Michelle Ryan has admitted that she doesn’t intend to return to BBC soap Eastenders.

Ryan played Zoe Slater in the soap and said that she saw the job as an acting apprenticeship.

“I always saw EastEnders as an apprenticeship,” she told the Daily Record. “I always wanted to go on and do different things. I have some really good friends from that show but the door is closed.”

She continued: “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.”