EastEnders’ Slater sisters stars living very different lives now as Zoe returns to soap
From EastEnders mainstays to personal tragedy and a new career as security in B&M Bargains, the Slater sister actresses' lives have all gone in different directions
The Slaters sisters wreaked havoc in Albert Square since 2000(Image: Camera Press)
Excited EastEnders fans are bracing for a bombshell – Michelle Ryan appears be returning to Albert Square!
The 41-year-old TV star famously played Zoe Slater on the BBC soap from 2000 until 2005, and appearing in 559 episodes and her character was involved in one of the most explosive and iconic lines of soap history.
Who could forget when she told Jessie Wallace’s character Kat Slater that she couldn’t boss her around, famously yelling: “You ain’t my mother!” Kat screeched back to deliver the explosive response: “Yes I am!” and the moment cemented the family as EastEnders royalty.
Of course, the pair are two of five Slater sisters. Ahead of her expected Walford return, the Mirror remembers them all with their five lives going in very different directions since they found fame.
Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace)
Jessie Wallace has played troubled Kat since 2000(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Jessie Wallace continued working in soapland, even when the Slater family dwindled and has been on and off the soap for almost 25 years. She was dramatically suspended from the BBC show early 2020 after being accused of being drunk on set.
Jessie, 53, was written out of storylines for a brief period but made a triumphant return two months later. It was the second time her partying has got her into trouble with BBC bosses.
Back in the 2000s, she was previously suspended from the show, and then in 2003, she was convicted on a drink-driving charge. In 2018 she was sent home from the British Soap Awards for being tipsy but remains a certified Square legend.
Hayley Slater (Katie Jarvis)
Do you remember Katie Jarvis playing Hayley Slater?(Image: BBC)
Katie Jarvis joined the Slater gang in 2018 but she didn’t last long on the Swquare.
The 32-year-old is a mother to two kids, and since leaving EastEnders has ditched acting in favour of working as a security guard in at B&M Bargains in Romford, east London.
Katie previously explained to the Daily Star: “I’ve taken a step back from acting. I’ve got a job and I’m looking after my kids.”
In May 2021, it was revealed she will stand trial for assault and racially aggravated harassment, having appeared before Basildon Crown Court.
The star was charged with racially aggravated harassment, common assault and two counts of assault by beating.
In court, she spoke only to confirm her personal details and to deny the four charges, and she was bailed until her trial date of April 19th next year.
The accusations relate to an alleged incident in Southend in Essex on July 31 2020.
Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan)
Michelle Ryan could soon be back(Image: BBC)
Returning Zoe Slater was the baby sister of the Slater clan and was portrayed by Michelle Ryan. Since leaving the Square, Michelle has continued to act and has starred in several high shows including Doctor Who, Mansfield Park, Miss Marple and Merlin.
Zoe also won the lead role of Jaime Sommers in the Bionic Woman reboot across the pond but sadly it was cancelled after just one series. In 2011, Michelle played Helena from A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the BBC Learning project, Off By Heart Shakespeare.2.
Also in 2012, Michelle toured with in a production of Cabaret which played in London’s West End and now fans can’t wait to see her big return to Walford.
Little Mo (Kacey Ainsworth)
Kacey Ainsworth has a very different look!(Image: ITV)
Kacey Ainsworth – famed for playing tormented Little Mo, the quiet Slater sister – left EastEnders in 2006.
The star went on to appear in The Bill and Holby Blue as well as Casualty, Grantchester and The Worst Witch. Kacey is almost unrecognisable since her EastEnders days as she has overhauled her appearance by swapping her dark locks in favour of platinum blonde tones.
She has also embraced a shorter style by chopping off her former shoulder-length tresses into a chic bob.
Lynne Hobbs (Elaine Lordan)
Elaine Lordan is smiling again after a tough few years (Image: Instagram/@lucybenjaminofficial)
She played gobby Lynne Hobbs 20 years ago(Image: BBC)
Elaine Lordan played Lynne Hobbs on the soap from 2000 until 2004.
The year after she left the soap, Elaine went to the jungle for I’m A Celebrity but only lasted a day after she passed out twice. She also appeared on Soapstar Superstar in 2007 but was the first celeb to the voted out.
Elaine has also battled tragedy in her personal life after marrying her husband, Peter Manuel, in 2005 when their baby son d.i.e.d when he was just a few days old.
The baby needed surgery for a diaphragmatic hernia and tragically d.i.e.d just nine months after Elaine’s mum, Bernie, had taken her own life. Two years later, Elaine and her husband were expecting another baby but she suffered a miscarriage and just 12 months later she lost her father.