Has Zoe Slater left EastEnders for good? Soap airs ‘exit’ just days after shock return
Just two days after Zoe Slater's shock return to EastEnders, during today's shock cliffhanger, fans saw her leave once again - but has she gone for good or will she return?
Fans are wondering whether Zoe Slater has left EastEnders for good(Image: BBC )
Monday night’s EastEnders saw the shock return of Zoe Slater, as Michelle Ryan reprised her role – but during tonight’s cliffhanger, fans saw her ‘exit’ once again. But has Zoe Slater left EastEnders for good or will she be back?
For days, fans were speculating Zoe would be making her shock return. However, it wasn’t until the last few seconds of Monday’s episode when suspicions were confirmed.
Zoe had called on Stacey Slater for help, and was staying in a flat she had temporarily rented in London. Stacey then enlisted of Alfie Moon when she believed Zoe owed dangerous men in Spain money.
Zoe made a shock exit in tonight’s episode – but will she be back?(Image: BBC)
It was later revealed that Zoe had been sending the texts to herself in a bid to get money – but that became the least of her worries when her estranged mother Kat Slater came knocking at the door. Kat had found out about Alfie’s whereabouts with the help of Tommy’s tracking device, as she, Harvey and Jean made their way down there.
Zoe managed to hide in the bedroom and avoid any encounters with Kat and Jean, as Alfie pretended he’d come over to help a grieving Stacey. They weren’t fooling Kat though, who stormed into the bedroom. Luckily, Zoe had managed to escape out the window.
She then told Stacey over the phone that she had made a mistake coming back – revealing she had to go. She then warned Alfie and Stacey not to look for her. She then revealed she’d done “something so bad,” and although she didn’t reveal what it was – she said everyone would hate her if they found out. As she said goodbye to Stacey, many fans were left confused by the exit – as they wonder if Zoe’s return was only a short stint.
However, Zoe Slater fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as it’s been confirmed that she will be back full-time later in the Summer. Zoe avoided an awkward reunion with Kat this time – but how long can she avoid her mother for?
Zoe avoided an awkward run-in with her mother Kat – but when will the pair finally reunite?(Image: BBC)
Although Michelle is keeping tight lipped about what’s to come for her character, she’s teased “exciting” and drama-filled moments ahead on the BBC soap.
“I can’t say too much as there is a lot of drama to come, but Zoe is a mess. She’s not the girl that left Walford twenty years ago, and she’s been really struggling on her own,” she said.
When she’s back on-screen later in the summer, Zoe will be seen back in Walford with her and Kat coming face-to-face. The character’s return to Albert Square will be the first in two decades, as it’s said she will be “in for one hell of a ride”
Speaking on what’s to come for the character, new Executive Producer Ben Wadey said he had “exciting things” planned. “Before I even stepped into the role, Zoe Slater was on my wish-list of returnees as although we haven’t seen her on screen for twenty years, her character has transcended time due to her popular storylines.
“I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I’m thrilled to welcome her back to Walford. Whilst I can’t say too much at this stage, Zoe’s return is just one of the many exciting storylines we have planned.”
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
