AN EastEnders star is returning 24 years after his first appearance for Zoe Slater’s shock death storyline.

Actor Tony Way previously featured on the soap in 2004 as a character called Nick but he is now returning in a new role for a short stint in Albert Square.

A woman with wet hair and a leather jacket stands in the rain, looking distressed.A top TV actor is making a comeback for Zoe Slater’s exit in EastEnders Credit: BBC Actor Tony Way at the premiere of "Convenience."Tony Way will be appearing in the show as part of Zoe’s death scenes in the coming weeks Credit: Getty

Now, the actor is making a comeback but details are being kept a closely guarded secret.

Tony will be part of Zoe Slater’s exit storyline when Michelle Ryan briefly reprises her role following her abrupt temporary exit earlier this year.

Actor Tony most recently starred in ‘ Alley Cats and has had roles in , Edge of Tomorrow and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

It is not yet known what role he will play in Zoe’s death – but the scenes are expected to air in just a few weeks.

A man in armor, holding a spear and helmet, with a surprised expression.He has previously appeared in Game of Thrones Credit: HBO Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater on EastEnders.Zoe will die in scenes to air soon as Michelle Ryan was axed from her role Credit: BBC

Michelle Ryan’s exit was confirmed earlier this year when it was revealed that she had been axed from the show after just 12 months in the role.

She had previously been missing for 20 years with her character being one of ‘ most popular in its heyday.

Mystery has surrounded the reasons for Michelle’s exit with her character Zoe currently off-screen.

She is expected to briefly reprise the role for her final handful of episodes which will feature her death – which has been described as the blandest in soap history.

confirmed that she will be found dead in bed after ignoring a bump to her head earlier in the week.

The 42-year-old has already filmed her final scenes, which have been described as “dull”.

She is found dead in bed the next day by her mum Kat.

A source said: “It looks as if her death is going to be as flat and as lacklustre as her comeback.

“Many will feel her death is rushed and dull.

And in a show known for its sensational exits,

“ will go down as one of the blandest.”