Michelle Ryan has opened up about her upcoming EastEnders exit and dismissed speculation about a dispute with soap bosses.
The actress returned to Albert Square last year after a 20-year absence from the BBC soap. She reprised her famous role as Zoe Slater.
However, Zoe’s latest chapter will soon come to an end. The character will die in a storyline that sees her suffer a fatal head injury before she is found dead in bed.
Some viewers have criticised the storyline and described the exit as disappointing. However, Ryan says she always expected her return to last only one year.
Speaking to Radio Times, the 42-year-old actress explained that she and her agent discussed the length of her comeback from the beginning.
According to Ryan, the decision to end Zoe’s story through her death made sense. She felt another departure would have gone against everything Zoe had fought for, particularly for her children.
Ryan admitted that hearing Zoe would die felt sad. However, she understood the creative decision behind the storyline.
Ryan said she had always expected to return to EastEnders for around a year.
The actress also explained that she enjoys having variety in her career. Playing different characters remains important to her.
Despite that, Ryan described her EastEnders comeback as a special opportunity.
She enjoyed spending time with former co-stars, including Laila Morse, Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie.
Ryan also praised the show’s current cast and described the group as welcoming and supportive.
She said the experience gave her the chance to reconnect with old friends while revisiting one of her most recognisable roles.
Ryan also believes Zoe received enough material to explore her character properly.
During her return, Zoe faced several major storylines. Ryan said the experience allowed her to explore different sides of the character.
She also praised the wider EastEnders team and the actors she worked alongside.
For Ryan, the opportunity proved one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.
Ryan also addressed rumours that her departure followed a disagreement with EastEnders bosses.
The actress strongly rejected those claims.
Instead, she praised executive producer Ben Wadey, who helped bring Zoe back to Albert Square.
Ryan described Wadey as a supportive boss and said she enjoyed working with him.
She also expressed hope that they could work together again on another project.
Her comments appear to put an end to speculation surrounding her EastEnders departure.
Ryan now hopes viewers will give Zoe’s final storyline a chance.
She acknowledged that not everyone will enjoy the storyline. However, she pointed out that EastEnders has many other stories for viewers to follow.
For now, fans will have to wait and see how Zoe Slater’s latest chapter comes to an end.
