Viewers of the BBC soap opera who were anticipating the return of a popular character to Albert Square after two decades have been left frustrated after the performer dismissed speculation about a comeback.
Kacey Ainsworth, who portrayed Little Mo Slater in the long-running series, has stated definitively that she will not be appearing for the funeral of her on-screen niece Zoe Slater.
Reports had suggested that Zoe, a role performed by Michelle Ryan, would be written out of the programme just 12 months after making her television comeback.
Ms Ainsworth featured in the programme between 2000 and 2006 before addressing the online chatter through social media.
She expressed her gratitude that a character she originated more than two decades ago still resonated with audiences but declared the rumours to be false news.
She explained that no discussions had taken place with the show’s producers about any involvement.
She noted that upon finishing recording work, she discovered her phone had been inundated with messages from enthusiastic supporters, urging her not to be too demanding given another cast member was already involved.
Social media responses from admirers and fellow performers conveyed their sadness at the news, with some expressing hope the reports might prove accurate.
Jacqueline Osborne, who portrays Lauren Branning in the programme, indicated she would have welcomed such developments.
Louisa Lytton, who plays Ruby Allen in the series, commented that there was considerable appetite among viewers for the character to return.
The character of Little Mo became famous for a powerful domestic violence storyline involving her spouse Trevor, portrayed by Alex Ferns.
The performance secured Ms Ainsworth the National Television Award for Most Popular Actress in 2002 and two British Soap Awards for Best Actress.
The character notably struck her husband with a household iron, resulting in criminal proceedings for attempted murder before being acquitted.
Her on-screen spouse Trevor perished in an inferno in 2002, and the character subsequently pursued a brief romantic relationship with Billy Mitchell.
Ms Ainsworth departed the programme in 2006 and has previously maintained she would never return to the fictional east London setting.
Zoe, Little Mo’s on-screen niece, rejoined the cast following a 20-year gap.
However, Ms Ryan, who embodies Zoe, sought time away shortly after her comeback, and the character is now set to be removed from the storyline.
According to reports, Ms Ryan taped her concluding scenes during June, and audiences will witness Zoe’s departure and funeral scenes in forthcoming editions.
A source informed The Sun that Ms Ryan’s long-awaited homecoming had failed to generate the anticipated enthusiasm, with some viewers expressing dissatisfaction with her on-screen return.
There was reportedly some internal disappointment regarding the brevity of the comeback, as Zoe Slater’s historic moments had been fondly remembered by audiences.
The programme is also introducing two fresh cast members to the Fox-Trueman family.
Christopher Colquhoun is relocating to the fictional borough as he becomes part of the EastEnders ensemble.
The 56-year-old performer, recognised for his work in Casualty, Holby City and Vera, will embody Darnell Larson Jr, the newly revealed half-brother of Denise Fox.
Mr Colquhoun expressed his delight at finally joining the series after many years, noting the reception had been wonderful.
He described learning of his casting as a momentous occasion and expressed hope for further positive moments ahead.
Krysstina Frempong will appear alongside him as Grace, Darnell’s offspring.
Ms Frempong stated she was incredibly enthusiastic about joining the programme, having watched it for as long as she could recall with fond recollections of gathering with family around the television, particularly during festive periods, to follow all the unfolding events on the square, making it quite remarkable to now be involved in the production.
She said she was eager to collaborate with and gain insights from her new co-stars, whom she had long admired, and hoped viewers would appreciate getting to know Grace and the nuances she would bring to their screens.