EastEnders icon Michelle Ryan is set to leave the soap in an explosive exit, leaving her available to pursue other projects this summer, one of which she has already teased
Zoe Slater is set to be killed off on EastEnders(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
Michelle Ryan has already teased her next project after quitting EastEnders. The soap is set to air her exit later this year and ahead of the explosive scenes, Ryan has shared tidbits with fans about what’s lying in store for her.
The actress, 42, first joined the soap as Zoe Slater in 2000. She left five years later but made her return in 2025, marking the 25th anniversary of the Slater family and 20 years since she was last seen on EastEnders.
But, just one year on, Ryan was said to have quit the show. As a result, her character was said to have been killed off in scenes that have yet to air. A spokesperson said to the Mirror : “We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future. However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers.”
Following her abrupt departure, Ryan has teased that she isn’t taking a break from acting. She posted a picture of herself to Instagram, with the caption: “Working on my next project this summer and looking forward to sharing more soon. It’s been a busy stretch, so if you’ve written and are still waiting on a reply — they’re on the way.”
Fans were quick to jump in the comments and share their support for Ryan. “Stunning – so gutted that you’ve left Eastenders, it really did bring back so much nostalgia but looking forward to what seeing what you do next,” said one fan.
Another added: “I’m so gutted about Zoe. Started watching the show again for your return! But excited to see what you do next.” A third continued: “Am not looking forward to Zoe’s death, you have been amazing yet again, can’t wait to see what’s next.”
One person who showed their support for Ryan was Kacey Ainsworth, who commented a raised hands emoji. Ainsworth played Little Mo Slater on EastEnders, joining at the same time as Zoe.
Little Mo was initially thought to be Zoe’s sister, but when it was revealed that Zoe was secretly Kat Slater’s (Jessie Wallace) daughter, it meant Little Mo was her aunt – and cousin. Zoe’s father was Kat’s uncle Harry Slater (Michael Elphick), who had preyed on his 13 year-old niece Kat.
Mo left the soap just a year after Zoe and never made a return, though she was mentioned when her father Charlie (Derek Martin) died and when her now grown up son, Freddie (Bobby Brazier) arrived in Walford. After Ainsworth commented on Ryan’s post, one fan asked: “Are u back for the funeral?”
Ainsworth has gone on to star in ITV period drama Grantchester as Cathy Keating, Inspector Geordie Keating’s wife. She has been on the show for 12 years.
Meanwhile, outside of EastEnders, was in an American TV show called Bionic Woman, played Nimueh in the BBC’s merlin and had guest roles in both Doctor Who and Death in Paradise.
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