Michelle Ryan has reportedly agreed to reprise her role as Zoe Slater on EastEnders after 20 years.
The character was part of one of the soap's most iconic ever scenes, famously snapping "you ain't my muvva" at her supposed big sister Kat (Jessie Wallace), prompting Kat to scream back: "Yes I am!"
Zoe was part of the original Slater clan lineup when they moved to Albert Square in 2000 but left for a new life in Ibiza in 2005 following the murder of 'Dirty' Den Watts (Leslie Grantham).
Ryan - now aged 41 - is believed to have turned down numerous approaches to return during her two-decade absence but according to The Sun, she has now had a change of heart.
A source told the newspaper: "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."
Ryan is expected to be back on screen as Zoe later this year.
Neil Wilkes
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