Michelle Ryan has teased her next project after quitting EastEnders, where her character Zoe Slater is set to be killed off in an explosive exit later this year.
Tease on Instagram
The 42-year-old actress, who first joined the soap in 2000, shared a picture of herself on 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."
Ryan left EastEnders in 2005 but returned in 2025 for the 25th anniversary of the Slater family, marking 20 years since her last appearance. However, just one year on, she reportedly quit the show, and her character is said to have been killed off in scenes yet to air.
Official confirmation
A spokesperson for the soap told 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."
Fans have flooded the comments with support, with one writing: "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." Another added: "I’m so gutted about Zoe. Started watching the show again for your return! But excited to see what you do next."
Support from co-star
Kacey Ainsworth, who played Little Mo Slater on EastEnders, also showed support with a raised hands emoji. Little Mo was initially thought to be Zoe's sister, but when it was revealed that Zoe was secretly Kat Slater's daughter, Little Mo became her aunt and cousin. Zoe's father was Kat's uncle Harry Slater, who had preyed on his 13-year-old niece.
Ainsworth left the soap a year after Zoe and never returned, though her character was mentioned when her father Charlie died and when her son Freddie arrived in Walford. One fan asked Ainsworth: "Are u back for the funeral?"
Career beyond EastEnders
Since leaving EastEnders, Ryan has starred in the American series Bionic Woman, played Nimueh in BBC's Merlin, and had guest roles in Doctor Who and Death in Paradise. Ainsworth has appeared in ITV's Grantchester as Cathy Keating for 12 years.
