While the details about Zoe\u2019s exit remain under wraps for now, it will take place later this year. However, for now, the character has made an unannounced and temporary departure from Albert Square.<\/p>\n
![\"zoe](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/d0bcc4ff-95f0-4558-b27f-04d8807ee859.jpg\" "\\"Zoe")
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Related: Best streaming services<\/a><\/p>\n Zoe\u2019s half-brother Tommy got a nasty shock in today\u2019s iPlayer episode<\/a>, which will air on TV on Friday evening. The teen was rattled when he discovered that his former best friend Joel was back in Walford, after spending the last few months in a young offender\u2019s institution.<\/p>\n Last year Tommy was influenced by Joel\u2019s misogynistic beliefs and behaviour, but after realising that Joel had brutally attacked Vicki, Tommy did the right thing and reported his friend to the police<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tommy\u2019s actions led to Joel facing consequences for his vile crimes, but now he has been released, Tommy is scared about coming face to face with him again \u2013 and he later voiced his concerns to Zoe<\/a> and his dad Alfie in the barrel store of the pub.<\/p>\n “He\u2019s going to call me a let-down,” he said. “Blame getting locked up on soft guys like me being a pushover.”<\/p>\n As Zoe and Alfie gave him some much-needed encouragement, Zoe explained that she was going to stay with Lynne for a couple of weeks and suggested that Tommy comes with her. Tommy happily accepted Zoe\u2019s offer, pleased to escape Walford before facing Joel later.<\/p>\n BBC<\/p>\n Related: EastEnders star Diane Parish explains devastating Denise hair loss scene<\/a><\/p>\n Amid the news about Zoe\u2019s more permanent exit later this year, there have been rumours about a fallout behind the scenes. However, soap expert Sharon Marshall cleared things up on This Morning this week, explaining that Michelle asked to leave EastEnders<\/a> and that it was a mutual decision.<\/p>\n In a statement last week, a BBC spokesperson told Digital Spy: “We can confirm that Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future. However, we never comment on future storylines as we don\u2019t want to spoil it for the viewers.”<\/p>\n EastEnders airs on Mondays – Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.<\/p>\n Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage<\/a><\/p>\n![\"zoe](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/zoe-slater-tommy-moon-eastenders-68dbb4df469a7.jpg\" "\\"Zoe")
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