Unlikely as it may be, I'd actually prefer having her back once Freddie is gone, as I don't really need to see another female character reliving rape trauma, and Freddie is a waste of space. If there's any way they could Elaine Lordan back, even just for a scene, what a great way to celebrate 25 years.
I haven't kept up with the show much the last few weeks - I haven't felt up to it to be honest - but I'm not too surprised Zoe's return has gotten mixed responses. Even with the writing issues at present, Zoe was mostly just a brat who was bookended by some powerful stories.
I've also seen people saying the Slaters are too judgmental of her - given that some of them, Jean especially, are among the biggest hypocrites ever in soapland, I'm not shocked.