EastEnders has officially confirmed that Michelle Ryan has reprised her iconic role as Zoe Slater and will return to Albert Square later this year.

After a number of social media teases over the weekend, in tonight’s episode (16 June), Zoe made an epic and highly anticipated return after 20 years away from the show – in Ben Wadey’s first episode as executive producer.

The drama is expected to continue on-screen this week, and then Zoe will return to the show properly later this summer.

After joining the show back in 2000 as part of the infamous Slater clan, Zoe was involved in one of the most memorable moments in soap history, when, in 2001, it was revealed that she wasn’t Kat’s younger sister but her daughter.

BBC

Zoe remained in Walford for five years, before leaving for a new life in Spain in 2005 after revealing to Kat the part she played in Den Watts’ murder.

While Zoe departed Albert Square on good terms with her mum, over the last two decades her relationship with Kat has broken down again, and the pair have been estranged for a long time.

BBC

With new siblings to meet, fractured family relationships to navigate and a huge rift with Kat to overcome, Zoe will have a lot to contend with later this year. But, as the show teases, “the road back to Walford will not be an easy one…”

In a statement about Michelle’s huge return as Zoe, executive producer Wadey said: “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.

BBC

“I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I’m thrilled to welcome her back to Walford. Whilst I can’t say too much at this stage, Zoe’s return is just one of the many exciting storylines we have planned.”

EastEnders airs on Mondays – Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.