It remains one of the most famous and iconic moments in EastEnders’ 40-year history—a scene that has been mimicked by soap fans worldwide.

Back in 2001, leopard-print-loving Kat Slater, who had been Sєxually abused by her uncle, finally revealed to her ‘sister’ Zoe that she was, in fact, her mother.

In the explosive scene, Zoe, played by Michelle Ryan, shouted: ‘You ain’t my mother!’—only for Kat, played by Jessie Wallace, to fire back: ‘Yes I am!’

The unforgettable storyline catapulted Michelle, then 16, to superstardom, and in 2005, she walked away from Walford for the final time, five years after arriving in EastEnders with the rest of the Slater clan.

But MailOnline can reveal that, despite multiple attempts from bosses to bring her back over the years, Michelle Ryan, 40, has refused – turning them down every time they’ve asked.

A source told MailOnline: ‘Bosses reached out to Michelle several times over the years, they would love to have her back. For example, as the soap was approaching its big 30th anniversary, it was a gentle approach asking if she would consider a return in the lead up to it all.

MailOnline can reveal that, despite multiple attempts from bosses to bring her back to Eastenders over the years, Michelle Ryan, 40, has refused – turning them down every time they’ve asked 

After leaving the show 20 years ago, the star almost cracked America after landing the leading role in the reimagining of the popular seventies TV show Bionic Woman, though the show was cancelled after just one season

‘This was at the very early stages of their plans but Michelle refused and there was a lot of disappointment amongst bosses. 

‘It’s always been quite baffling why she wouldn’t want to reprise a character who is still very much adored by the fans. It’s been 20 years since she left Albert Square but still people are talking about her character.’

Read More What Zoe Slater from EastEnders looks like now – 20 YEARS after actress Michelle Ryan quit

In the lead up to the soap’s 40th a number of former characters came back including Grant Mitchell, Bianca Jackson, Chrissie Watts, David Wicks, Nigel Bates, Mickey Miller and even Angie Watts but there was no Zoe.

Eastenders celebrated the milestone with an hour long special on Wednesday which saw the Queen Vic blow up.

During Thursday night’s live episode loveable dad Martin Fowler died after declaring his love to Stacey Slater.

He was the first baby born on the soap to parents Pauline and Arthur back in 1985 and was at the heart of the square running the fruit and veg stall.

Michelle admitted at the time of quitting that she ‘got quite bored in the end’ playing Zoe, telling the Bristol Evening Post: ‘Doing the same thing day in, day out. It’s just so boring. I like to jump from different things.’

‘I always saw EastEnders as an apprenticeship. I always wanted to go on and do different things. I have some really good friends from that show but the door is closed.

In 2000 Michelle took on the famous role as Kat Slater’s secret daughter Zoe (Pictured: Gary (Ricky Groves), Lynne (Elaine Lordan), Charlie (Derek Martin), Zoe (Michelle), Maureen (Kacey Ainsworth) and Kat (Jessie Wallace)

A source told MailOnline: ‘Bosses reached out to Michelle several times over the years, they would love to have her back. As the soap was approaching its big 30th anniversary, it was a gentle approach asking if she would consider a return in the lead up to it all’ 

‘I’ve always taken chances. I think that’s how you progress – by stepping out and doing different things.

‘I really do like my freedom and jumping from job to job. I just want to work with people I admire and respect, wherever that be – big budget, low budget, leading role, supporting role.’

After leaving the show 20 years ago, the star almost cracked America after landing the leading role in the reimagining of the popular seventies TV show Bionic Woman, though the show was cancelled after just one season.

Insiders said that Michelle pretty much cut everyone off from her old life.

She is, though, still in touch with Kacey Ainsworth, who played Little Mo on Eastenders.

Since then the British star has appeared in several independent films, including 4.3.2.1. and Cockneys vs Zombies.

She has also had guest roles in BBC shows Merlin, Doctor Who and Death In Paradise.

Her most recent acting film appearance was in Frankenstein: Legacy where she starred as Lady Charlotte.

But Michelle’s acting career has not been heavily populated over the years as she typically stars in one production a year.

What remains clear is that Michelle has very much left her role as Zoe Slater behind her.