EastEnders star 'returning' to BBC soap for Zoe Slater's 'dull' death storyline
An EastEnders star, last seen on the BBC soap in 2004, is returning for Zoe Slater's upcoming "dull" death storyline, according to reports.
Alley Cats' Tony Way is reportedly returning to EastEnders after 22 years for Zoe Slater's "dull" death storyline.
Although details are kept under wraps, the 47-year-old actor is said to be making a brief comeback to Albert Square in a new role, over two decades since he played guest character Nick in a 2004 episode.
Last week, The Sun on Sunday newspaper reported that Zoe (Michelle Ryan) will be killed off in one of the "blandest" deaths seen on EastEnders - a year after the actress reprised the character, Kat Moon's (Jessie Wallace's) daughter, after 20 years.
Zoe's "dull" final scenes have been filmed and are set to air in the coming weeks.
The publication says "viewers will see Zoe brush off the effects of a fall in which she bangs her head" and "she is found dead in bed the next day by her mum Kat".
A source said: "It looks as if her death is going to be as flat and as lacklustre as her comeback.
"Many will feel her death is rushed and dull. And in a show known for its sensational exits, Zoe’s will go down as one of the blandest."
An EastEnders spokeswoman told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "We won’t be commenting on storylines. We don’t want to spoil things for our viewers."
In July, they confirmed 42-year-old Michelle's exit, saying: "We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future."
Before her return, EastEnders' executive producer Ben Wadey, 32, teased how the show would examine Zoe’s complicated relationship with Kat.
He said: "She was insistent that she couldn't face seeing her mum again. But why? And why has she shunned Kat for so many years?
"Since Zoe left, we know their relationship deteriorated until Zoe cut ties completely. I've always been fascinated as to why, especially as they left on good terms.
"We have 20 years of history to explore, and so much has happened to both of them since they were last on screen together."
Michelle quit EastEnders in 2005 for Hollywood after landing the lead in the Bionic Woman remake.
