Michelle Ryan, best known to EastEnders fans as the fiery and unforgettable Zoe Slater, has opened up about her dream scenario for a return to Albert Square — and it involves a long-awaited reunion with a beloved cast member. In a recent interview, Ryan spoke candidly about her time on the legendary BBC soap and what it would mean to her to revisit the role that made her a household name. With nostalgia for classic EastEnders characters at an all-time high, Ryan’s comments have sparked excitement and speculation among fans who fondly remember the dramatic, emotional, and often explosive storylines that defined Zoe’s time in Walford.

Zoe Slater made her EastEnders debut in 2000, arriving on the Square alongside her brash but tight-knit family. Almost immediately, she became a central figure in some of the show’s most iconic plots, including the unforgettable reveal that her “sister” Kat was actually her mother — a storyline that sent shockwaves through British television. Michelle Ryan portrayed Zoe with an emotional intensity that won over viewers, helping to cement her as one of the most complex and relatable young characters in EastEnders history. Her mix of vulnerability and strength, combined with a rebellious streak and unwavering loyalty to her family, made her an enduring fan favorite.

In the years since leaving EastEnders in 2005, Michelle Ryan has gone on to build an impressive career across both British and international television, including roles in Doctor Who, Jekyll, and the US remake of Bionic Woman. Despite her success beyond Walford, she has never ruled out a return to the soap that launched her. Now, for the first time in years, Ryan has shared who she’d most love to work with again — and what kind of story she envisions for Zoe’s return. “There’s something unfinished there,” she said. “Zoe still has so much fire, so many questions — and I’d love for her to face those with someone from her past.”

Although she didn’t name the character directly, many fans believe Ryan is referring to Anthony Trueman, the doctor with whom Zoe had a complicated romance back in the early 2000s. Others speculate that a reunion with Kat Slater or even Alfie Moon could be the emotional core of a comeback. Ryan hinted that her ideal return would focus less on dramatic twists and more on character growth. “I think it would be powerful to explore who Zoe has become,” she explained. “Has she forgiven? Has she moved on? Or is she still running from everything she tried to leave behind?”

EastEnders has a rich tradition of bringing back legacy characters, often to great acclaim. Recent returns like Cindy Beale and Janine Butcher have reignited the show’s emotional storytelling and brought in new generations of viewers. A return for Zoe Slater — especially one rooted in genuine character development — could add further depth and nostalgia to the current lineup. Michelle Ryan seems keen on the idea not for shock value, but for meaningful storytelling. “You want it to feel earned,” she said. “If Zoe walks back into the Queen Vic, it should be because she’s ready to face her ghosts.”