Zoe Slater is confirmed dead as EastEnders cast film funeral scenes, with Michelle Ryan's exit storyline concluding after a controversial return.
Funeral Scenes Filmed
Pictures show Zoe's family filming a funeral, almost certainly for the long-missing Slater. Among those present are twins Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan) and Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness), her mum and step-dad Kat and Alfie Moon (Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie), great grandma Mo Harris (Laila Morse), brother Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall), cousin-in-law Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and Lily Slater (Lillia Turner).
Last month, a BBC spokesperson told Metro: '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.'
Exit Storyline Details
An insider revealed to Metro: 'Michelle's exit marks the end of a storyline that has been in the works for some time. With such an iconic character, Zoe's exit is never going to be without drama, but bosses are keeping tight-lipped about how she leaves the Square, but as always with the Slaters, it's not going to be quiet.'
Further sources claimed to The Sun that her return had been 'somewhat flat and lacklustre'. The source claimed: 'There's been a backlash about her comeback, leaving some fans disappointed with her onscreen presence. There has been some disappointment backstage that the return was short-lived as everyone loved Zoe Slater's historic moments.'
Return Controversy
The filming shots also mark the first public appearance of Shane Richie since his arrest for drink driving and the revelation that his wife has filed for divorce.
Zoe's return was highly anticipated, as her original stint was a success, with storylines including the revelation that her sister Kat was actually her mother, and her involvement in the murder of Dirty Den Watts. Her return, however, has been less heralded, with fans calling it 'a waste'.
Zoe returned with a complex backstory: she had birthed two children, one believed stillborn and another left in the hospital, had a fling with Max Branning, and was mistakenly sent down for a murder committed by Jasmine. After her release, her storyline quietened, and she became an afterthought following the arrival of her children.
