The EastEnders Slater family: What happened to the stars and where they are now - and the one star who will NEVER return

The EastEnders Slater family: What happened to the stars and where they are now - and the one star who will NEVER return Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected] By LAURA FOX FOR MAILONLINE Published: 11:44, 2 March 2025 | Updated: 11:44, 2 March 2025 e-mail View comments When they first moved into Albert Square in 2000, cab driver Charlie Slater and his eclectic family immediately made an impact on EastEnders viewers. The dawn of a new millennium brought overnight fame for many of the family's stars, with actors Jessie Wallace , Michelle Ryan and Kacey Ainsworth turned into household sensations.

Rarely far from the drama in Walford, the Slater family consisted of Charlie and his daughters Kat, Lynne, Little Mo and Zoe, as well as Lynne's husband Garry Hobbs. While the family would go onto grow, with recent additions including Stacey, Sean and Jeane, the original clan were a favourite among fans. Many of the stars have since bid farewell to EastEnders, and have gone onto have varying fortunes, with one enduring a much-publicised battle with alcoholism, while another was embroiled in crisis talks with bosses after being arrested.



And while one star made a surprise cameo in the Queen Vic as part of EastEnders' 40th Anniversary last week, another has firmly declared they would never return to their role, despite being at the centre of one of its most iconic viral moments. MailOnline takes a look at what happened to the stars of the iconic Slater family, and where they are now..

. The Slater Family made a huge splash when they debuted on EastEnders back in 2000, but since then, the actors have gone onto have varying fortunes The dawn of the millennium brought fame fo the family's stars, with actors Jessie Wallace (far right), Michelle Ryan (second left) and Kacey Ainsworth (far left) becoming household names Michelle Ryan (Zoe) Since rising to fame as Zoe Slater when she was just 16, actress Michelle Ryan has barely aged a day. She appeared in one of the soap's most iconic scenes, where she declared to her sister Kat: 'You ain't my mother!' only for her to scream back: 'Yes I am!' During her time in Albert Square, her character, Zoe had a whirlwind of romances.

She was involved with Dennis Rickman, Dirty Den, she got engaged to Anthony Trueman. She also famously kissed her best friend Kelly Taylor on a New Year's Eve night out in 2003 when they got stranded and started getting emotional. The kiss sparked criticism at the time, but Brooke Kinsella, who played Kelly, defended the scene.

Despite the controversy, Michelle admitted that she 'got quite bored in the end' playing Zoe, telling the Bristol Evening Post: 'Doing the same thing day in, day out. It's just so boring. I like to jump from different things.

' Since rising to fame as Zoe Slater when she was just 16, actress Michelle Ryan has barely aged a day (left in 2025 and right in 2005) She appeared in one of the soap's most iconic scenes, where she declared to her sister Kat: 'You ain't my mother!' only for her to scream back: 'Yes I am!' Fans had also hoped that she may reprise her role for EastEnders' 40th Anniversary, but last week a source told The Mail that Michelle has 'refused' every offer from bosses She insisted 'the door is closed' to the Daily Record, explaining: 'I always saw EastEnders as an apprenticeship. I always wanted to go on and do different things. I have some really good friends from that show but the door is closed.

'I've always taken chances. I think that's how you progress – by stepping out and doing different things. 'I really do like my freedom and jumping from job to job.

I just want to work with people I admire and respect, wherever that be – big budget, low budget, leading role, supporting role.' After leaving the show, the star almost cracked America after landing the leading role in the reimagining of the popular seventies TV show Bionic Woman, though the show was cancelled after just one season. Since then the British star has appeared in several independent films, including 4.

3.2.1.

and Cockneys vs Zombies. She has also had guest roles in BBC shows Merlin, Doctor Who and Death In Paradise. Her most recent acting film appearance was in Frankenstein: Legacy where she starred as Lady Charlotte.

Michelle's acting career has not been heavily populated over the years as she typically stars in one production a year. Fans had also hoped that she may reprise her role for EastEnders' 40th Anniversary, but last week a source told The Mail that Michelle has 'refused' every offer from bosses to reprise her role over the years. A source told MailOnline: 'Bosses reached out to Michelle several times over the years, they would love to have her back.

For example, as the soap was approaching its big 30th anniversary, it was a gentle approach asking if she would consider a return in the lead up to it all. 'This was at the very early stages of their plans but Michelle refused and there was a lot of disappointment amongst bosses. 'It's always been quite baffling why she wouldn't want to reprise a character who is still very much adored by the fans.

It's been 20 years since she left Albert Square but still people are talking about her character.' Elaine Lordan (Lynne) Elaine Lordan was the first Slater to leave EastEnders in 2004 (left), and despite a battle with alcoholism, she delighted fans by appearing in a snap with her co-star this week (right) Lynne Hobbs star Elaine was the first Slater to leave EastEnders, but after splitting from her husband Garry, she left the Square in 2004 amid her ongoing battle with alcoholism. In March 2018, Elaine prompted concern for her welfare after she was seen drinking on a public street during an appearance in London.

The soap star, was thought to have sought professional help in 2003 for her drinking woes. She suffered a traumatic time in 2005 when her mother Bernadette took her own life after she jumped in front of a London tube. The tragedy left Elaine grief stricken and nine months later, her baby James was born five weeks premature and died days before his first birthday.

She heartbreakingly miscarried her second baby shortly before her 72-year-old father Garrett died in 2008. Speaking about her heartbreaking time, Elaine told the Mirror in 2008 that she was determined to rebuild her life and move on from her tragic past. She said: 'People say, "You are the unluckiest person in the world", but I don't think, "Woe is me",' she told the publication.

'I don't want people to feel sorry for me and I don't want them to feel they have to come up to me. There are people far worse off than me.' The soap star, who was once a member of the fictional Slater family, was thought to have sought professional help in 2003 for her drinking woes.

Pictured in 2005 'I have learned so much from everything that has happened. Life does have to go on,' she added. Earlier this week, fans shared their delight at seeing Elaine in a social media snap with her former co-star Lucy Benjamin.

Lucy captioned her post: 'Oh I love this woman with all my heart! #ElaineLordan #eastenders.' Fans then wrote: 'Awww Elaine looks very healthy and well, she was incredible in EastEnders; We need Elaine to return!!!; I'm glad elaine looks so well x; 'I’m so happy to see Elaine look so well and healthy. Thank you so much for posting this.

Sending love to you both; You both look fabulous; 'Aaaaah come back Lynne Slater!! That would be amazing! Xx; Lynne Slater!!! She lookin so amazing hope treating her very well well done Elaine xx; 'So lovely to see Elaine looking so well; Great to see Elaine again. Love to you both; Lovely to see Elaine looking so happy and well! Brought a smile to my face!; 'This is so iconic and brings back so many memories, I would love Lynne Slater to return please tell Elaine, she looks amazing and I hope she’s well'. Ricky Groves (Garry) Working as a chef before he moved into acting, Ricky starred as Garry on EastEnders for a decade before sailing into the sunset in 2009 (left in the soap and right in 2024) While on EastEnders, Ricky was in a relationship with Hannah Waterman, who at the time was playing Ian Beale's wife Laura, but after marrying in 2016, they split three years later Working as a chef before he moved into acting, Ricky starred as Garry on EastEnders for a decade as Lynne's husband.

However, he was written out of the soap in 2009 when he decided to sail off into the sunset with love interest Dawn Swann (played by Kara Tointon). While on EastEnders, Ricky was in a relationship with Hannah Waterman, who at the time was playing Ian Beale's wife Laura, but after marrying in 2016, they split three years later. Ricky went onto marry Dragons' Den businesswomen Kay Russell and they appeared on a Christmas celebrity edition of Come Dine With Me in 2015.

Like many soap stars, he also records personalised video messages for fans on the site Hi-Ya, for £35 each. Ricky was also a surprise addition to EastEnders' 40th Anniversary celebrations last week, making a cameo in the Queen Vic during Billy's stag party. Joined by Minty Peterson (played by Cliff Parisi), the pair surprised Billy in the pub with a dramatic entrance, to the delight of fans.

Garry shouted: 'Call this a stag do?!' and Minty added: 'Call yourself a Mitchell? We thought we'd pop in and offer our commiserations congratulations!' Like many soap stars, he also records personalised video messages for fans on the site Hi-Ya, for £35 each Ricky was also a surprise addition to EastEnders' 40th Anniversary celebrations last week, making a cameo in the Queen Vic during Billy's stag party Viewers were thrilled to see the iconic characters back on their screens and rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their excitement. One wrote: 'Garry and minty return was surprising and amazing #EastEnders.' Another added: 'Wow why couldn’t Minty & Garry stay longer.

' A third chimed in: 'The scream I let out when seeing Minty and Garry omg!!!!!!!' 'I'm so glad they didn't announce ,Garry and Minty's return beforehand. What a great surprise,' a fourth wrote. A fifth said: 'I can't get enough of@bbceastenders this week Garry and Minty was a nice surprise we need more appearances or get them back #EastEnders #Eastenders40.

' A sixth tweeted: 'I can’t believe I’m seeing Garry and Minty on Eastenders in 2025 #EastEnders.' Derek Martin (Charlie) During his 15-years on EastEnders, Derek Martin's character Charlie became one of the soaps most loved characters (left), and he celebrated his 90th birthday in 2023 (right) During his 15-years on EastEnders, Derek Martin's character Charlie became one of the soap's most loved characters and was involved in many family scandals. After arriving on the soap following the death of his wife Viv, Charlie had a brief fling with landlady Peggy Mitchell before dating Brenda Boyle.

He served a three-month prison sentence for attacking Little Mo's rapist Graham Foster (Alex McSweeney) in The Queen Victoria pub in 2004. The taxi driver was also pivotal in the controversial 2011 storyline which saw Kat and Ronnie Branning's newborn babies swapped around after the barmaid's little one died of cot death. Charlie departed the square after being blamed by Kat for the incident as he left Tommy alone while he went out drinking.

He made brief guest appearances afterwards in between 2011 and 2013, before returning full time shortly before his off-screen death in 2016. Derek celebrated his 90th birthday in 2023 and rang in the milestone with his two sons, David and Jonathan. The actor has spoke openly about his own son David's battle with depression in the past as his character dealt with a similar situation onscreen.

Back in 2016 in Walford his great-niece Stacey Branning suffered from postpartrum psychosis and depression. 'At work I had the Stacey storyline. Then, I got home and there was my son, who I'd been worried about during the day, suffering from severe depression,' he told The Sun.

In 2022, Derek stated the 'miserable' soap needs to bring back its humorous side, as fans fear for its future. The actor said the series needs to stop focusing on appealing to younger viewers, and bring back some of its old scriptwriters. In 2022, Derek stated the 'miserable' soap needs to bring back its humorous side, as fans fear for its future Speaking to The Sun , Derek admitted the show has lost its focus on the key families, such as the Slaters, Mitchells and Fowlers.

He added the show has became centred on appealing to younger viewers, and no longer includes lighter elements in favour of 'affairs and beating people up.' Derek said: 'You've got to have humour because there's always something to laugh about in life. 'You used to have Charlie, Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) and Jim Branning (John Bardon) sitting at the allotments with a few beers, just talking about silly things.

That's what happens in real life. You need that on EastEnders. 'I’ve nothing against youngsters.

They’re the future, but it’s like the BBC is trying to turn EastEnders into Hollyoaks with so many youngsters, and everyone’s having affairs and beating people up.' Outside of EastEnders he starred on Celebrity Coach Trip in 2012 with his co-star John Altman. Derek also held the role of King Rat for British entertainment industry fraternity, The Grand Order of Water Rats.

Jessie Wallace (Kat) Jessie Wallace's character Kat Slater (left in 2001 and right in 2025) has become one of the soap's most iconic characters, and she's still on the soap after 25 years In 2020, Jessie was suspended by soap bosses for reportedly boozing on-set, and two years later she was arrested after reportedly being 'kicked out' of Flex nightclub for being 'gobby' Since the Slater family first moved into EastEnders, by far the biggest character to come out of the clan was Kat. Played by Jessie Wallace, the character has been one of Albert Square's most iconic figures, but the actress has also faced her fair share of controversy off-screen. Jessie left EastEnders in 2005 after five years in the role, but she returned in 2010, before leaving again, and went onto reprise her role for the third time in 2016.

The star has been at the centre of a string of storylines, including being raped as a teenager, the controversial baby swap plot, horrific PTSD after a house fire, and her on/off relationship with Alfie Moon. In 2003, Jessie was banned from the road for three years and fined £1,000 for drink driving. She was one and a half times over the drink drive limit after her Mercedes was stopped by police officers in Chelmsford.

Read More Blast from the past! EastEnders Little Mo Slater and Trevor Morgan reunite for the first time in 15 years...

and they couldn't look happier to see each other The Enfield-native was previously banned from the road for 15 months some five-years earlier for failing to take a breathalyser test. Jessie then hit disciplinary trouble when she arrived 'drunk' at the British Soap Awards in June 2018. She was 'ordered home' and left before the ceremony held at The Lowry in Salford had started.

In 2020, Jessie was suspended by soap bosses for reportedly boozing on-set. It was claimed that the soap star was hauled into a crisis meeting with show bosses who were said to have suspended her for two months, ordering her to 'sort herself out' before returning. In 2022, Jesse hit the headlines again after footage showed her getting arrested outside of a Burger King after reportedly being 'kicked out' of Flex nightclub for being 'gobby' and at branding onlookers 'c***s' in a foul-mouthed rant.

The star was detained on suspicion of assaulting a police officer as well as drunk and disorderly conduct, but released without charge by Suffolk Police after receiving a conditional caution. Following the arrest, there were reports that Jessie's future on EastEnders was up in the air as bosses 'considered all options,' but she was allowed to remain on the show. Jessie also has a daughter, Tallulah, 20, with her policeman ex Dave Morgan.

Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) Kacey Ainsworth starred as long-suffering Little Mo from 2000 to 2006 (left in the soap and right in 2025), and she was twice awarded the Best Actress prize at the British Soap Awards Even a decade after leaving the role, she remains a fan favourite, with viewers gripped by the dark plot which saw Mo abused by her villainous husband Trevor Since leaving EastEnders, Kacey has found a whole new army of fans as Cathy Keating in the ITV drama series Grantchester Kacey Ainsworth starred as EastEnders' long-suffering Little Mo from 2000 to 2006, she was twice awarded the Best Actress prize at the British Soap Awards. Even a decade after leaving the role, she remains a fan favourite, with viewers gripped by the dark plot which saw Mo abused by her villainous husband Trevor, before she famously hit back by bashing him over the head with an iron. In blockbuster scenes, Trevor was killed off in 2002 when he died in a house fire, and Little Mo went onto bid farewell to the soap four years later.

Since leaving EastEnders, Kacey has found a whole new army of fans as Cathy Keating in the ITV drama series Grantchester. She has also appeared in various other TV shows over the years, including The Bill, Hotel Babylon, Casualty, M.I High, Call the Midwife and Moving On.

And while she is no longer in Walford, her presence has been very much felt in recent months, after her son Freddie (played by Bobby Brazier) moved in in 2022. Eastenders Share or comment on this article: The EastEnders Slater family: What happened to the stars and where they are now - and the one star who will NEVER return e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

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