Shane Richie teases another huge EastEnders comeback after it’s confirmed Michelle Ryan will return as Zoe
SHANE Richie has hinted about another EastEnders star’s comeback after it was revealed Michelle Ryan is returning as Zoe Slater.
The soap legend opened up about the new executive producer Ben Wadey’s plans as he takes over the role from Chris Clenshaw.
In the week that the BBC soap won a total of eight gongs for its 40th anniversary episodes, actor Shane teased “fireworks” and the potential for Spencer Moon to return.
He told the Mirror: “Chris has told me some things. I said ‘let me sit down’.
“There’s fireworks, there’s Kat and Alfie. There is a story that is about to kick in, which will carry on through to after Christmas. Honestly it’s a big story.
“If you thought the 40th was big wait until you see this story. That’s all I’m saying.”
Talking about the potential for his on-screen brother to rejoin the soap, Shane said: “I would like him to come back.
“One of my sons keeps in touch with Christopher [Parker], but he’s a lawyer now.
“He flies between LA and London. I would love to think that one day they might bring back Spencer, but so much is going on at the moment. Alfie could probably do without that.”
Christopher played Spencer Moon between 2002 and 2005 before he quit acting for good and started working as a lawyer.
The Sun revealed actress Michelle, 41, is back on Albert Square later this year – two decades after quitting the soap.
Michelle starred on the soap from 2000 to 2005, before moving to Hollywood after landing the lead role in a series called Bionic Woman.
A source said: “Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right.
“People are still talking about her character, so it’s a real coup to bring her back.
“She feels like now is the perfect moment — and there was an exciting script on the table.”
EastEnders was awarded Best Soap after its huge live episode and anniversary week which saw Anita Dobson return as Angie Watts and Martin Fowler killed off in the arms of his love, Stacey.
Actress Lacey Turner received the trophy for Best Leading Performer ahead of her impending exit from the show.
The 40th anniversary also managed to clutch the Scene of the Year thanks to Angie’s shock return.
Steve McFadden a won a trophy for Best Dramatic Performance as Phil Mitchell, but did not attend the ceremony with Angela Wynter and Rudolph Walker also receiving prizes as Patrick and Yolande for the Best On-Screen Partnership award.