EastEnders star Michelle Ryan has opened up about the challenges of returning to the BBC soap to reprise her role as Zoe Slater.
Tension is brewing in Albert Square as Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) prepares for an explosive reunion with her estranged daughter Zoe (Michelle Ryan) next week.
EastEnders viewers were delighted when the actress returned to the BBC soap in June for a four-episode stint, and have been eagerly awaiting her next appearance.
The wait is nearly over as she’s set to be reunited with her on-screen mum next Monday. Prior to her return, both actresses sat down with The One Show to tease what’s in store for fans.
However, whilst chatting to presenter JB Gill, Michelle revealed one of the most significant hurdles she encountered when stepping back into her role, this comes as one former EastEnders star recently took a swipe at the BBC soap.
She explained: “I think it’s something a director said to me. It’s about getting match fit again. I’ve done other things but you will never work harder than being on a soap.”, reports OK!.
So it’s building up to it. When I first started, I was like, ‘How am I going to do this again?’ Now, after a few months, and working with everyone, everyone has been so welcoming and so kind.
“It’s just such a great place to be. So yeah, I think just having to get back up to that level of productivity!”
During their conversation, JB asked: “Talk us through what it’s been like on set, that first day coming back, reuniting, filming again together after such a long time. What’s it been like?”
Jessie admitted: “It felt weird at first, but then we just slipped straight into it, didn’t we?” Michelle responded: “Yeah, it’s like a report we have and the chemistry, it’s easy and it’s fun.”
However, they hinted that Zoe’s return won’t be without its complications as Jessie disclosed it’ll bring additional turmoil to the Slater family.
In another interview discussing her comeback, producer Ben Wadey stated: “It’s 25 years since we first met Zoe and the rest of the Slaters, and in our 40th year we want to celebrate our past but also look forward. Zoe’s return allows us to do both, exploring her character but in a story that propels us forward.
“Myself and the writers felt there was so much more to explore with her character in Walford, and we were desperate to see how Kat would react to having her adult daughter back in her life.”
