Michelle Ryan wraps filming after EastEnders return as Zoe Slater exit approaches

Michelle Ryan has reportedly completed filming her final scenes as Zoe, with EastEnders confirming that the popular character will leave Walford later this year.

The BBC announced the news earlier this month, confirming that Zoe's departure is on the way but declining to reveal how her story will end. A spokesperson said:

"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."

Reports have suggested that Michelle's final scenes have already been recorded, meaning viewers are now waiting to discover how Zoe's departure unfolds on screen. While speculation continues over the character's fate, the BBC has not commented on any details surrounding her exit.

Michelle originally played Zoe between 2000 and 2005 before making her long-awaited return to Albert Square. After some brief appearances, she came back on a full-time basis, reuniting Zoe with her estranged mother Kat and placing the character back at the heart of life in Walford.

Her comeback quickly developed into one of the soap's biggest ongoing stories. Zoe was caught in the crossfire during a confrontation involving Jack and Ravi, leaving her with a gunshot wound that shocked residents of Albert Square.

Viewers then discovered through a flashback that Zoe had secretly given birth to twins while she was away from Walford. Believing that her daughter had been stillborn, she spent months searching for her missing son before the truth about her children gradually emerged.

The storyline continued to gather momentum when Jasmine was revealed as Zoe's daughter after secretly working alongside Chrissie. Anthony was later exposed as the twins' father, but a violent confrontation ended with Jasmine fatally striking him after he lunged towards her.

Zoe initially took responsibility in an effort to protect Jasmine before the truth eventually came to light. Jasmine was sent to prison, while Josh emerged and began trying to establish relationships with members of both his birth families.

More recently, Zoe temporarily left Walford alongside Tommy after he admitted he was frightened about coming face to face with Joel following his release from a young offender's institution. Zoe explained that she was planning to stay with Lynne for a couple of weeks and suggested Tommy accompany her, giving both characters a short break from events in Albert Square.

Following confirmation that Michelle will leave the soap, rumours emerged about the circumstances surrounding her departure. Sharon Marshall later addressed the reports on This Morning, explaining that Michelle had asked to leave EastEnders and describing the decision as a mutual one.

With filming reportedly complete and the BBC confirming Zoe's departure later this year, attention now turns to how one of the programme's best-known characters will make her final exit. EastEnders has made it clear that viewers will need to wait a little longer before discovering exactly how Zoe's story reaches its conclusion.

EastEnders can be viewed on BBC One, while episodes are also available to stream and catch up on through BBC iPlayer. Images: BBC used for editorial purposes only.

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