There have been countless surprise returns to EastEnders over the past few months, and it appears another one may be just around the corner.

Show legend Michelle Ryan is reportedly set to return to her role as Zoe Slater after 20 years, according to The Sun.

A source told the publication: ‘Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right.

‘People are still talking about her character, so it’s a real coup to bring her back.

‘She feels like now is the perfect moment — and there was an exciting script on the table.’

EastEnders had no comment to make when approached by Metro.

Zoe Slater was involved in one of EastEnders’ biggest storylines when she found out that Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) wasn’t her sister, but her mother.

She left the Albert Square after becoming entangled in Dirty Den’s murder.

Earlier this year, actress Michelle gave fans hope that a return to Albert Square may be on the cards when she posted a throwback picture to Instagram.

Sharing some character headshots, she wrote: ‘I was just sent these two photos from the square that were taken when I was 17/18, that’s early 2000’s! 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!

‘Many great memories. Congratulations to everyone.’

Soundtracking the post with Blondie’s Call Me, she added: ‘Don’t read into the song chosen, it’s playing in the cafe.’

She also raised excitement when she shared pictures alongside Little Mo Slater legend Kacey Ainsworth.

Replying to comments asking her to return to Walford, Michelle pointed out that the decision was down to the producers.

With mum Kat set to get engaged to soulmate Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) in upcoming scenes, could Zoe be set to crash the wedding?

Actress Jessie Wallace is keen to see the return happen, calling for Michelle to come back on the We Started Here podcast.

‘I’d love it if she came back,’ she said, adding: ‘I think it would be great for Kat and Zoe.

‘I think it would be brilliant if she just turned up and went, “Hello, Mum!”‘

Stacey Slater star and podcast host Lacey Turner revealed that the idea had given her goosebumps, before asking: ‘Can we make that happen?’