Latest news with #ZoeSlater
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders' Jessie Wallace shares her emotional reaction to onscreen daughter Michelle Ryan's shock return to the BBC soap after 20 years away from the Slater family
Kat Slater star Jessie Wallace has revealed she was overcome with emotion after learning of Michelle Ryan's return to EastEnders. The actress, now 41, has reprised her role as Zoe Slater, Kat's on-screen daughter, two decades after her dramatic exit from Albert Square. In a behind-the-scenes video shared by the official EastEnders Instagram page, Jessie admitted she cried upon hearing that Michelle was reprising her role. She said: 'So, Michelle is back after 20 years. I've missed her tremendously, I've missed her, working with her, the whole Kat and Zoe thing, you know, going back to, 'You ain't my mother,' 'Yes I am.' 'And when I found out Michelle was coming back, I cried. 'And then when we met up, I cried because I've missed you.' Zoe made a bombshell return to the BBC soap on Monday night's episode, after her return was kept under wraps. Viewers will see Zoe in two further episodes this week but she will be back full-time this summer, as her mother Kat prepares to tie the knot with Alfie Moon for the third time. Zoe had been seen as a mystery figure throughout Monday's episode, with her face finally revealed during its closing moments. The episode hadn't been released on BBC iPlayer at 6am that morning, meaning all viewers had to tune into the evening broadcast, where Zoe's return was unveiled. Speaking on her return to the BBC soap, Michelle said: 'It feels like coming home. After doing my first few scenes, it was like I'd never been away. It all happened at the right time. 'I'd already been thinking about a return because I'd met up with Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell) 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 I was pitched the storylines, and when I read the scripts, I knew it was the right decision.' 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.' Since Zoe's exit from Walford 20 years ago, it's been revealed that she and Kat have become estranged. Teasing her character's reason to come back to Albert Square, Michelle added: '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 twenty 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.' It comes after MailOnline revealed in February that, despite multiple attempts from bosses over the years, Michelle had refused to return to EastEnders. A source told MailOnline: 'Bosses reached out to Michelle several times over the years, they would love to have her back. For example, as the soap was approaching its big 30th anniversary, it was a gentle approach asking if she would consider a return in the lead up to it all. 'This was at the very early stages of their plans but Michelle refused and there was a lot of disappointment amongst bosses. The moment is still considered one of the most iconic in EastEnders' 40-year history 'It's always been quite baffling why she wouldn't want to reprise a character who is still very much adored by the fans. It's been 20 years since she left Albert Square but still people are talking about her character.' During her time on the show, Michelle was involved in one of EastEnders' biggest storylines with it revealed that Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) was in fact Zoe's mother and not her sister, with explosive scenes seeing her yell: 'You ain't my mother!', only for Kat to reply: 'Yes I am!' Back in 2001, EastEnders' leopard-print-loving Kat Slater, who had been sexually abused by her uncle, finally revealed to her 'sister' Zoe that she was, in fact, her mother. It remains one of the most famous and iconic moments in EastEnders' 40-year history - a scene that has been mimicked by soap fans worldwide. The unforgettable storyline catapulted Michelle, then 16, to superstardom, and in 2005, she walked away from Walford for the final time, five years after arriving in EastEnders with the rest of the Slater clan. Zoe also famously kissed her best friend Kelly Taylor on a New Year's Eve night out in 2003 when they got stranded and started getting emotional. The kiss sparked criticism at the time, but Brooke Kinsella, who played Kelly, defended the scene. She said: 'It's not a gratuitous ratings getting move, it's not some kind of big lesbian kiss. 'It's the way two best friends who have a lot of love for each other show their emotions.' During her time on EastEnders, Zoe also had a string of failed romances, including a disastrous relationship with Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman). The affair - which resulted in a pregnancy - saw Zoe embroiled in the murder of Den Watts with accomplices Chrissie Watts and Sam Mitchell, which eventually led to her exit from the soap. In the lead up to the soap's 40th, a number of former characters came back including Grant Mitchell, Bianca Jackson, Chrissie Watts, David Wicks, Nigel Bates, Mickey Miller and even Angie Watts but there was no Zoe. Michelle admitted at the time of quitting that she 'got quite bored in the end' playing Zoe, telling the Bristol Evening Post: '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 have some really good friends from that show but the door is closed. 'I've always taken chances. I think that's how you progress – by stepping out and doing different things. 'I really do like my freedom and jumping from job to job. I just want to work with people I admire and respect, wherever that be – big budget, low budget, leading role, supporting role.' After leaving the show 20 years ago, the star almost cracked America after landing the leading role in the re-imagining of the popular seventies TV show Bionic Woman, though the show was cancelled after just one season. Since then the British star has appeared in several independent films, including 4.3.2.1. and Cockneys vs Zombies. She has also had guest roles in BBC shows Merlin, Doctor Who and Death In Paradise. Her most recent acting film appearance was in Frankenstein: Legacy where she starred as Lady Charlotte, in addition to 2025's Finding My Voice in which she played Lisa Kendall. EastEnders fans previously speculated they wanted to see Michelle back in Albert Square, as the soap celebrated its 40th Anniversary back in February. When Michelle shared an album of throw-back snaps of her on set 20 years ago to Instagram, her fans flocked to her comments as they were convinced she would make a return. One penned: 'You can't convince me that you're not a secret return for the 40th, Jessie talking about wanting you to return, now this….its happening, you just can't say, double like if it's true' 'Please come back loved the kat and Zoe storyline' 'I would love Zoe to return to Eastenders if she does I would love to see Zoe have scenes with her brothers and with Stacey and Jean and Lily'
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Shock exit for ANOTHER EastEnders character as he risks marriage to flee abroad
EASTENDERS has waved goodbye to another character in a shock exit in today's episode. The BBC soap has only just seen returnee Zoe Slater leave three days after her comeback - and now another member of the family is off to find her. 2 2 With Stacey telling Alfie that Zoe has done a moonlight flit to Barcelona on her credit cards, he came up with a plan. Telling her not to cancel them, he said they could track where she was with it and find her to bring her home for a reunion with her mum Kat. But with Alfie unable to tell Kat where he was really going, instead he lied and claimed he was going to Australia to see his brother Spencer who was struggling. And it's EastEnders, it's likely that Kat will discover his lies and jump to the wrong conclusion, putting their marriage at risk. It comes just a day after Zoe fled to Barcelona, after her brief return scenes. The BBC soap has confirmed that Michelle will return later this summer for a permanent comeback. 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.' Speaking on her return to the BBC soap, Michelle said: 'It feels like coming home. 'After doing my first few scenes, it was like I'd never been away. 'It all happened at the right time. ' I'd already been thinking about a return because I'd met up with Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell) 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 I was pitched the storylines, and when I read the scripts, I knew it was the right decision.'
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders drops biggest clue yet Zoe Slater is a secret MOTHER – and her child is already in Walford
EASTENDERS has dropped a huge hint Zoe Slater's secret child is already in Walford with a very telling scene. The iconic character - who is played by actress Michelle Ryan in the BBC soap - returned last night looking worse for wear. 2 Clutching a bag of booze and having barely recovered from her hangover, Zoe looked to be in an out of control and desperate situation. But there was a clue that suggests Zoe is in fact the mother of predatory incel Joel who recently arrived in the Square. Viewers know he has been grooming Tommy Moon to be as misogynistic and vile as he is - and last night he opened up about his own mummy issues. And coinciding with Zoe's return as a mess seems to suggest the two are linked. 'You don't talk about your family… is your mum in Australia?' asked Tommy of Joel. Joel told him: 'No - my mum's a slapper.' 'It's just… my mum ran off when I was little,' he added. 'And my dad moved us to Australia for a fresh start but he was always working. 'I just hated it. And the kids took the mick out of me for my accent. 'I asked the teacher if I could go to the loo on the first day. Didn't know it was called the dunny, did I? So I was called Lulu from then on. 'Didn't say a word for six months, in case I said it wrong after that. Then when I finally fought back, I got expelled. 'Then when I finally met some real mates, dad met Vicky and dragged me back here. I didn't have a choice in any of it and now I'm stuck in this dump.' Joel was also pouring poison into Tommy's ear about his mum - who if the hint is correct - is his own grandmother. Zoe has since fled the country to go to Barcelona but will return later this summer. Will her secret be revealed then?
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders fans in hysterics as they spot Kat Slater's blunder – did you notice it?
EASTENDERS fans were left amused over a Kat Slater blunder - but did you catch it? The BBC soap icon - played Jessie Wallace - first arrived in Albert Square back in 2000. 3 3 Viewers found themselves in hysterics during a recent scene featuring Kat. Troublesome teen son Tommy (Sonny Kendall) cheekily told her: "Chill out, love". To which Kat responded by repeating "Love?" - with fans convinced her pronunciation sounded like a northern accent. One wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "absolutely obsessed with kat going northern #EastEnders." Another added: "no bc why did she do this, he didn't even say it like that LMFAOOO." A third shared: "I thought it was a really odd way to repeat the word. He's not northern, she isn't. Cute though." While a fourth chimed in: "Pat Phoenix's spirit returning to Jessie Wallace for a split second in 2025 #EastEnders." The last comment referred to Jessie, 53, playing Corrie legend Pat Phoenix in 2010's Road to Coronation Street. This TV movie depicted a young Tony Warren first devising Corrie in the 1960s. As for EastEnders, viewers finally got their long-time wish as Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) returned after 20 years. EastEnders' Tommy Moon violently punches mum Kat Slater in harrowing scenes Viewers will likely remember the iconic "You ain't my mother" scene from 2001. The mother-daughter spectacle with Kat and Zoe cemented the pair among the BBC soap's most iconic characters. In a chat from the soap set, Michelle opened up to Good Morning Britain 's Entertainment Reporter Richard Arnold about reuniting with her on-screen mum. She said: "I've always loved working with Jessie. Kat Moon's EastEnders Timeline Kat Slater burst onto the Square in 2000 as feisty Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace. She is the eldest sister of the Slater family. She soon makes a big name for herself. She is a loud and brash character who is renowned for her leopard print skimpy outfits and loads of red lipstick. She has played the 'tart with a heart' character but has also had an epic love story with Alfie. Here is a rundown of her greatest soap storylines. Kat arrives in Walford as part of the Slater clan, She soon begins a fling with Steve Owen (Martin Kemp) behind the back of his girlfriend Mel Healey. Kat's sister Zoe (played by Michelle Ryan) was revealed to be her sister after shocked viewers learned she was raped by her uncle Harry Slater as a child and Kat being only 13, was known as her sister. Kat and Zoe's relationship was turbulent. They both vied for the attentions of Anthony Trueman. Kat and Anthony were together but broke up and Zoe then seduced him. Kat later learns she was pregnant but then has to have an abortion. She is comforted by her boss Alfie Moon but then he realises he is in love with her. Kat, becomes briefly engaged to Andy Hunter a local crime boss (Michael Briggs) but she jilts him on her wedding day for the true love her life Alfie. Kat sparks a romance with Alfie Moon and it is the love story of the square. She finally marries Alfie Moon on Christmas day in the Vic. Alfie takes a loan from Andy which he is unable to repay and then threatens to kill him unless Kat sleeps with him. Their relationship becomes cold and distant. One of Kat's biggest storylines was helping her daughter cover up the murder of Dirty Den Watts. She left the soap in 2005 sailing into the sunset with Alfie for a new life in America. Kat returned to the soap in 2010 on the run from a man who she and Alfie conned for money. While Alfie was serving time, she had an affair with Michael Moon who happened to be Alfies cousin and she is now pregnant with his child. Another Kat storyline focused on the breakdown of her and Alfie's marriage and her separation from Tommy and their twin sons Bert and Ernie. Kat's union with Phil Mitchell began after months of feuding. She then sleeps with him marries him beginning a war with his ex Sharon Mitchell over the Mitchell empire. The latest storyline has focused on her son Tommy who idolised Phil and is trying to get back at Kat for breaking up the marriage. Kat meanwhile is back with the love of her life Alfie who is suffering from cancer. "We actually went for a cast dinner with the Slater family so that I would feel welcome with the new people that I didn't know. "And seeing her, she got so emotional. "And when she found out I had the job again she was screaming and I was just like, this just feels like coming home." EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 3
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders star makes shock exit from soap and quits plans to return to Walford amid secret cover-up
EASTENDERS actress Michelle Ryan has already made her soap exit just days after arriving back on the show. In scenes broadcast today on the BBC soap opera, her character Zoe Slater walked away from any potential plan of making a move back to Walford. 5 5 5 EastEnders fans were left gobsmacked when it was revealed that Zoe was back on the show after she made contact with Stacey Slater. She was shown to be living in squalor and surviving off just vodka and vapes. It was clear from the off that Zoe was hiding a huge secret as she admitted to Stacey and Alfie to being "scared and sorry" for what she had done without giving any clues as to what. Having hidden out at a flat being rented by Stacey, Zoe was left stunned when Kat, Jean and Harvey all turned up at the residence. Adamant she did not want to see Kat or have her know that she was in London, Zoe was forced to hide in her bedroom as Stacey and Alfie did their best to throw the others off the scent. Despite lying and insisting that Stacey had been struggling, Kat was left unconvinced. Having left, she decided to return to the flat once more and demand to know the truth. With Zoe still hiding out in the bedroom, she tripped, causing a noise, which startled Kat and set her mind racing. Demanding to know if someone was in the room, she eventually barged in, leaving Stacey and Alfie terrified that the secret was about to spill out. However, they were shocked to find a fully open window with Zoe nowhere to be seen. With Kat accepting that she was 'wrong', she soon left once more as Stacey and Alfie made contact with Zoe to see where she had fled to. But it was too late, as Zoe confirmed to them over the phone that she would be disappearing once again and shunning any chance of a Walford comeback. She said to the pair on the phone: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause you no trouble." Stacey told her "not to worry" about it as Zoe continued: "I can't [come back]. I've got to go." Revealing that her secret may be darker than first predicted, Zoe added: "Don't look for me. It was a mistake. "It was a mistake to get back in touch. "I ain't saying it was easy, hearing her [Kat], seeing her face, but I done something bad, something so bad. "You would never forgive me." Zoe went onto insist that she could never say what it is that she had done and pleaded to Stacey that the whole Slater clan would hate her, especially Kat. She soon ended the phone call and made her exit, walking out of an apartment building into the street tearfully. However, we know that Michelle will be back on the show later in the year - so will Zoe's secret eventually be revealed? 5 5
