EastEnders has confirmed long-term character Zoe Slater will be killed off in a dramatic storyline that’s already been filmed, leaving fans furious over the fact Zoe made her hugely-anticipated return to the Square just last year.
Actress Michelle Ryan originally made her debut on the BBC soap as Zoe back in 2000 before leaving the programme in 2005.
Last year, it was announced the character would be making a chaotic comeback, with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) set to reunite with her daughter after two decades.
However, the soap has now announced the end of the Walford favourite, which has come as bizarre news to EastEnders viewers.
Zoe returned to EastEnders after two decades away last year
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BBC
A spokesperson for the soap told Radio Times: “We can confirm 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’t want to spoil it for the viewers.”
The statement came after the Sun reported that Zoe will meet a tragic end that will result in her death.
Responding to the huge update, fans have expressed their disappointment over what had started as a huge comeback plot.
Zoe will be leaving EastEnders just a year after her highly-anticipated comeback
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BBC
The publication alleges that Ms Ryan decided to quit after her request for time off had been refused.
Taking to X, one wrote: “#EastEnders Can’t lie I’m very shocked that Zoe is being killed off when she could’ve had an open door exit. Her initial return scenes were great.”
A second penned: “So [executive producer] Ben Wadey literally talked about how iconic her character was and why he just had to have her back and here he is a year later sacking her because she asked for a little bit of time off? So disrespectful.”
Another argued: “Don’t get me wrong I am pleased they are killing off Zoe Slater. But how come the let Letitia Dean swan in and out, leaving for months at a time.”
EastEnders fan were delighted by Zoe Slater’s return in 2025
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BBC
“Killed off? Wow. Just pathetic honestly,” someone else wrote, while another simply commented: “Absolutely utter madness…”
“Cancel the storyline, give Michelle the time off she has requested and remove Ben Wadey. If he’s fumbled one of the most eagerly anticipated returns he’s not fit to run the show,” a different fan fumed.
One more demanded: “Talk about bringing a character back to ruin her and kill her off what is the actual point Wadey tell us now!!!”
However, some weren’t as disappointed by the news, with one viewer adding: Her whole storyline has been awful. No joined up thinking or credible back story. They brought her back for ratings and then didn’t have a clue what to do with her.” (sic)
Kat and Zoe’s reunion on EastEnders hasn’t lasted very long
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BBC
Ms Ryan returned to the show with some brief appearances last June as Zoe before reprising the role for a full-time position in August.
Despite Zoe having been back in the Square for only a year, she’s been central to some dramatic plotlines. Just days after returning, Zoe was shot after being caught in the crossfire of a feud between Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).
A flashback also revealed that during her time away, she’d given birth to twins, with Zoe believing her daughter had been stillborn before being reunited with her in the form of mysterious newcomer Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness).
Zoe’s son Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan) also arrived on the Square this year after Jasmine was jailed for her father Anthony Trueman’s (Nicholas Bailey) murder.
The character’s brief but eventful comeback will seemingly conclude in a dramatic fashion, but fans will have to wait to find out exactly what happens, with Zoe’s exit scenes having reportedly been filmed already.