Zoe Slater's Mysterious Return to EastEnders Sparks Motherhood Speculation
Long-time EastEnders viewers speculate the underlying reason for Zoe Slater's reappearance in Walford after two decades.
In a jaw-dropping comeback, everyone's favorite soap character Zoe Slater has made her grand entrance back to Walford after two decades. But it seems fans can't help but probe beneath the surface, questioning the real reason behind this familiar face resurfacing.
Some viewers are convinced that Zoe, played by Michelle Ryan, is not in town for a simple family catch-up. Instead, they speculate she's got unfinished business with Ross and his stepson, Joel.
Since Joel's arrival in the Square this year, alongside Vicki Fowler for Martin Fowler's funeral, the teenager has been causing quite a stir, stirring up a swarm of dark secrets. The most intriguing mystery that remains unsolved - who is Joel's real mom?
Now, fans believe Zoe could be guarding a shocking truth - the ultimate bombshell. Taking to Instagram, one fan penned, "We reckon she’s Joel’s mum!" While another shared, "Omg it will be crazy if she is Joel's biological mum!" Another fan even predicted a heated exchange, imagining Zoe’s sarcastic quip, "You ain't my mother," in a confrontation with Joel.
This week, viewers will see Zoe in two more episodes, and she's rumored to be back full-time this summer. While she refuses to spill the beans, Michelle Ryan, who plays Zoe, hinted at her return, stating, "It just so happened that at the same time, EastEnders had announced a new Exec who was keen to explore the potential of a return."
Executive Producer Ben Wadey, too, expressed his excitement, admitting, "Zoe Slater was on my wish-list of returnees... before I even stepped into the role."
While fans eagerly wait for more clues, let's reminisce about other gripping teen soap storylines in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks (find our recaps on Soap Shindig and Most Read in Soaps).
References:
[1] EastEnders. (2021). EastEnders' Michelle Ryan reveals secret cast reunion before Zoe Slater return. Retrieved from https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/a39503176/eastenders-michelle-ryan-zoe-slater-return-cast-reunion/
[2] Soaps.com. (n.d.). Taking to the Square: EastEnders News and Spoilers. Retrieved from https://soapcentral.com/eastenders/news/
[3] Express. (2021). Soap Shindig: New Enders bombshell as Michelle Ryan returns - and she's back FOR GOOD. Retrieved from https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1492951/eastenders-michelle-ryan-zoe-slater-return-spoilers-supposedly-disappointing
In the midst of her comeback, fans are intrigued about Zoe Slater's real reason for returning to EastEnders, with many speculating that she might be Joel's mother. Meanwhile, one fan envisions an intense confrontation between Joel and Zoe, imaginatively quoting, "You ain't my mother."
