EastEnders enthusiasts are speculating that another soap legend may accompany Chrissie Watts on her return to the show this year.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Chrissie, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman, is set to make a comeback to the iconic square, nearly two decades after her dramatic departure. Chrissie was a regular character from 2004 to 2005.
As Dirty Den's wife, portrayed by Leslie Grantham, Chrissie quickly became a fan favourite, appearing in 218 episodes. During her tenure, she served as the landlady of the Queen Vic and was involved in numerous storylines - but is most remembered for murdering her husband, Den.
Chrissie left the soap in 2015 when her character was imprisoned for Den's murder. However, 19 years later, the beloved character is slated to return to Walford for a brief stint later this year.
Meanwhile, fans are speculating that another EastEnders legend, Zoe Slater, might also be making a return. As the youngest Slater sister, Zoe, played by Michelle Ryan, made her debut on Albert Square along with the rest of her family, including Kat (Jessie Wallace), in 2000, reports the Daily Star.
Zoe certainly had her share of significant storylines. She had an affair with her mother's ex and was part of The Witches of Walford storyline, which saw her join forces with Chrissie and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) to seek revenge on Dirty Den.
Zoe exited the show in 2005 and hasn't been seen since. However, following her reaction to the news of Chrissie Watts' return, fans are speculating that a comeback could be imminent.
On Wednesday (July 3) Chrissie actress Tracy-Ann took to her Instagram to share the news of her heading back to EastEnders. Fans and pals were quick to share their excitement - including Michelle Ryan.
In the comments section, the Zoe Slater actress wrote: "Oh my goodness! How exciting," and the comment didn't go unnoticed from fans.
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Over on X, formerly known as Twitter, one person shared a snap of Michelle's comment and wrote: "Hang on... have #EastEnders slyly got Zoe back n all, because why is Michelle's reaction actually giving a little bit of this.."
Someone else mused: "It's happening."
A third quipped: "This is giving she secretly knows she's coming back as well even though she said she never would... Chris [Clenshaw, EastEnders' Executive Producer] what are you planning."
Another viewer chimed in and penned: "If they get my Zoe back on the square I'll never say a bad word about the show ever again! I need her and Kat reunited."
A fifth wrote: "If Zoe Slater comes back to Eastenders I'm going to actually scream."
In 2005, Chrissie and Zoe were the focus of one of "the programme's biggest and most high-profile narratives" when Chrissie murdered her husband Den in self-defence at the end of the special 20th anniversary episode.
The broadcast was watched by 14.34 million people - with "almost 60% of possible viewers" tuning in to see Chrissie killing Den.
Chrissie, in collaboration with Sam Mitchell and Zoe, confronted the villainous Den, resulting in his brutal demise. Chrissie was subsequently arrested for the crime, having initially framed Sam, and she exited the soap in 2005.
