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- EastEnders legend confirms beloved character won’t be returning ahead of Zoe Slater’s exit
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EastEnders legend confirms beloved character won’t be returning ahead of Zoe Slater’s exit
The character had been rumoured to be returning for Zoe Slater's funeral...
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
- Molly Moss
Published: Thursday, 20 August 2026 at 10:38 am
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EastEnders star Kacey Ainsworth has confirmed her character won’t be returning ahead of Zoe Slater’s exit.
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The actor, who played fan-favourite Little Mo on the BBC soap between 2000 and 2006, had been rumoured by fans to be returning for Zoe’s (Michelle Ryan) funeral.
However, Ainsworth has now shut down those rumours, writing in a post on Instagram on Wednesday (19 August): “Very flattering that a character I created 20+ years ago is still held in folks hearts… but this is FAKE NEWS.
“This is not a conversation I have had with the powers that be."
She added: “I came out of my recording and my phone was on fire – #slaters you’ve already got @therobkazinsky c’mon don’t be greedy”.
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It was confirmed that Ryan would be leaving the BBC One soap last month - just one year on from her return to the series after a 20-year absence.
A spokesperson told Radio Times: "We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future.
Kacey Ainsworth. David M. Benett/Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images
“However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers.”
The actress originally appeared on EastEnders between 2000 and 2005, but finally returned two decades later to reunite with her estranged mother Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace).
The Sun reported in July that Zoe’s departure had already been filmed, and that the character is going to meet a tragic fate.
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Read more:
- EastEnders confirms Denise Fox's surprise half-brother to arrive in Walford with daughter in blood cancer story
- EastEnders confirms major castings as Nicola Mitchell's family move to Walford - including Beyond Paradise and Battlestar Galactica legend
- EastEnders legend Charlie Brooks tipped for Janine Butcher return in "explosive" autumn storyline
Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
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Authors
Molly MossTrends Writer
Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.
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