EastEnders’ Jean star teases huge ‘shake up’ amid Zoe return
Gillian Wright, known for playing Jean Slater in EastEnders, has teased some huge drama for the Slater family as Zoe finally returns to Walford
Zoe Slater will soon be back in Walford and her return is due to spark some huge drama for the Slater family in EastEnders, actress Gillian Wright has revealed.
The soap star, who plays the much-loved Jean Slater in EastEnders, has teased what fans can expect from upcoming episodes, saying the whole Slater clan is due to be impacted in a “big way” by Zoe’s comeback.
It was confirmed earlier this year that actress Michelle Ryan would be reprising her role as Zoe for the first time in two decades.
She was briefly seen on-screen earlier this year in scenes filmed away from Albert Square, but now Zoe is heading to Walford and will reunite with mum Kat (Jessie Wallace) in upcoming episodes of the BBC soap.
There’s plenty of drama in store for the Slaters (Image: BBC)
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Gillian teased: “How will Zoe’s return shake the Slater family up? In a big way. In lots of different ways, it’s not just one aspect of Zoe’s story that shakes us up.
“There’s lots of different aspects to it, and there’s a rollerball of effects and consequences. It’s big and it’s exciting, and it’s just great to have her back!”
Zoe’s return comes at an exciting time for the Slaters, as September marks 25 years since the family’s first appearance in the BBC soap.
The family have recently taken over the Queen Vic with Kat and husband Alfie (Shane Ritchie) back behind the bar, and the couple have been at the centre of the drama thanks to son Tommy’s (Sonny Kendall) latest antics with newcomer Joel (Max Murray).
Meanwhile, Jean has been experiencing heartbreak following her split from Harvey (Ross Boatman), who cheated on her with Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).
Zoe will soon be back in Walford (Image: BBC)
Gillian said Jean is “destroyed” and “confused” by her break-up with Harvey, admitting the split has left her “floored” as she put so much trust in him.
At the same time, Jean has also realised she’s not cut out for bartending after some big mishaps behind the bar, but Gillian said this is why she “loves” her character, as she’d prefer to stick to cleaning rather than be pulling pints.
EastEnders fans can expect to see Jean and the Slater family back at the centre of the drama in next week’s episodes, with it being confirmed Zoe will officially arrive in Walford and face mum Kat for the first time in years.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm.
