EastEnders fans are convinced a fan favourite is returning to the BBC soap after years offscreen and it could lead to more returns, amid hints Ross Kemp will be back as Grant Mitchell
There could be another big return headed for EastEnders very soon, maybe even two, as the actress playing one iconic character has addressed rumours.
Zoe Slater could finally return after almost 20 years off screen, and fans are begging for bosses to make it happen. Actress Michelle Ryan reunited with a former co-star this week, and soon fans immediately had one question for her.
Questioning if Michelle, who left the role on the BBC soap in 2005, would ever be back she shocked them with her reply. Now, fans are convinced she’ll be back in time for the 40th anniversary next year, 20 years on from her exit.
Michelle had posted a snap of her and Little Mo Slater actress Kacey Ainsworth, who teased the pair had “lots” to talk about on their winter walk. The rumour mill was spinning as multiple Instagram users asked Michelle if she’d return, with her response being quite telling.
She captioned her post with a tale all about her and her co-stars, and the Slaters’ time on the soap. Part of it read: “Just got back from a lovely dog walk with my friend Kacey. We worked together many moons ago (no pun intended) on Eastenders as sisters. Part of the Slater family.”
Zoe Slater could finally return after almost 20 years off screen – and maybe Little Mo too (Image: BBC)
The post came after calls for years from fans for Zoe to return, while Michelle has turned down the chance in the past. But that’s not to say she won’t be back, with her admitting it’s a “possibility”.
Asked about a comeback she replied to one fan: “Never say never,” before telling another: “That’s for the producers to decide.” Explaining her past decision to not come back, she went on: “That has been the case. Moving forward who knows what could happen. I genuinely have no idea. If that changes I would post to let people know.”
One final comment saw her tell fans she was “possibly” open to a return now. But could her comeback also seal the return of Kacey’s character Mo? After all her son Freddie Slater is in Walford now, with her mentioned a lot.
The fact she suggested she and pal Michelle had “LOTS” to talk about would hint there’s something to be discussed. But it could all be a major tease, amid fans long calling for both Slaters to head back to Walford.
Viewers are sure it’s a sign though, with one writing on X: “Did you hear?! Zoe Slater might be back #EastEnders anything is possible!” Another posted: “Why do I feel like he’s already asked her to return for the 40th?!” as a third said: “She’s coming back!!!”
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
