As part of the programme’s big 40th anniversary celebrations viewers are calling for a Zoe Slater comeback.

Zoe – who was played by Michelle Ryan – hasn’t been seen in the Square since leaving in 2005.

But fans think her mum Kat Slater’s current storyline with son Tommy Moon would perfectly pave the way for a surprise comeback.

The tearaway teen has been desperately trying to reunite Kat with her ex-husband Phil Mitchell after their split leading to a series of rows.

At the same time, Tommy was skipping school and sulking over his home life.

Could Zoe be the perfect person to take her half brother under her wing amid his domestic issues?

One fan wrote on a forum: “Now with the Kat and Tommy storyline looking like it might stretch out a bit do u think soon this year maybe next year Zoe will come back or do u think she will never come back she is 40 years old now.”

Others think another returning favourite, Chrissie Watts, could end up somehow bringing Kat and Zoe back together.

They said: “Maybe this is the real outcome of the Chrissie cameo? Obviously yeah she can mess with Sharon’s head a bit, but honestly I’d find that boring.

“If she could somehow reconnect Kat and Zoe through some sort of mediation, then that would be almost like a redemption arc for the Chrissie character.”

Another said: “I am surprised that EE has not yet recast the role to bring her back. It does feel like there have been a few times over the years that a Zoe appearance would have been fitting. Though with this new storyline, it feels like it would be the best moment.”

Since leaving the soap Michelle has starred in Bionic Woman – a reboot of the popular 70s TV show, an episode of Doctor Who, and two films: Cockneys v Zombies and The Last Photograph, respectively.

The speculation comes as show star Matt Di Angelo – who plays Dean Wicks – revealed a major character will return for the soap’s 40th anniversary.

When asked about the soap’s upcoming anniversary, he told The Mirror: “I know quite a lot and I can’t tell you who exactly – but when I found out, I was very surprised that they would come back.”

Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick – who play Honey Mitchell and Jay Brown also gave an insight into what fans can expect from the upcoming episode.

“We just know Chris is going to have something very exciting planned as he always does. It is exciting. We’re all really proud we’re there and going to be a part of it,” Emma said.

Jamie added: “But we don’t know what it is! I think it’s so under lock and key that we don’t even know if those in the know, know! It’s under lock and key!”

The comments follow EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw hinting about the potential return of some major characters.

He told The Sun: “As we head towards our 40th year, I think the nostalgic element means a lot.

“Into the autumn and the end of the year, we’ve got quite a few treats coming up.”

When asked whether any former stars could make a return to the BBC soap, he said: “Maybe. It all depends on the story and where the characters are.”

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Source: Tampa Bay Times