Michelle Ryan, who left EastEnders 20 years ago in 2005, seems to have defied time.
The 40-year-old former soap star, who is best known for her role on the BBC One soap as Zoe Slater, recently showed off her young appearance in a makeup-free Instagram post. She revealed in the open photo that she immediately took the selfie after a run. And Michelle admits to cutting her own hair in a YouTube tutorial, which seems to be how she likes to keep her appearance looking.
Michelle – who ranked fourth in FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women in 2005 – often shows off her clear skin in makeup-free and post-exercise photos on social media. She was just 16 when she joined the drama in 2000, stepping into the iconic role of Kat Slater’s secret daughter. During her stint in Albert Square, her character, Zoe, had a series of romantic entanglements. She and Anthony Trueman were friends, and she even got married to them.
She and her best friend Kelly Taylor were stranded and emotional on a New Year’s Eve night out in 2003 when she kissed them. The scene drew criticism at the time, but Brooke Kinsella, who portrayed Kelly, defended it. On the iconic scene, Michelle previously said: “It’s not a gratuitous ratings getting move, it’s not some kind of big lesbian kiss. It’s how two of their closest friends display their emotions in a heartfelt manner.
Despite the controversy, Michelle confessed to the Bristol Evening Post that she ‘ got quite bored in the end ‘ playing Zoe, saying: “Doing the same thing day in, day out. It’s just so boring. I like to jump from different things”. And she firmly told the Daily Record ‘ the door is closed’, elaborating: “I always saw EastEnders as an apprenticeship. I’ve always wanted to continue and pursue different things. The door to that show is closed, but I have some really good friends from that show.
” I’ve always taken chances. By stepping out and doing different things, I believe that’s how you go. I adore being able to move around and do things. I just want to work with people I admire and respect, wherever that be big budget, low budget, leading role, supporting role, “she said. After leaving the show, the actress almost made a comeback in America when she took the lead role in Bionic Woman’s reboot, which was later dropped after only one season.
Since then, the British actress has featured in several independent films, including 4.3.2.1. and Cockneys vs Zombies. Additionally, she has appeared as a guest on television programs like Merlin, Doctor Who, and Death In Paradise. Her most recent film role was in Frankenstein: Legacy where she took on the character of Lady Charlotte.
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Source: Mirror
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