EastEnders icon ‘to return’ 19 years after debut as Zoe Slater’s love interest ‘revealed’

EastEnders fans have sussed out Zoe Slater’s new love interest following her return.

Zoe (Michelle Ryan), the youngest of the Slater sisters, first made her appearance on Albert Square with the rest of the family back in 2000. It’s safe to say that Zoe had her fair share of dramatic storylines.

However, it was in 2001 when the soap unveiled one of its most shocking and iconic twists involving the Slater clan. Zoe discovered that her older sister Kat (Jessie Wallace) was actually her biological mum.

Regrettably, in 2005, Zoe bid farewell to the square and jetted off to Ibiza. But this week, the much-loved character made a comeback after 20 years – but it was evident she had hit hard times.

It was disclosed that Zoe has been staying at Stacey’s (Lacey Turner) flat away from Walford, after Stacey took a hiatus from the square following Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) d.e.a.t.h, reports Belfast Live.

But failing to get her cousin to sort herself out, in Monday’s episode (June 16) Stacey eventually enlisted Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) for assistance with the situation.

However, things took an ominous turn when a visibly shaken and frightened Zoe – who was avoiding any contact with Kat – confessed to Stacey that she had committed something unforgivable.

And in Thursday’s episode (June 19) Stacey discovered that Zoe had nicked her credit card and used it to book a flight to Barcelona.

Now, as Zoe is set to return to the BBC One soap in the summer, fans believe they’ve ‘figured out’ her love interest – and it’s a familiar face.

Eager EastEnders enthusiasts on a Facebook fan page are speculating that Max Branning, played by the legendary Jake Wood and Stacey’s ex-lover, could make an explosive return to Walford.

One excited fan posited quite the theory, suggesting: “So… might be a bit of an out there theory but I really think Zoe is dating / or dated someone from the Slater’s past.”

The theorising continued with the fan adding: “Max Branning I think would be good because he might have turned nasty since leaving the soap. Maybe he got her involved in some dodgy business? I definitely think there are more returns and there was a lot of speculation Max is coming back.”

The idea thrived among the group as another chimed in with their thoughts: “They might have dated you never know!” The excitement grew as a third member speculated: “Wow, could be possible and then it could lead to Max’s return as well.”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One