EastEnders’ Michelle Ryan finally reveals new project after shock soap axe

SOAP fans were left shocked by the news that Michelle Ryan is leaving Albert Square for a SECOND time. But they may be delighted to hear the actress, 42, is fully gearing up for a showbiz comeback away from the soap. Michelle Ryan has hinted at a return to the West End after leaving EastEnders Credit: Instagram/michelleryan008 The actress revealed she was back in a recording studio for vocal coaching Credit: Instagram/michelleryan008 Michelle appears to be eyeing a return to the West End, judging by her latest Instagram update. Uploading a video from a recording studio, she revealed she was “about to do some vocal work”. Sign up for the Eastenders newsletter Thank you! The former EastEnders star admitted she was “pretty rusty” and was working on her technique with professional singer and vocal coach Jo Ellul, having not performed on stage since 2012. Michelle is no stranger to musical theatre and previously starred as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at London’s Savoy Theatre, opposite Will Young as the Emcee. Michelle played Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Savoy Theatre in 2012 Credit: Getty – Contributor Michelle’s final scenes as Zoe will air in the coming months Credit: BBC Last month, The Sun revealed that Michelle had been axed just a year after making her long-awaited EastEnders comeback. Shortly after returning to the soap, she asked bosses for time off earlier this year. Michelle subsequently quit, but scriptwriters made her departure permanent by deciding to kill off her character, Zoe Slater. She filmed her final scenes last month, with viewers set to see Zoe’s exit play out on the BBC One soap in the coming months. Most read in TV A source said: “Michelle’s long-awaited return has been somewhat flat and lacklustre.” Zoe and the rest of the Slater family took Albert Square by storm when they arrived in 2000. Michelle left the soap in 2005 to pursue a career in Hollywood, later landing the lead role in the 2007 remake of Bionic Woman. Opening up last year about her decision to return, Michelle said she had become emotional while marking the show’s 40th anniversary in 2025. A meeting with actress Kacey Ainsworth, 57, who played Zoe’s aunt Little Mo, also helped convince her to head back to Walford. Comment now