EastEnders star Michelle Ryan discusses her next project

The actress, 42, reprised her role as Zoe Slater last year after a 20-year break from the BBC soap.

However, this stint will end later in the year, with the character set to be written out.

Ryan updated fans on Instagram on Sunday (August 2), writing: “Working on my next project this summer and looking forward to sharing more soon.

“It’s been a busy stretch, so if you’ve written and are still waiting on a reply – they’re on the way.”

EastEnders fans said to see Michelle Ryan leave soap

Fans responded with disappointment at her EastEnders exit but excitement for her future work.

One wrote: “I’m so gutted about Zoe.

“Started watching the show again for your return!

“But excited to see what you do next.”

Another added: “I can’t wait to see what you are doing next.”

In July, it was reported that Ryan had filmed her final scenes.

A source told The Sun: “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.”

The departure is expected to play out on-screen in the coming months.

An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “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 aired, the show’s executive producer Ben Wadey discussed the potential for Zoe’s storyline.

Mr Wadey 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.”

BBC confirms new family will join EastEnders soon

While Zoe Slater will be exiting EastEnders later in 2026, a new family is set to join the soap soon.

The Hawkins family are the estranged relatives of Nicola Mitchell, bringing with them “old wounds and complicated family dynamics”.

Viewers will know that Nicola doesn’t have a good relationship with her family and has kept her distance.

Discussing the new cast, Wadley shared: “The Hawkins family are a fantastic addition to Walford.

“While the family share a fierce loyalty to one another, decades of complicated history and Nicola’s estrangement from them has left fractures within the family that are far from healed.

“We’re all very excited for what we have planned for the family, and we can’t wait for the audience to meet them”.

Are you sad to see that Michelle Ryan will be leaving EastEnders? Let us know in the comments.