Michelle Ryan and Jessie Wallace’s EastEnders reunion hurts ahead of Zoe’s death

Mother and daughter together (Picture: Instagram/michelleryan008) While rumours run rampant that Zoe Slater is about to meet a tragic end in EastEnders, actress Michelle Ryan has taken to Instagram after a day spent with her on-screen mum, Jessie Wallace. Taking to a boat, Michelle and Jessie, who plays Kat Moon, both looked effortlessly chic as they spent some quality time together, ahead of what looks likely to be Zoe’s on-screen death. Uploading a few snaps, Michelle captioned the post: ‘Lovely day out with Jess.’ EastEnders fans flooded the comment section, with @jameela9353 writing: ‘Aww you two are the best and love seeing you both together too. Thank you kindly for sharing beautiful lady. EastEnders has made a grave mistake for killing your character off. You’ll be sorely missed playing the iconic Zoe’, while @aishahrsab added: ‘Kat and Zoe forever’ @georgehchase84 said: ‘Lovely photograph of such great actresses and more importantly great people. I am going to be so sad not seeing you in EastEnders anymore Michelle. I love your chemistry and dynamic with Jess as Zoe and Kat. I remember when the Slaters arrived on the square all those years ago. Gone but never forgotten.’ @pine.crossbills wrote: ‘Good to see the gang together’, while @baikay12 added: ‘This is fabulous!!! Hope you guys are having a blast out!’ After a hugely anticipated return after 20 years off-screen in 2025, The Sun reported that, in response to Michelle requesting time off, show bosses decided to kill her character instead. A source reportedly told them: ‘Michelle’s long-awaited return has been somewhat flat and lacklustre. There’s been a backlash about her comeback, leaving some fans disappointed with her on-screen presence. ‘There has been some disappointment backstage that the return was short lived as everyone loved the Zoe Slater’s historic moments.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed to Metro: ‘We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future’, though insisted: ‘We never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers’ when asked about the nature of Zoe’s exit. A source did confirm to Metro, though: ‘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.’’ Jessie and Zoe took some time out to spend the day on a boat… (Picture: Instagram/michelleryan008) …with both looking effortlessly chic (Picture: Instagram/michelleryan008) Fans responded harshly to the news of Zoe’s impending exit, with most branding it a wasted opportunity. Melissa Clayton wrote an incredibly impassioned response on Metro Soaps Facebook page: ‘The whole Antony saga was a mistake and putting her with Max at the start, they just didn’t have the right chemistry. Also the long drawn out “searching in secret” for Zoe from her mum,’ she began. ‘I think it would’ve been more dramatic if Zoe had just turned up in a state out of the blue to her mum saying she needed help. ‘Also, there’s been so much opportunity for her to have real heart to hearts with both of her children. Lots more interactions between them not just the odd awkward chat. ‘I wanted to see more depth in those interactions given what she went through when she had them and the years of guilt and thinking her baby daughter had died.’ Michelle, meanwhile, has already moved on to new projects. Deals of the Day The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder Shop MySweetSmile's biggest Bank Holiday offers before they end Back-to-school shopping just got a lot cheaper thanks to Primark The back-to-school essential parents forget every year – and it could cost them Arrow MORE: ‘Beautiful friend for life’: Bradley Riches’ tribute as major Emmerdale star exits Arrow MORE: Emmerdale’s Charley Webb spends ‘romantic’ night with Sheridan Smith Arrow MORE: Zoe stages EastEnders return ahead of tragic end as final scenes draw near The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.