Slaters' tearful reunion 20 years after iconic exit

EASTENDER Jessie Wallace said tears were flowing when she was reunited on the show with costar Michelle Ryan after 20 years.

- Mark Jefferies

Michelle, 41, who left the BBC soap in 2005, made a fleeting appearance as Zoe Slater in the summer to tease her full return.

Jessie, 53, who plays Zoe's mum, Kat, said of the pair's reunion: "We met for a secret dinner date with [new executive producer] Ben Wadey and the Slaters.

"When I saw Michelle, I cried - we were all very emotional. It was nostalgic and lovely."

Zoe is best remembered for the 2001 EastEnders cliffhanger, watched by millions of people, when she discovered "sister" Kat was in fact her mother.

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