EASTENDERS is set to reveal a massive surprise in tonight’s episode and all the clues are pointing to it being the return of Zoe Slater.

The Sun exclusively revealed how the iconic character is set to make a shock comeback 20 years after actress Michelle Ryan quit the soap.

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Michelle Ryan is returning to the soap – but is it tonight?Credit: BBC
And with today’s episode being held back from an early iPlayer release for new boss Ben Wadey’s first episode – here are all the signs that point to Zoe’s return.

We know she’s coming back

The Sun revealed last month how Michelle Ryan was making a bombshell comeback as her iconic character.

A source said: “Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right.

“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.”

But is she back tonight?

It’s an anniversary

As we all know EastEnders loves an anniversary.

It’s been 20 years since Zoe’s exit, and 25 five since the Slaters arrived as a big new family.

With Kat taking over the Queen Vic – it’s clear new boss Ben Wadey intends for the Slaters to be at the centre of the show once more.

So what better way to do that than bring back to prodigal daughter?

EastEnders’ Kat Slater calls her estranged daughter Zoe Slater who left 13 years ago

Teasers

The BBC knows how to give good tease for storylines.

And after a rock few years, it got its mojo back with the flashforward and The Six storyline – but now it needs something new.

Videos posted onto the soap’s social media have dropped a few hints that Zoe’s return is imminent.

One video features the distinctive sound of a woman’s heels clacking through the Square.

Another shows a poster with three letters standing out – Z, O and E.

New boss teases

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New boss Ben Wadey is making the Slaters central to the showCredit: PA
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer 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.”

Could it be anything but Zoe at this point?

Spoiler hints

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Is Zoe set for a bombshell reunion with her estranged mum?Credit: BBC
This week we know that Alfie will get a phone call from Stacey and have a “problem to contend with”.

In tomorrow’s episode, Alfie is revealed to be “elsewhere” as Kat desperately tries to contact him.

By Wednesday, Kat has spoken to Alfie but feels he isn’t being completely honest with her.

And Thursday, when it’s time for them to make their marriage official, things go from bad to worse as Alfie says he has to fly to Australia to see his brother Spencer as he’s not coping.

All this suggests that Alfie will be connected to the big mystery – in one big way.

Alfie’s brother Spencer’s ex Kelly is Zoe’s best pal – and when she left two decades ago, she was likely pregnant with his child – and Spencer had no idea.

The fan theory is that Kelly has now died and Zoe will return with the now grown-up child of Kelly and Spencer – hence Spencer struggling.