Ryan denies EastEnders return

Michelle Ryan has revealed that she has no plans to return to EastEnders.

There have been rumours that the 28-year-old actress would reprise her role of Zoe Slater in the BBC One soap alongside co-star Jessie Wallace (as screen mum Kat Moon), a part she played for five years until she left in 2005.

But Michelle insisted she has no interest in returning to Albert Square, saying: "It's like I wouldn't go back to school. I just believe that sometimes in life you're like a shark - you have to keep moving through water otherwise you'll die."

She added: "For me, once I've worked on something and it's finished, it's like an ex-boyfriend: you don't go back to them. I've done it with my heart and soul, so I wouldn't go back because it's not part of my make-up to do so. I think it's important to do different things."

Michelle - who next stars in British movies The Man Inside and Cockneys Vs Zombies, and is set to star in the West End musical revival of Cabaret with Will Young - has a soft spot for the soap.

"It was great to be a part of it, a fantastic opportunity and it does open doors but then it also feels nice to move on," she said.

:: The Man Inside opens in cinemas on July 27, Cockneys Vs Zombies is released on August 24 and Cabaret is at London's Savoy Theatre from October 3.