EASTENDERS fans have become convinced a legendary star is set to return for a family reunion on the show’s 40th anniversary.

As the soap celebrates a landmark this week, the BBC are pulling out all the stops with a string of cameo appearances from faces gone by, heartbreaking storylinesand a killer mystery that’s been keeping fans guessing since Christmas Day.

Sign up for the EastEnders newsletter

Now, as several tales come to a head, fans believe they have cracked the case of another appearance – with the return of the legendary Zoe Slater.

The character, played by Michelle Ryan, was the secret daughter of Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), and had been raised as one of the Slater sisters, completely unaware of her real identity.

She was tragically born after Kat was molested by her uncle Harry, with the family keeping the dark secret away from her so she could live a normal life.

The truth eventually spilled out in an iconic episode where Zoe screamed at Kat “You ain’t my mother!!” prompting Kat to yell back “Yes I am!”

Fans thinks that Zoe will make a return to the Square for the 40th anniversary for the first time in 20 years, pointing at ‘giveaway clues’ that have convinced them.

Among them is a shot focusing on the photo frame shot of the Slater sisters on Kat’s mantlepiece, and Jessie Wallace’s recent appearance on Lacey Turner’s podcast.

Speaking on Reddit, one fan wrote: “I’m convinced Zoe is coming back. I’ve seen little hints dropped the last few weeks on social media and in Jessie’s conversation with Lacey on her podcast, and tonight was a dead giveaway — the way the camera focused directly on Michelle Ryan in that framed Slater photo, that’s no accident.

“She’s totally coming back this week. That was a deliberate teaser.”

“I suppose a red herring is possible, but for the love of God EE, please don’t let us down on this one as well and not do it after all this,” they continued.

“It’s way overdue. We haven’t had Little Mo back, we haven’t had Carol back, we’ve got to have Zoe.”

EastEnders’ Kat reveals she hasn’t seen daughter Zoe in 15 years

To top it off, Michelle made a rare post on Instagram celebrating her time on Eastenders, reposting shots from her official photoshoot when joining the series.

“I was just sent these two photos from the square that were taken when I was 17/18, that’s early 2000’s!” she wrote.

“They were actually never used for cards to be signed (although I’m being told that some people have them, 🤦🏻‍♀️ I didn’t realise).”

“Wishing everyone on the square a very Happy 40th Birthday! What an achievement for a show to run for that long!,” she said.

“Many great memories. Congratulations to everyone 🥂🎈🎂 (Don’t read into the song chosen, it’s playing in the cafe)”

Zoe Slater – The Story To Date

First appearing in 2000, Zoe remained in the Square for five years, before leaving in 2005 shortly after the 20th anniversary celebrations.

In scenes that aired across that landmark point, Den Watts (Leslie Grantham) was killed off for a second time, after Zoe, wife Chrissie Watts and Sam Mitchell plot against him.

In a big confrontation, Zoe thought she dealt him a fatal blow when she clobbered him over the head with the Queen Vic bust.

However, after she left, he regained consciousness, and Chrissie finished the job.

After that, Zoe left Walford and headed to start a new life in Ibiza, and hasn’t been seen since.

But with mum Kat still very much in the Square, and playing central roles in the series 40th anniversary celebrations, it could be the perfect opportunity to return.