EastEnders fans, something exciting might be happening offscreen. Michelle Ryan’s back as Zoe Slater, but she’s already thinking about who she wants to see walk through Walford next. And the name she mentioned is one viewers know well. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Michelle Ryan Calls For Sam Mitchell’s Comeback
Michelle’s return as Zoe has stirred up old memories for both viewers and herself. And now she’s hoping for one more familiar face to walk through that Queen Vic door. “I would like Kim to come back, who played Sam,” Michelle revealed in a recent chat.
The suggestion immediately struck a chord with her longtime co-star Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat. “Oh yeah, she came back. Yeah, she’s brilliant,” Jessie chimed in, clearly thrilled at the idea. Kim Medcalf last appeared as Sam Mitchell in 2024. Over the years, she’s played the role on and off.
EastEnders Reunion Sparked Zoe Slater’s Return
Actually, what’s interesting is that Michelle’s return didn’t happen by chance. It started after she reconnected with Kim and Kacey Ainsworth, who played Little Mo. The three of them sat down and looked back on their time in Walford. That moment opened a door.
“We were talking about all the good times we had on the show,” Michelle said, thinking back to that emotional meetup. “I’d already been toying with the idea of coming back. And around the same time, the BBC soap brought in a new executive producer.” Ben Wadey, the new producer, had a deep connection to the Slater legacy. Still, he didn’t waste time; he saw the chance to bring Zoe back and ran with it. Michelle said it felt like the timing lined up on both sides. “It all happened at the right time,” she explained. “Both of our worlds aligned.”
In June, viewers saw Zoe again for the first time in twenty years. She was staying in a flat with Stacey, but details were kept vague. That brief glimpse was only the start. Michelle is now confirmed to return on a full-time basis. If Kim Medcalf does return as Sam, things could take a serious turn.
There’s history there, unresolved tension. And fans are hungry for those emotional showdowns. But Michelle’s homecoming feels different; it’s personal. And it’s just getting started. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, follow Soap Opera Daily.