Former EastEnders star Michelle Ryan has candidly shared the emotional reasons behind her decision to leave the beloved BBC soap opera. The actress, best known for her role as Zoe Slater, admitted that the pressures of fame and the demanding nature of the show took a toll on her mental health.
The Struggles of Stardom
Ryan, who joined EastEnders at just 16 years old, revealed that the sudden rise to fame was overwhelming. "It was a lot to handle at such a young age," she confessed. "The constant scrutiny and lack of privacy made me question whether I wanted to continue."
A Difficult Goodbye
The actress made the tough decision to leave the show in 2005 after five years of playing Zoe Slater. "I needed to step away for my own wellbeing," Ryan explained. "It wasn’t an easy choice, but I knew it was the right one for me at the time."
Life After Walford
Since her departure, Ryan has gone on to star in various TV shows and films, including Doctor Who and Bionic Woman. She has also been vocal about the importance of mental health awareness in the entertainment industry.
"I hope my story can help others who might be struggling," she said. "It’s okay to prioritise your mental health, even if it means walking away from something big."
