EastEnders icon confirms she WON’T return for Zoe Slater’s funeral after flurry of fan rumours – sharing defiant post

AN EASTENDERS icon has confirmed she won’t return for Zoe Slater’s funeral after a flurry of fan speculation. The screen star, 57, admitted fan demand for her comeback was “very flattering” but bluntly branded the suggestion “fake news”. Kacey Ainsworth has denied she’s making an EastEnders comeback Credit: Getty The actress, who played Little Mo, said the speculation was ‘very flattering’ Credit: Handout Kacey Ainsworth, who played fan-favourite Little Mo, posted a snapshot of the rumours on her Instagram grid along with lengthy statement. It came after The Sun exclusively reported how her on-screen niece Zoe, played by Michelle Ryan, would be killed off just a year after her soap return. Sign up for the Eastenders newsletter Thank you! In her message Kacey, who starred on EastEnders between 2000 and 2006, wrote: “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 will not be returning for the funeral of her on-screen niece Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan Credit: BBC Zoe’s comeback only lasted a year Credit: BBC 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”. Kacey’s character was at the centre of a harrowing domestic abuse storyline with husband Trevor [Alex Ferns], and the powerful role saw her win the 2002 National Television Award for Most Popular Actress, and she twice won the British Soap Award for Best Actress. Mo famously attacked her husband with an iron – facing prison for attempted murder before being released without charge. Trevor died in a fire in 2002, with Mo going on to briefly find love with Billy Mitchell. Most read in Showbiz Kacey quit the show in 2006 to pursue other projects, and previously ruled out ever returning to Walford. Meanwhile, Michelle delighted fans last year by returning to Walford as Zoe Slater after a 20-year absence. Shortly after returning to the screen, she asked bosses for time off earlier this year. Michelle quit the soap, but scriptwriters have now made her decision permanent by killing off her character. Michelle filmed her final scenes in June, and viewers will see Zoe’s departure and funeral play out on the BBC One soap in the coming months. A source said: “Michelle’s long-awaited return has been somewhat flat and lacklustre. “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 shortlived as everyone loved the Zoe Slater’s historic moments.” Comment now