Jessie Wallace Reveals She ‘Burst Out Crying’ Reuniting with On-Screen Daughter Michelle Ryan Two Decades After Iconic Scene

Jessie Wallace Tears Up Reuniting with On-Screen Daughter Michelle Ryan After 20 Years

EastEnders star Jessie Wallace (Kat Slater) recently revealed she “burst out crying” during an emotional reunion with Michelle Ryan, her on-screen daughter Zoe Slater, ahead of the latter’s return to the BBC soap after two decades. The duo shared one of the show’s most iconic moments in 2001 when Kat revealed she was Zoe’s mother, not her sister, leading to Zoe’s explosive line: “You ain’t my mother!” and Kat’s tearful reply: “Yes I am!”

Emotional reunion: Jessie and Michelle during their secret dinner with producers.

Speaking to Radio Times, Jessie described meeting Michelle at a secret dinner with producers: “I burst out crying… When I saw Michelle, I cried – we were all very emotional. It was nostalgic and lovely.” She emphasized that Zoe’s return had to involve Michelle, not a recast: “I said to [producer] Ben, ‘It has to be Michelle. The audience would feel conned otherwise.’”

Michelle, now 41, had declined multiple offers to return over the years but changed her mind after EastEnders’ 40th anniversary sparked a wave of fan nostalgia. “I’d joined social media and saw so much love for Zoe,” she said. Coincidentally, producers reached out just as she reconsidered, leading to her full-time return this summer as Kat prepares to marry Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) again.

Iconic moment: Kat and Zoe’s explosive 2001 revelation.

Michelle teased Zoe’s turbulent comeback: “She’s a mess, struggling alone. She needs help, but accepting it isn’t easy.” Executive Producer Ben Wadey, a longtime fan of the Slaters, called Zoe’s return a “dream,” praising her enduring legacy despite her 20-year absence.

Jessie, now a mother herself, reflected on her bond with Michelle: “I’ve always felt protective of her. It feels natural—like family.”

Zoe’s dramatic return to Albert Square in 2025.

The reunion marks a full-circle moment for fans, with Michelle admitting: “Walking back felt like home.” Meanwhile, insiders revealed past frustrations over her refusals, making her comeback all the sweeter for the show’s loyal audience.

EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.