EastEnders has sparked rumours of a Zoe Slater return, after a reference to her in a recent episode.

Michelle Ryan portrayed Zoe on the BBC soap until she left in 2005. Her finale saw her heading to Ibiza after making amends with her mother Kat Moon, played by Jessie Wallace.

Last night’s episode saw a flash from the past when Kat’s phone came up with a picture of Zoe, and eagle-eyed viewers were quick to assume that the reference wasn’t so accidental.

Others are keen for Michelle to reprise her role in the show, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Michelle Ryan
(Marco Piovanotto/Abaca)

As part of the celebrations, EastEnders featured a week of live episodes, which saw Lucy Beale’s killer finally unmasked.

Others made jokes about Zoe’s image.

After leaving EastEnders, Michelle starred in the short-lived US television series Bionic Woman.

Michelle Ryan
(Alessia Paradisi/Abaca)

The 30-year-old actress appeared as evil sorceress Nimueh in BBC’s fantasy drama Merlin, and as Lady Christina de Souza in an episode of Doctor Who in 2009.

She also appeared in the films Cockneys vs Zombies, Cleanskin, 4.3.2.1 and Huge, and theatre productions of Cabaret and The Talented Mr Ripley.