The actress, 42, reprised her role as Zoe Slater last year after a 20-year break from the BBC soap. EastEnders fans said to see Michelle Ryan leave soapFans responded with disappointment at her EastEnders exit but excitement for her future work. 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." Are you sad to see that Michelle Ryan will be leaving EastEnders?