[Callum]

MICHELLE Ryan is to make an EastEnders comeback six years after leaving for Hollywood.

The 27-year-old actress confirmed to The People that she is in talks to return as Zoe Slater for a Christmas special.

She said: “They’ve mentioned possible plotlines with Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace. I’m really excited.”

Michelle left in 2005 after nearly 500 episodes, during which tearaway Zoe learned that Kat Moon was her mum and she got in a steamy love triangle with Dirty Den Watts and Dennis Rickman.

The actress has since starred in Bionic Woman, a US remake of the cult 70s TV series, and landed movie roles.

She also featured in 2008 BBC series Merlin and in a Doctor Who special.

Despite once vowing not to return to Walford, Michelle said the door was never closed. Talking at a BAFTA *screening in London, she said: “It was good fun to do other projects but when you leave a show like EastEnders you miss the cast and crew because you’re all so close. I enjoyed working in America but I always miss London.”

An EastEnders insider said: “It’s a brilliant coup. She’s always been massively popular with viewers.”

Very pleased about this! Always liked the character of Zoe and I thought she did a great job in the Den murder storyline. I remember Michelle Ryan slating EE off in the past, must have had a change of heart or be desperate for the cash. Still, it'll be nice to see her back and it might make Kat more likeable again with her daughter around.