EastEnders legends have reunited off-screen ahead of their characters coming face-to-face on the BBC soap later this year
Angie Quinn Senior Journalist
16:39, 27 Jul 2025
EastEnders legend Michelle Ryan has sent fans into overdrive after being spotted with Jessie Wallace before her anticipated return to Albert Square.
The actress made her comeback to the BBC drama as Zoe Slater this past June, marking her first appearance on the soap in two decades.
During Zoe’s dramatic return, viewers discovered she had been residing in a secret location alongside Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) before reconnecting with her stepfather Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).
Her storyline involved fabricating tales about owing money to dangerous criminals who had supposedly threatened her life. Zoe also steadfastly refused to reconcile with her mother Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) whilst dropping hints about having committed something ‘unforgivable’.
Michelle Ryan returned to EastEnders in June (Image: PA)READ MORE: EastEnders’ Judi Shekoni looks a world away from soap role 23 years after exitREAD MORE: Emmerdale fans ‘work out’ John Sugden’s secret accomplice and he’s in the village
Following a close call involving her mum Kat, Zoe fled to Barcelona, carrying with her a devastating secret that she believed would turn everyone against her if revealed.
Presently, Alfie has travelled to Barcelona in hopes of convincing Zoe to return to Walford, as mother and daughter remain estranged, reports OK!.
Zoe remains famous for the 2001 cliffhanger where she shouted at her sister Kat: “You ain’t my mother!” prompting the legendary response: “Yes I am.”
Prior to their upcoming on-screen reconciliation, Michelle, 41, and Jessie, 53, have been photographed together enjoying a night out beyond the confines of the BBC studio.
Jessie Wallace as Kat and Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater in EastEnders(Image: BBC)
The selfie shows both soap legends looking radiant as they pose for the photograph. Michelle captioned her post: “A lovely evening out with my on-screen mama. What a woman. Love you, Jess. I’m not sure what the bathroom selfie is about, but I liked the lighting.”
EastEnders enthusiasts were quick to express their delight at seeing Jessie and Michelle together again. In the comments section, one fan exclaimed: “A photo most of us never thought we’d ever see again.”
Another fan eagerly commented: “Cannot possibly wait for this mother and daughter reunion. Love both actresses so much. It’s really exciting for everyone! Michelle you’re an absolute legend as is Jessie! Both ladies playing these amazing characters do us and themselves proud. Thank you kindly for sharing beautiful soul xxxx.”
EastEnders icons Jessie Wallace and Michelle Ryan enjoy an off-screen reunion(Image: Michelle Ryan /Instagram)
A third added: “Ahh such lovely photos of you and Jessie can’t wait to see the scenes with you and her”, while another shared their anticipation: “Love this can’t wait for this reunion.”
One more fan expressed their hopes, saying: “Omg love this I cannot wait for the EastEnders reunion I just hope it’s a happy one and a permanent Zoe back on the show x”.
It has been confirmed by EastEnders that Zoe will be returning to Walford later in the year.