EastEnders star Jessie Wallace has opened up in a new interview
EastEnders enthusiasts have been over the moon with the comeback of Zoe Slater after two decades.
Zoe, portrayed by Michelle Ryan, first graced Albert Square back in 2000 and remained a key character until 2005. During her five-year stint, Zoe was embroiled in numerous dramatic storylines, particularly when it was revealed that her “sister” Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace, was actually her mum.
With Kat now running The Queen Vic and Zoe making a return to the popular BBC One soap, viewers are set for an exhilarating new chapter in Walford.
Discussing Michelle’s reprisal as Zoe, Jessie, 53, confessed she put her foot down when it came to soap bosses potentially recasting her on-screen daughter. Speaking to Radio Times, she said: “I said to Ben [executive producer], ‘It has to be Michelle. It won’t feel right if Zoe is recast.'”.
“I wouldn’t be able to give my best performance. The audience would feel completely conned. I love Michelle and have always been protective over her, perhaps that’s natural having played her mum.”, reports Plymouth Live.
“I’m a mother myself now, which I wasn’t when we worked together before, and I’m very protective over my daughter. I’ve changed and so has Kat. I’ve grown up a lot, and Kat is more responsible now.”
Meanwhile, discussing her return to landlady duties at the Queen Vic for the first time since 2012, Jessie added: “I stepped behind that bar and felt like I’d come home.”
Zoe bid farewell to Albert Square in 2005, reconciling with Kat after confessing the truth about Den Watts’ murder. However, during her absence from Albert Square, Zoe and Kat’s relationship deteriorated once more, leaving them estranged.
The BBC One soap has hinted: “With twenty years of deep-rooted resentment towards her mum, fractured family relationships, and siblings she has never met, Zoe will be in for one hell of a ride when she returns, but the road back to Walford will not be an easy one..”
Discussing his decision to bring Michelle Ryan back as Zoe Slater, EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey stated: “Before I even stepped into the role, Zoe Slater was on my wish-list of returnees as although we haven’t seen her on screen for twenty years, her character has transcended time due to her popular storylines.
“I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I’m thrilled to welcome her back to Walford.”
He further added: “Whilst I can’t say too much at this stage, Zoe’s return is just one of the many exciting storylines we have planned.”
