BBC boss Ben Wadey’s new era of EastEnders kicked off with a bang last night, as Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) returned after 20 years.
It’s the return that absolutely everyone has wanted, and now we’re finally getting it.
There was much mystery throughout last night’s episode, as Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) glided around a messy flat, trying to convince a woman sleeping on the sofa to get her life back together.
She desperately tried to contact Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), hoping he could help, though by the time he arrived, the woman had vanished.
Then, the door unlocked. She entered the living room. It was Zoe! Doof doof…
Michelle has reprised the role for episodes that air this week, though we’ll have to wait a little longer for her next stint – as she won’t return again until later in the year.
EastEnders fans see double…
One thing that was instantly picked up on was the Slater family resemblence.
‘Why’s Zoe look like a grown up Lily’ said @AmandaLooLah.
@RyanJL agreed: ‘The similiarities between Zoe and Lily though. Casting struck gold with Lillia!’
‘Zoe just looks so scarily uncanny for Lily’ said @DigiTay33.
Viewers are, of course, referring to Stacey’s eldest daughter Lily (Lillia Turner), who is currently on a break from the show to sit exams.
The 16-year old actress joined the soap in 2020, and has been at the centre of some huge storylines during her five years.
She was recently seen spiralling in the wake of father figure Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) death, setting fire to his fruit and veg stall and turning to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism.
It would certainly be interesting to see her and Zoe side by side!
Viewers share their elation
‘Here we go…’ Michelle wrote on Instagram yesterday, sharing a snap of some highlighted scripts with a tomato-shaped egg timer on top.
Her fans flocked to the comments, thrilled to have her back in Albert Square.
‘It was lovely to see you and Lacey onscreen together again after 20 years!’ said one.
Another added: ‘The fact Zoe has been gone for 20 years yet everyone who watches Eastenders is ecstatic she’s back speaks volumes about the character’s impact on the show and how she’s still one of the most iconic characters to date in the British soap world!
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‘I can’t wait to see Zoe’s reaction when she learns she has a long long TWIN brother.’
‘You was on Eastenders YEARS before I was born (I’m nearly 19) and I’m still absolutely ecstatic that you’re back I am so unbelievably happy, you were brilliant and I’m sure you’re gonna be brilliant this time round!!!’ said a third.
‘My campaign for a Zoe/Sam/Chrissie showdown starts here’ added a fourth.
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