Zoe to quit the Square

EastEnders vixen Michelle Ryan is planning to quit Albert Square to pursue a film and modelling career.

10:29 16 December 2004

EastEnders vixen Michelle Ryan is planning to quit Albert Square to pursue a film and modelling career.

The actress, who played Zoe Slater for four years, is in talks with the Hollywood film agents who have represented Sienna Miller and Kate Winslet.

Michelle has also signed up with top model agency Premier Model Management, the Sun reports.

"She plans to leave EastEnders towards the end of the next year," a friend told the newspaper.

"Michelle has been in the show since she left school and feels like she needs to spread her wings.

"Producers will be sad to see her go - she is one of the most popular characters."

The Londoner recently admitted that she wanted to try out for the big screen.

"I'd love to do a Bond movie. Sometimes I am mistaken for Liv Tyler," she said.

Zoe is currently stuck in a love triangle with boyfriend Dennis and his sister Sharon, who are secretly having a steamy affair.

The youngest Slater is about to get up to some tricks of her own, however, when she is seduced by Dennis' dad, Dirty Den.