Reports suggest EastEnders icon Michelle Ryan is to be written out of the show. Rumors suggest that producers may kill off Zoe Slater, her character. Ryan joined EastEnders in 2000 and quickly won over viewers. Her exit in 2005 remains one of the show’s most talked-about departures.
Is Michelle Ryan really leaving EastEnders?
Michelle Ryan is reportedly facing an EastEnders exit just a year after returning to the show.
Ryan made her EastEnders debut as Zoe Slater on September 18, 2000. She quickly became a fan favorite, best known for her role in the “Who Killed Den?” storyline.
Michelle Ryan’s EastEnders exit in June 2005 was one to remember. As Zoe Slater, she spent months caught up in Den Watts’ murder and clashing with her mother, Kat Moon. In the end, Zoe came clean, made up with Kat, and left Walford in a tearful goodbye, driven off in a black cab from Albert Square.
The 42-year-old made a surprise comeback to Walford as Zoe Slater last year, marking her first appearance in the role in 20 years. However, not long after her comeback, she reportedly asked producers for time off earlier this year.
According to the Sun, the “Cashback” star has now left the soap, and writers have made the exit final by killing off her character. She shot her last scenes last month, with Zoe’s farewell set to air on the BBC One drama in the months ahead. A source said, “Michelle’s long-awaited return has been somewhat flat and lackluster.”
The insider further claimed that the comeback drew backlash, with viewers disappointed by her presence on screen. There was also frustration backstage regarding the stint ending so quickly, especially as Zoe Slater’s historic moments were so well-loved.
The “Merlin” actress opened up last year about her return, explaining that the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary in 2025 moved her, and a conversation with Kacey Ainsworth, who portrayed her aunt Little Mo, also played a part.
Michelle Ryan made a brief EastEnders return in June last year before rejoining full-time that September.
