EastEnders’ Michelle Ryan Teases Drama for Zoe and Kat: “It’s a Difficult Relationship”
Zoe Slater Returns to Walford
EastEnders fans have been captivated by the return of Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan, who reprised her role in June after a two-decade hiatus from Albert Square. Despite sharing the screen with familiar faces like Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), Zoe’s long-awaited reunion with her estranged mother, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), was initially delayed — until a dramatic twist brought them back together.
The reunion came after Zoe was tricked into returning to Walford by her younger cousin Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall). However, their reunion quickly took a turn for the worse when Zoe was accidentally shot during a scuffle involving Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) outside the Queen Vic. Since then, Kat has been by her daughter’s hospital bedside, navigating both the tension and the emotional weight of their reunion.
Michelle Ryan Opens Up About Mother-Daughter Tensions
Speaking on the red carpet at the National Television Awards (NTAs) on September 10, Michelle Ryan reflected on the complex dynamic between Zoe and Kat.
“I think it’s like terms of endearment,” she said. “It’s a very complex and difficult relationship, but they ultimately adore each other. That mother-daughter relationship is what people tend to relate to.”
Michelle acknowledged the challenges both characters face in reconnecting after years apart, hinting that viewers will see plenty of emotional drama in upcoming episodes.
Secrets and Revelations
Following the shooting, another layer of Zoe’s storyline came to light: her secret connection to Max Branning (Jake Wood). Earlier this year, Zoe and Max crossed paths, sparking a romantic bond. Flashbacks revealed Max helping Zoe track down information about her son, whom she had placed for adoption.
Michelle Ryan admitted she wasn’t aware of Max’s involvement before filming: “I didn’t watch the show, so I wasn’t aware of the profile that he had.”
Meanwhile, Zoe has begun opening up to Kat about her troubled past, revealing a life she describes as chaotic.
“I just didn’t know who I was. Drinking all the time, a ton of drugs. Just one big messy fog for years,” Zoe confided. “Then I found out I was pregnant. I was sleeping on people’s sofas, didn’t have a steady job. Chaos. Never could have been a mum.”
Strained Bonds and Future Choices
Kat has tried to uncover more about Zoe’s pregnancy and the identity of her child’s father, but Zoe is reluctant to reveal details. “I’m sorry, I can’t talk about it. Anything else, but not that,” she told her mother.
Zoe’s next steps could create further tension. During Thursday’s (September 11) episode, she announced her plans to be discharged from the hospital next week and revealed that she intends to move in with Stacey, leaving Kat feeling disappointed. Fans will be eager to see whether Kat can persuade her daughter to relocate to the Queen Vic instead.
Awards and Recognition
EastEnders celebrated big at this year’s NTAs, claiming the Serial Drama prize, while Steve McFadden earned the Serial Drama Performance award for his portrayal of Phil Mitchell. Amidst the accolades, the drama between Zoe and Kat promises to be one of the soap’s most compelling ongoing storylines.