EastEnders fans are abuzz with speculation that Zoe Slater might be making a grand return to Walford.

Eager viewers of the BBC One drama have been tantalised with sneak peeks of Monday's (June 16) instalment, coinciding with Ben Wadey stepping into Chris Clenshaw's shoes as the new executive producer.

In a special move to celebrate the changeover, EastEnders will broadcast simultaneously on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7.30pm, foregoing the usual early release on BBC iPlayer at 6am.

A fresh teaser has been unleashed on social media, showcasing what seems to be a first-person view of someone striding out of the tube station, accompanied by the distinct sound of high heels clicking, leading fans to surmise it's a woman's arrival.

The footage continues down a deserted street, while the soap hints at a hidden hint within the clip, captioned: "Blink and you'll miss it! #EastEnders, 7:30pm, Monday 16th June on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer.", reports Belfast Live.

Speculation was already rife that Michelle might reprise her role as Zoe following recent reports, and the audible heel clicks have further cemented beliefs that a female character is set to enter the Square.

Zoe's last appearance saw her departing Walford in 2005 via the tube, fuelling theories that her re-entry mirrors her exit.

Yet, one particularly observant viewer has identified a "secret sign" - a poster for a Jazz Festival in Walford with the letters Z-O-E arranged diagonally, adding fuel to the fire of her anticipated comeback.

A screenshot sparked speculation amongst EastEnders fans, with the caption saying: "You can't convince me it's not Zoe with the tube entrance and all #eastenders,". The fan theories heated up as another viewer exclaimed: "STOPPP THE POSTER!".

Some astute viewers caught a "Y2K" scribble on a post, leading one to deduce: "And Y2K = 2000," which corresponds to when the Slaters, Zoe included, first graced Albert Square.

Michelle took to her official Instagram on Monday morning, delighting fans with a nostalgic video from her Bionic Woman days, post-EastEnders era.

Despite limited comments, her followers inundated the section with hopeful sentiments about her potential return as Zoe - each like on her page fuelling the excitement.

One enthusiastic admirer wrote: "Please tell me you are back on EastEnders this evening! I think it's Shirley but have seen people saying it's You and I want it to be so bad." Another hopeful fan said: "Praying we're going to see you later walking out that Walford station."

While a third commenter dryly noted: "Just a totally normal Monday. Nothing to look forward to today."

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One