Is EastEnders' Zoe Slater making a dramatic Walford comeback?

EastEnders sign - legend of show joining Holby City

(Image credit: PA Archive/PA Images)

EastEnders fans are convinced that Zoe Slater is heading back to Albert Square to be reunited with estranged mum Kat Slater.

EastEnders fans have taken to social media to share their delight at the possibility of Zoe Slater making a much-anticipated return to the soap after 13 years away.

Watching Hayley Slater with her newborn baby over the last few days has clearly got Kat thinking about her relationship with her own daughter. But could all the times Kat's mentioned Zoe be a not-so-subtle hint from EastEnders that a familiar face is about to return to the Square?

Zoe Slater was a Square beauty with classical good looks — Could Zoe Slater be making a Walford comeback?

Last night's hour-long special saw Kat leave a heart-felt voicemail for Zoe, but only after she had eventually plucked up the courage to pick up the phone and call her.

During the message Kat joked about Zoe giving her warning before video calling her so she could make sure she had all her make up on, but under her jokey exterior it was clear that Kat just misses her estranged daughter.

The heartbroken mum even admitted that she doesn't know where Zoe lives any more, and fans were left feeling sorry for the leopard print-loving cleaner as she bared her soul...

While Zoe and Kat have clearly drifted apart over the years, fans think this could be the perfect time for Zoe to make her comeback.

The pair's show-down in the Square when Zoe yells, "You ain't my mother," and Kat shouts back, "Yes, I am!" has gone down in <em>EastEnders</em> history — Kat and Zoe have always has a fiery relationship (Image credit: BBC)

Last time we saw Zoe on screen was back in 2005 played by actress Michelle Ryan, but could that all be about to change?

With Alfie making his dramatic comeback last night, it could be plausible that Zoe could also return to turn Kat's life upside down.

New EastEnders boss Kate Oates has made no secret of the fact she is planning to bring back some old faces as part of her tenure on the soap - could Zoe Slater be one of them?

EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Picture credits: BBC

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.