Michelle Ryan is preparing for a return to the stage, more than a decade since her last theatre role.
The former EastEnders star, known for her role as Zoe Slater, recently returned to the show but has left again, with her on-screen departure coming soon.
Now, she has shared a picture on Instagram in a recording studio video, in which she said she was "about to do some vocal work."
Ms Ryan admitted to feeling "pretty rusty" and said she was working with professional singer and vocal coach Jo Ellul.
EastEnders star Michelle Ryan has new project after leaving BBC soap
Last month it was revealed that Ms Ryan had been written out of EastEnders just a year after her highly anticipated return.
She had reportedly requested some time off earlier in the year, but she subsequently quit, and scriptwriters made her departure permanent by deciding to kill off her character.
"Michelle’s long-awaited return has been somewhat flat and lacklustre," a source told The Sun.
Ms Ryan first joined EastEnders in 2000 as part of the Slater family and left the soap in 2005 to pursue opportunities in Hollywood, later securing the lead in the 2007 remake of Bionic Woman.
Opening up last year about her decision to return, Michelle said she had become emotional while marking the show’s 40th anniversary in 2025.
She also credited a conversation with Kacey Ainsworth, who played her on-screen aunt Little Mo, as a key influence in her decision to return to the long-running BBC One soap.
The return to the stage is a welcome one for Ms Ryan, having previously starred as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at London’s Savoy Theatre, opposite Will Young as the Emcee.
The actress also starred in a stage production of The Talented Mr. Ripley in 2010.
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."
The Fox-Trueman family will learn about Denise’s half-brother after Kim makes a shocking discovery.
Their reunion takes a deeper turn when Darnell learns about Denise’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.
What EastEnders storyline are you most looking forward to seeing play out in the coming months? Let us know in the comments.
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