*OPINION* WHY ZOE SLATER'S ARRIVAL WAS GENIUS TIMING AND WHY KAT AND ZOE'S REUNION WAS WORTH THE WAIT IN 2025

As someone who grew up watching EastEnders and loving the Slater family growing up as they were the key family for me along with the Mitchells and Brannings.

Getting to witness the return of Zoe Slater played by the character's original actress, Michelle Ryan for me was brilliant and even though her return was no surprise the quickness of her arrival was, but it was brilliant to see Stacey Slater apart of Zoe's return after 20 years during Monday 16th June's episode. However, during her first return I was very excited to learn more about the character's backstory which has happened a little over the past few episodes as I was extremely interested to see why she is now, the way she is as Zoe has always been a complexed character, and I think continuing her struggles is a great idea.

Following on from Zoe's arrival back to our screen during the final scene of last Thursday's episode (28th August) after Tommy Moon went looking for his auntie, however, it was during Monday's episode (1st September) where Zoe arrived back in Albert Square and came face-to-face with her mum, Kat Slater in the exact spot of their iconic scene.

The mother and daughter reunited after many years during Tuesday's episode (2nd September) in some tough scenes as the Zoe opens up about struggling with her past that saw her slowly open up towards the end of the episode setting it up brilliantly for the next special episode.

Wednesday's episode (3rd September) was a special episode air where viewers were treated to a look at Zoe's past and the way she is - from the moment she was shot as she opened up slowly to Kat before she came face-to-face with Anthony Trueman as Kat noticed Zoe's tattoo. As Zoe went unconscious, viewers saw Zoe give birth to twin where one sadly died and she placed her son up for adoption - is it Joel? However, the return of Max Branning for me was something I am placed I got right as I thought with the episode not going live on iPlayer, I said it on 'x' and I am thrilled, but I am wondering if Max could be the father? But after seeing something could Dennis Rickman have been the father? But what if Anthony Trueman or Paul Trueman could be the father? Could Joel be her child or is it someone we haven't met yet - setting up this year's Christmas storyline? Too many thoughts going around my head last night.

The final episode (4th September) continued with the aftermath of Zoe's past and her connection to Max Branning being revealed a little, however, I've a feeling there could be more to it, however, it's lovely having both these characters back on-screen and it was nice to see Zoe stand her ground.

The fact that Zoe now wants to search for her child/ children, I am convinced they could both be alive is an interesting move, but I do think this could be the Christmas storyline, maybe? Also, it'll be interesting to see where Zoe and Kat's relationship goes from here.

There is definitely still a lot to unpack from Zoe's past and I am intrigued to see what comes next especially with Zoe's vulnerability which is a credit to Michelle Ryan's wonderful acting ability.

Thank You, Ben Wadey for bringing back Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater, and a special shout out goes to the writers, and the directors for their attention to detail within the camera angles and the backstory. Also, I have to say how incredible Michelle Ryan and Jessie Wallace have been this week, it's like they picked up where they left off 20 years ago.

The episodes mentioned aired Monday 1st - Thursday 4th September on BBC1 at 7.30pm and available now on BBCi Player.