EastEnders has confirmed that Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan, will depart the show later this year, with new photos showing cast members filming funeral scenes that are almost certainly for the character. The images, released on August 18, 2026, capture Zoe's closest relatives and friends gathered for the somber occasion, putting an end to months of speculation about her exit.
Among those seen filming the funeral are Zoe's twins, Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan) and Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness), whom she spent much of her recent stint searching for. Also present were her mother and stepfather, Kat and Alfie Moon (Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie), great-grandmother Mo Harris (Laila Morse), brother Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall), cousin-in-law Jean Slater (Gillian Wright), and Lily Slater (Lillia Turner).
Official Confirmation and Behind-the-Scenes Reactions
Last month, a BBC spokesperson told Metro: 'We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future. However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers.' The confirmation quickly fueled rumors of the character's demise, with an insider adding to Metro: 'Michelle’s exit marks the end of a storyline that has been in the works for some time. With such an iconic character, Zoe’s exit is never going to be without drama, but bosses are keeping tight-lipped about how she leaves the Square, but as always with the Slaters, it’s not going to be quiet.'
Further sources told The Sun that behind the scenes, there was a feeling that her return had been 'somewhat flat and lacklustre.' One source claimed: 'There’s been a backlash about her comeback, leaving some fans disappointed with her onscreen presence. There has been some disappointment backstage that the return was short-lived as everyone loved Zoe Slater’s historic moments.'
Zoe's Iconic History and Return Storyline
Zoe's original stint on the show was groundbreaking, making her a legend among fans. Her storylines included the shocking revelation that her sister Kat was actually her mother and that she was the product of incestuous rape, before she became part of the trio responsible for the second and permanent murder of Dirty Den Watts (Leslie Grantham). The announcement of her return was seismic, as fans had long believed they would never see her on Albert Square again.
However, her comeback was less celebrated. Zoe returned with a heavy backstory: she had given birth to two children years ago—one she believed was stillborn and another she left in the hospital—had potentially murdered a private investigator, and engaged in a fling with Max Branning (Jake Wood). As she sought to reunite with her children, the plot shifted to focus on the return of arch-villain Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), who allied with Jasmine to psychologically torture Zoe. Zoe was mistakenly sent down for the murder of Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey), a crime Jasmine had committed, and upon her release, things quieted down.
Recent Developments and What's Next
The introduction of her other child, Josh Goodwin, saw him bonding with the Trueman family and entering a love triangle with his twin's boyfriend Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier). As a result, Zoe became something of an afterthought following the arrival of her children. It seems her return will be remembered as a 'what could’ve been,' and with her character's death, there is no chance for a second attempt at success.
The funeral scenes also mark the first public appearance of Shane Richie since his arrest for drink driving and the revelation that his wife has filed for divorce. The filming of these scenes brings closure to Zoe's storyline, but the exact circumstances of her death remain under wraps, with producers keeping details secret to avoid spoiling viewers.
