Michelle Ryan has broken her silence after it was confirmed that her EastEnders character Zoe Slater is being written out, seemingly in a coffin. Taking to Instagram, she teased a new project and told fans replies are on the way.
Zoe's return came two decades after she left Walford, with the character having endured endless pain and misery off-screen. Alfie Moon relentlessly hunted her down to reunite her with her mother Kat, and she returned to the Square straight into the path of an oncoming bullet.
A turbulent comeback
Since then, Zoe's story has involved months of 'bombshells', a stalking ordeal, a peculiar relationship with a cat, being locked up for a murder she did not commit, and long-lost child drama.
Now it has been announced that Zoe will be leaving almost as quickly as she returned – this time in a box. But exactly when she will go remains unknown.
Michelle Ryan teases next project
In the caption to her Instagram post, Ryan wrote: 'Working on my next project this summer and looking forward to sharing more soon.' She added: 'It's been a busy stretch, so if you've written and are still waiting on a reply — they're on the way.'
Fans share their sadness
The comment section quickly filled with emotional responses. @nowland_ben wrote: 'It's a bittersweet decision, and I'm slightly gutted at the decision. I remember being 7 years old when you originally left, and I remember forever year on year awaiting on the Zoe Slater return announcement, so to wait 20 years to finally have you back to now read that announcement of THE Zoe Slater is potentially being killed off is so sad. Anyways for what it's worth I myself appreciated the time we've had to see Zoe evolve the past year and I'm looking forward to seeing your future projects.'
@indiestar1991 also responded: 'Really hoping the rumours that Zoë being killed off aren't true, as you are and always will be a massive part of the show's history and one of my first memories of becoming an EastEnders fan twenty five years ago. I hope that yourself and Jessie have lots more scenes together before you leave, as I've always loved the chemistry you guys have on screen. I just hope you know how much the fans love Zoë including myself and whatever criticisms we've had have never been aimed at yourself as a person, and more to do with how you've been written since you came back last year as I think it was a missed opportunity for the show not to explore Zoë finding out she had a twin brother when it was such a massive storyline eleven years ago.'
@jo_mcdonnell added: 'Really wish that Zoe's Eastenders return had worked out differently. Zoe is an iconic character and deserves so much better. Wishing you much luck and success with your new project, looking forward to seeing what comes next for you.'
While no exact exit date has been given, with Ryan already working on a new project, the chances are that Zoe's departure will come soon.
