EastEnders fans hoping for a return of Little Mo Slater for Zoe Slater’s funeral have been disappointed, as actress Kacey Ainsworth, 57, has confirmed she will not reprise the role. Addressing speculation on Instagram, Ainsworth shared a screenshot of the claims and wrote: 'Very flattering that a character I created 20+ years ago is still held in folks’ hearts… but this is FAKE NEWS.' She added: 'This is not a conversation I have had with the powers that be.'
Fan Demand Dismissed by Actress
Ainsworth acknowledged the fan demand was 'very flattering' but quickly clarified there is no truth to the rumours. She joked about the number of Slaters already returning, writing: 'I came out of my recording, and my phone was on fire – #slaters you’ve already got @therobkazinsky c’mon don’t be greedy.' This refers to Rob Kazinsky’s confirmed return as Sean Slater for the funeral storyline.
Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan, is set to be killed off after a surprise return to the BBC One soap last year, more than two decades after her original departure. Ryan’s comeback was a major moment for viewers, particularly due to Zoe’s involvement in the iconic 'You ain’t my mother!' revelation with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace). Ryan filmed her final scenes in June, and Zoe’s death and funeral will air in the coming months.
Little Mo’s Legacy and Awards
Little Mo was introduced in 2000 and remained on the show until 2006, becoming one of EastEnders’ most beloved characters. Her storyline involving abusive husband Trevor Morgan (Alex Ferns) was a hard-hitting plot, culminating in Mo attacking Trevor with an iron. Ainsworth’s performance earned her the 2002 National Television Award for Most Popular Actress and two British Soap Awards for Best Actress. She has previously been reluctant to revisit the role.
Despite the absence of Little Mo, Zoe’s funeral is expected to be a major event, with Rob Kazinsky returning as Sean Slater and other familiar faces potentially appearing. The soap has already prepared for a significant Slater reunion, though Ainsworth’s confirmation dashes hopes for a full family gathering.
