EastEnders fans hoping to see a beloved character back in Walford after 20 years have been left disappointed after the actress shut down rumours of a return.
Kacey Ainsworth, who played Little Mo Slater on the BBC soap, has confirmed she will not be returning to Walford for Zoe Slater’s funeral.
Rumours of her comeback circulated after reports that Zoe, played by Michelle Ryan, would be killed off just a year after her return.
EastEnders star Kacey Ainsworth not returning to BBC soap
Ms Ainsworth, who appeared on EastEnders from 2000 to 2006, addressed the speculation on Instagram.
She said: "Very flattering that a character I created 20+ years ago is still held in folks’ hearts it’s [heart]… but this is FAKE NEWS.
"This is not a conversation I have had with the powers that be."
She added: "I came out of my recording and my phone was on [fire] #slaters you’ve already got @therobkazinsky c’mon don’t be greedy."
Fans and fellow stars took to the comments with disappointment, hoping that the star might make an appearance.
Jacqueline Osborne, who plays Lauren Branning in EastEnders, said: "I would give anything for this to be true though."
Louisa Lytton (Ruby Allen in EastEnders), wrote: "We are desperate for it though!"
Little Mo was notably at the centre of a memorable domestic abuse storyline involving her husband Trevor, played by Alex Ferns.
The role earned Ms Ainsworth a National Television Award for Most Popular Actress in 2002 and two British Soap Awards for Best Actress.
Mo also famously attacked her husband with an iron – facing prison for attempted murder before being released without charge.
On-screen husband Trevor died in a fire in 2002, and Mo went on to briefly find love with Billy Mitchell.
Kacey quit the show in 2006 and has previously ruled out ever returning to Walford.
Zoe, Little Mo’s on-screen niece, recently returned to the soap after a 20-year absence.
However, Michelle Ryan, who plays Zoe, requested time off shortly after her return, and now her character is set to be killed off.
Ms Ryan reportedly filmed her final scenes in June, and viewers will see Zoe’s exit and funeral in upcoming episodes.
"Michelle’s long-awaited return has been somewhat flat and lacklustre", a source told The Sun.
"There’s been a backlash about her comeback, leaving some fans disappointed with her on-screen presence.
"There has been some disappointment backstage that the return was short-lived, as everyone loved Zoe Slater’s historic moments."
Two new faces join EastEnders
In other EastEnders news, the BBC soap is welcoming two new arrivals to the Fox-Trueman family.
Christopher Colquhoun is moving to Walford as he joins the cast of EastEnders.
The 56-year-old actor, best known for roles in Casualty, Holby City and Vera, will play Darnell Larson Jr, the newly discovered half-brother of Denise Fox.
Mr Colquhoun said: "I am thrilled to be finally moving to Walford after all these years, and the welcome I’ve received has been phenomenal.
"Hearing I’d got the role was an absolute doof doof moment for me… hopefully there’ll be plenty more of those to come."
Krysstina Frempong will join him as Darnell's daughter, Grace.
Ms Frempong said: "I am extremely excited to be joining EastEnders.
"I have watched the show for as long as I can remember and have such vivid memories of gathering around the TV with my family, especially at Christmas, to watch all the drama unfolding on the Square, so it feels pretty surreal to now be a part of the action.
"I’m really looking forward to working with, and learning from my new colleagues, whom I’ve long admired, and hope audiences enjoy getting to know Grace and all the complexities she’ll bring to their screens."
Who is your favourite character on EastEnders? Let us know in the comments.
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