Zoe’s Dramatic Comeback Stuns Fans

EastEnders fans were left speechless last week when the legendary Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan, made a jaw-dropping return to Albert Square. After two decades away from Walford, Zoe’s reappearance marked one of the soap’s most emotional duff-duffs in years. Michelle, now 41, first walked away in 2005 to pursue other roles, going on to star in The Bionic Woman, Death in Paradise, and even tread the West End stage in Cabaret alongside Will Young.

Her reunion with on-screen mum Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) promises fireworks, but Zoe’s return also brings a wave of nostalgia. The Slater family exploded onto screens back in 2000 with some of the most unforgettable storylines in soap history. Now, as Zoe reconnects with Kat, fans are asking: what became of the other original Slaters?

Big Mo – The Matriarch Returns

Laila Morse cemented herself as a Walford icon when she debuted as Mo Harris, the sharp-tongued Slater matriarch. After departing in 2021 — heading off with her long-time flame “Fat Elvis” — fans feared Mo was gone for good. But last year, EastEnders bosses delighted viewers by announcing her permanent return. At 79, Laila proves Mo still has plenty of sass left to bring back to the Square.

Little Mo – Life After Walford

Kacey Ainsworth’s Little Mo endured some of the soap’s darkest storylines, from domestic abuse to killing her monstrous husband Trevor with an iron. She exited in 2006 and built a career beyond Albert Square, appearing as Cathy Keating in Grantchester and wowing theatre audiences in Sweeney Todd at Liverpool’s Everyman in 2019. While her EastEnders chapter closed long ago, fans still fondly remember Little Mo’s strength and resilience.

Charlie Slater – A Sad Farewell

Derek Martin brought warmth and stability as cab driver Charlie Slater, the loving father and anchor of the chaotic household. Sadly, Charlie met his end on screen in 2016 when he suffered a fatal heart attack, leaving viewers heartbroken. Off screen, Derek celebrated his 90th birthday in 2023, enjoying the milestone with his sons. Known for speaking his mind, he once declared EastEnders had become “too miserable,” urging the show to embrace more humor.

Lynne Slater – A Life Away from the Spotlight

Elaine Lordan played glamorous Lynne Slater from 2000 until 2004. Behind the scenes, Elaine endured unimaginable tragedy, losing both her baby son and mother within months. Following appearances on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2005, she eventually stepped back from public life in 2008. Though her time in Walford was brief, Lynne’s fiery presence remains part of Slater family history.

Kat Slater – Still the Heart of Walford

Jessie Wallace continues to embody Kat Slater, one of EastEnders’ most beloved characters. After a five-year break, during which she starred in Rent on the West End and competed in Dancing on Ice, Jessie returned to reclaim her role at the center of Albert Square drama. Now, with Zoe back by her side, Kat faces the ultimate test — reconciling with the daughter she once gave up and navigating the fallout from decades of secrets.

Why Zoe’s Return Matters

Zoe Slater’s comeback is more than nostalgia — it’s a chance to revisit one of EastEnders’ most powerful storylines. Long-time fans will never forget the infamous revelation: “You ain’t my mother!” — “Yes I am!” Now, with Zoe back after 20 years, the Square is bracing itself for old wounds, emotional confrontations, and new drama that only the Slaters can deliver.

The Slaters have always thrived on chaos, heartbreak, and resilience. Zoe’s return may reunite mother and daughter, but in Walford, no reunion comes without consequences.