher Maya, losing his fiancee Leanna to a serial killer, dealing with mum Leyla's drug addiction, and surviving a stabbing - the condition doesn't appear to have returned. Marlon and Charity's fling (2003): Few fans would likely remember few will remember the one-night stand between Charity (Emma Atkins) and Marlon (Mark Charnock) in 2003. The pair slept together when Charity was staying with Marlon while still under suspicion for husband Chris's supposed "murder". Hollyoaks Alex Browning's revenge plot (2014): Fans expected a confrontation when Dr Browning's son Alex (Ojan Genc) mer stepmum Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe). After all, Mercedes, with Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) and Lindsey Butterfield (Sophie Austin) had murdered Alex's dad, double-murderer Dr Paul Browning, after he kidnapped and attacked his new wife. In fact, the soap teased Alex would seek revenge for his father's death upon arriving. However, he instead gave Cindy's son Hilton (his half-brother) a life-saving transplant, became his godfather, and leaving the village soon after. 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.' 5 EastEnders fans reckon Zoe Slater's shock return ain't about Kat - but all about a bombshell link to troublemaker Joel Marshall Credit: BBC 5 Joel's secrets are beginning to unravel - but who is his real mum? Credit: BBC
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders star Michelle Ryan reveals she turned down HUGE US role as Zoe Slater returns to Walford
EASTENDERS legend Michelle Ryan has revealed she turned down a massive role in the US - before she made her shock return to Walford as Zoe Slater. Nearly 20 years after waving goodbye to 5 Michelle revealed she turned her back on a shot at Hollywood fame Credit: PA 5 The role was eventually snapped up by Kelly Macdonald Credit: HBO 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 The EastEnders icon wanted to try out for the role eventually snapped up by She admitted the long-term commitment made her think twice - despite the role being in one of the biggest HBO dramas of the decade. read more on eastenders 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 ( The stellar cast also included Michael Shannon, Michael Pitt, 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. Most read in Soaps 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. EastEnders' Michelle Ryan reveals emotional secret reunion with soap cast before Zoe Slater's bombshell return "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 ( Forgotten soap storylines The nation's soaps have had many gripping storylines play out over the years. However, some plots proved to be far less memorable. Here are some forgotten stories from Weatherfield, Walford and more... Coronation Street Ken and Audrey's romance (2015): After the death of wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), Coronation Street original Ken Barlow (William Roache) started to move on in his life. He started to develop a spark with old friend Audrey (Sue Nicholls), with then-Corrie boss saying it would be like "Ross and Rachel". In the end, nothing ever came of it and the two remained platonic pals. Beth's bigamy (2016) : Despite being happily married to Kirk (Andrew Whyment), a troubling secret came to light about Beth Tinker (Lisa George). It transpired that she had never divorced from her first husband, Darryl (Paul Loughran), father of her son Craig (Colson Smith). Although Craig and Kirk were shocked - and Beth was arrested - the storyline didn't didn't go much further. EastEnders Kat Slater's secret son (2017): Capitalising on the popularity of Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie), the two received a spin-off back in 2017. Titled 'Redwater', it saw the two travel to Ireland where they met long-lost son Luke, now called Dermott Dolan, played by Oisín Stack. Despite the high-tension events during Redwater, Kat seems to have put the experience behind her as Dermott's not been mentioned since. Alfie's brain tumour (2015): Having learned in 2015 that he had a brain tumour, Alfie kept the news from Kat until their trip to Ireland. At the time, actor Shane Ritchie revealed fans would see a change in Alfie as he battled the illness. It would appear that at some point after leaving the Square, was told the tumour was non-malignant. By the time Alfie returned in 2022, fans were Kathy and Buster's affair (2016): In 2016, Walford legend Kathy Beale ( Emmerdale Jacob's OCD (2016): After his dad, David (Matthew Wolfenden), was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( Marlon and Charity's fling (2003): Few fans would likely remember few will remember the one-night stand between Charity (Emma Atkins) and Marlon (Mark Charnock) in 2003. The pair slept together when Charity was staying with Marlon while still under suspicion for husband Chris's supposed "murder". Hollyoaks Alex Browning's revenge plot (2014): Fans expected a confrontation when Dr Browning's son Alex (Ojan Genc) mer stepmum Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe). After all, Mercedes, with Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) and Lindsey Butterfield (Sophie Austin) had murdered Alex's dad, double-murderer Dr Paul Browning, after he kidnapped and attacked his new wife. In fact, the soap teased Alex would seek revenge for his father's death upon arriving. However, he instead gave Cindy's son Hilton (his half-brother) a life-saving transplant, became his godfather, and leaving the village soon after. The iconic character made her 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 Since landing on the 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 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.' 5 EastEnders fans reckon Zoe Slater's shock return ain't about Kat - but all about a bombshell link to troublemaker Joel Marshall Credit: BBC 5 Joel's secrets are beginning to unravel - but who is his real mum? Credit: BBC 5 Zoe was seen on EastEnders in June 2005 after leaving Walford to start a new life in Ibiza Credit: BBC
