Everything to know about Zoe Slater's EastEnders return as BBC bosses make huge U-turn

EastEnders fans are in for a treat this week as Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) heads back to Walford for the first time in 20 years and reunites with her mum Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace). The exciting scenes will air on Tuesday (September 2) at 7:30pm on BBC One.

The character was last seen in Walford in 2005 after being entangled in Den Watts’ murder. After confessing her involvement, she made amends with Kat and left for Ibiza to start a brand new life for herself. However, fans now know the mother-daughter duo haven’t been on good terms and haven’t seen each other in years.

Following her exit, EastEnders have been calling for Michelle’s return as Zoe for years and now she’s finally coming back to the Square. After leaving the show behind, Michelle went on to make it big in Hollywood, starring in the Bionic Woman series as Jaime Sommers.

As fans eagerly await the drama that will no doubt unfold, here’s everything you need to know about Zoe’s return as BBC bosses make a huge U-turn…

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Schedule changes

All four episodes per week are usually uploaded on BBC iPlayer on Monday morning meaning fans can binge-watch them all in one go rather than wait for the episodes to air on BBC One.

Now the BBC have confirmed Wednesday’s episode (September 3) will not be available to watch in advance and fans will have to tune in at 7:30pm on BBC One.

This means eager viewers who want to watch it at 6am will have to wait 12 hours to see the aftermath of Zoe’s highly-anticipated comeback and reunion with Kat.

The synopsis for the exciting episode reveals: “Secrets of Zoe's past come to the fore during her explosive return to Walford, which sends shockwaves through the Slaters and Walford.”

Where has Zoe been?

Zoe appeared on-screen for the first time earlier this year when it was revealed she was living with her cousin Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

Stacey called Kat’s husband Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) for help, where Zoe revealed she was on the run from men she owed money to.

Before they could help her, Zoe fled Stacey’s flat as Alfie left Walford to try and find Zoe in Spain, lying to Kat and telling her he was going to Australia to see his brother Spencer.

Alfie returned to Walford without Zoe in tow after being unable to find her, so it remains to be seen how she returns to Walford and what will happen when she’s reunited with her estranged mother.

Fan reactions

Excited fans have been taking to social media to share their reactions in anticipation for the much-awaited episodes. One viewer wrote on Instagram: “I cannot wait for Kat and Zoe to come face to face.”

Another fan expressed: “I have never been more excited to watch a tv show,” while somebody else said: “So excited, I can’t wait to see Kat and Zoe reunited.”

Yet another gushed: “Bring on next week right now please, thank you very much. I’m so excited.” While a fifth added: “This week is going to be so good.”

EastEnders continues on Monday at 7:30pm on BBC One

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