EastEnders fans believe a major blast from the past is on the way — and all signs point to Zoe Slater’s return after more than two decades away from Albert Square.
A cryptic teaser posted by @bbceastenders on Sunday (June 15) showed a walk through the iconic market stalls, with a particular focus on the very spot where Zoe famously screamed “You ain’t my mother!” at Kat Slater back in 2001 — a moment now etched in soap history.
Michelle Ryan’s Comeback?
Viewers are convinced that Michelle Ryan, who played Zoe Slater from 2000 to 2005, is staging a shock return in Ben Wadey’s debut episode as executive producer, airing Monday, June 16.
Wadey recently teased something “big” was coming, saying:
“I hope it gets everyone talking — and it’s only just the beginning.”
A source told The Sun:
“Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right.
She feels like now is the perfect moment — and there was an exciting script on the table.”
Fans Decode the Clues
Online speculation exploded after the teaser clip aired.
“The whole thing takes place where ‘You ain’t my mother!’ happened,” one viewer posted.
“It even blinked at the Slater stall. It’s gotta be Zoe!”
Others chimed in with theories:
“Ah yes, the same place where you ain’t my muvva happened.”
“Zoe used to work on the stalls – that’s a major clue!”
“Never seen a stall selling ‘Kat’ things… Cat = Kat = Zoe?”
Schedule Shake-up Fuels Rumours
Adding more intrigue, Monday’s episode will break from tradition, with no 6am iPlayer drop — a rare move for the BBC soap.
“Trust us, you won’t want to miss it,” EastEnders teased, confirming the new broadcast time of 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Fans believe the dramatic shift signals a blockbuster twist, likely involving Zoe’s long-awaited return.
What Could Zoe’s Return Mean?
If true, Zoe’s return could reopen decades-old wounds in the Slater family. With Kat embroiled in her own messy storyline, bringing Zoe back could shake up Walford’s most explosive family once again.
