Michelle Ryan Speaks Out on Zoe Slater's Shocking Exit from EastEnders and Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Drama

EASTENDERS star Michelle Ryan has broken her silence on Zoe Slater being killed off – and the truth about the behind the scenes ‘row’.

Last month The Sun exclusively revealed that .

Michelle originally played the role of Zoe in EastEnders between 2000 and 2005, and last year she made an epic return.

But now she has been axed just a year after her long-awaited comeback.

The soap star has since admitted that this was always what she had planned.

Speaking with The Times , Michelle recently said: “My agent and I sort of discussed from the outset that it would be a year, and I think that when we came to look at where Zoe was going, it just seemed like a natural conclusion for her to die, because for her to run away again would have gone against everything she’d fought for; for her children.

“So as sad as it was to hear that Zoe was going to be killed off, I was like, ‘I completely understand that.

“And I’d always felt that I would be going back for a year because I really do like the variety I have with my career and playing different parts.”

She also touched upon her relationship with executive producer Ben Wadey – and confirmed that they are on good terms despite her being axed.

Michelle added: “I’m not somebody who’s just going to talk bulls**t, and, actually, Ben has been so supportive the entire time, and I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true.

“So I think that it will be nice if people can embrace the storyline.”

The 42-year-old has already filmed her final scenes.

In the coming weeks viewers will see Zoe brush off the effects of a fall in which she bangs her head.

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.”

An spokeswoman said: “We won’t be commenting on storylines.

“We don’t want to spoil things for our viewers.”

Michelle has since shared that she’s working on a

She shared a stunning image of herself to and captioned it: “Working on my next project this summer and looking forward to sharing more soon.

“It’s been a busy stretch, so if you’ve written and are still waiting on a reply — they’re on the way.”

EastEnders isn’t the only TV show that Michelle has starred in.

Over the years she’s landed roles on Jekyll, Bionic Woman, and .

Michelle has also been in films such as Cashback, Flick, Cleanskin and Andron.