Kacey Ainsworth has dashed hopes of an EastEnders comeback, confirming she will not return as Little Mo for Zoe Slater's funeral. The 57-year-old actress addressed speculation on Instagram, calling the rumours 'fake news'.
Taking to social media, Ainsworth shared a screenshot of the claims and wrote: 'Very flattering that a character I created 20+ years ago is still held in folks' hearts… but this is FAKE NEWS.' She added: 'This is not a conversation I have had with the powers that be.'
Fan demand dismissed
Ainsworth acknowledged the fan demand was 'very flattering' but made clear there was no truth to the reports. She joked about the number of Slaters returning, saying: 'I came out of my recording, and my phone was on fire – #slaters you've already got @therobkazinsky c'mon don't be greedy'.
Rob Kazinsky is set to return as Sean Slater, while the soap prepares for a major Slater reunion following Zoe's death. Michelle Ryan previously returned to the BBC One soap last year, more than two decades after leaving, but later departed and bosses opted to kill off the character.
Zoe's final storyline
Zoe's death will bring familiar faces back together as the soap says goodbye to one of its most recognisable characters. Michelle Ryan filmed her final scenes in June, and viewers will see Zoe's death and funeral unfold in the coming months.
Little Mo was introduced in 2000 and remained on the show until 2006, becoming known for a domestic abuse storyline involving her husband Trevor Morgan. Ainsworth's performance earned the 2002 National Television Award for Most Popular Actress and two British Soap Awards for Best Actress. She has previously been reluctant to revisit the role.
With Rob Kazinsky returning as Sean Slater, Zoe's final storyline is expected to be one of the soap's biggest events in years.
