Michelle Ryan Returns to EastEnders After Two-Decade Absence
Michelle Ryan’s surprise reappearance as Zoe Slater on BBC One’s *EastEnders* drew 2.2 million viewers, according to Barb data. This is notable given the episode’s unusual absence from iPlayer earlier in the day.
The character is best known for a 2001 cliffhanger scene where a young Zoe famously declared to her sister Kat, “You ain’t my mother!”, prompting Kat’s iconic retort: “Yes I am.”
Ryan described her return as “like coming home.”
The episode culminated in a dramatic reunion between Zoe, step-father Alfie Moon, and cousin Stacey Slater.
This marks the first episode produced under new executive producer Ben Wadey, who confirmed Zoe’s return was on his wish list.
He stated, “I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I’m thrilled to welcome her back to Walford.”
While the second most-watched program in its timeslot, *Emmerdale* and *Coronation Street* on ITV attracted slightly larger audiences.
These figures exclude catch-up viewing and those who watched via mobile devices.
Since leaving *EastEnders* in 2005, Ryan appeared in BBC One series including *Merlin*, *Doctor Who*, and *Jekyll*. She also starred in a short-lived US remake of *The Bionic Woman*.
The invitation to return coincided with Ryan reflecting on her time on the show with former cast members.
She explained, “It all happened at the right time. I’d been reminiscing with Kacey Ainsworth and Kim Medcalf. Then *EastEnders* announced a new executive producer who was a huge fan of Zoe and the Slaters. Zoe’s a mess; she’s not the girl who left Walford twenty years ago, and she’s been struggling.”
Cameras, lights and technical equipment are damaged by rainwater breaching the regional TV studio.
The former STV newsreader tells listeners it feels like a good time to get her weekends back and explore new adventures.
The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, a dance/theatre event, has been seen by more than 200,000 people.
Reception doors are smashed with hammers and red paint sprayed around in the early hours attack.
The BBC said his language was “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold”.