EastEnders’ Michelle Ryan reveals she’s been working on her next project after soap axe as she gives update

EASTENDERS’ Michelle Ryan has revealed she’s been working on her next project after her soap axe as she gives an update. The 42-year-old delighted fans last year by returning to Walford as Zoe Slater after a 20-year absence – but her stint was short-lived. Eastenders’ Michelle Ryan has revealed she’s been working on her next project after her soap axe as she gives an update Credit: PA Last month, The Sun revealed how Michelle had been axed just a year after her comeback Credit: BBC Now, Michelle has shared a stunning image of herself to Instagram and captioned it: “Working on my next project this summer and looking forward to sharing more soon. “It’s been a busy stretch, so if you’ve written and are still waiting on a reply — they’re on the way.” Sign up for the Eastenders newsletter Thank you! Fans flocked to comment and one wrote: “So gutted about what happened to Zoe from Eastenders which is sad. She was my favourite person xx.” Another added: “Stunning picture. You deserved to be treated with so much more respect by the bosses at EE – you are an iconic and legacy character and you deserved storylines to reflect that status. Soap fans were excited for Zoe’s return to EastEnders Credit: BBC Michelle quit the soap, but scriptwriters made her decision permanent by killing off her character Credit: BBC “So excited to hear about your new project and the exciting things you get up to next.” A third said: “So happy and excited for you Michelle!” A fourth wrote: “Stunning – so gutted that you’ve left Eastenders, it really did bring back so much nostalgia but looking forward to what seeing what you do next :).” While a fifth said: “Getting rid of you and Zoe permanently is a huge huge mistake, good luck with everything you do in the future Michelle and remember we absolutely love you.” Most read in TV Last month, The Sun revealed how Michelle had been axed just a year after her comeback. Shortly after returning to the screen, she asked bosses for time off earlier this year. Michelle quit the soap, but scriptwriters made her decision permanent by killing off her character. Michelle filmed her final scenes last month, and viewers will see Zoe’s departure play out on the BBC One soap in the coming months. A source said: “Michelle’s long-awaited return has been somewhat flat and lacklustre.“ Zoe and the Slater family took Albert Square by storm when they arrived in 2000. Michelle left the soap in 2005 to go to Hollywood when she landed the lead in the Bionic Woman remake. Opening up last year about her decision to return, Michelle said it was about feeling emotional at the show’s 40th anniversary in 2025, coupled with a meeting with actress Kacey Ainsworth, 57, who played her aunt Little Mo. Comment now