Zoe Carpenter is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Zoë Lister.

It was announced in 2009 that Lister had quit her role in order to pursue other projects; she subsequently left the series in January 2010.

During Zoe's time in Hollyoaks she has been portrayed as a bubbly tomboy who often makes the wrong choices in life and has had a number of failed relationships.

In March 2017, it was reported that Lister would be reprising the role and it was later confirmed that she would return for Amy Barnes' (Ashley Slanina-Davies) funeral.

Zoe has been involved in storylines including being stalked, entering a relationship with an older man, having sexual relations with her female best friend, being wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of Sarah Barnes (Loui Batley) and the being victim of a stabbing.

[1] On 8 June 2009, media entertainment website Digital Spy revealed that Lister had quit the soap and would leave towards the end of the year.

Channel 4 publicity describe Zoe as "the bubbly student" and make note of her many bad choices in life and failed relationships.

"[14] It was later confirmed by Channel 4 that Lister's character would be involved in a sexual relationship with Sarah during the new late night series Hollyoaks Later.

"[16] Speaking to entertainment news website Digital Spy about Sarah and Zoe's relationship, Lister explained: "I don't think they do have feelings for each other in that way.

Last year happened and Zoe put it down to history and experience — one of those things that teenagers get up to occasionally and she was quite happy to leave it there.

[3] A Hollyoaks producer released two pictures of funeral wreaths, one reading 'Zoe' and the other 'Sarah', in order to confuse viewers further as to whom the victim would be.

[20] On-screen after the skydive and Sarah's subsequent death, Lydia framed Zoe for the murder she committed, leading to her arrest.

"[21] When the character was ultimately found not guilty and was released, Lister stated in an interview with E4: "I think this is a great storyline, I've really enjoyed doing it.

They both fight to grab the knife while an unconscious Zoe bleeds, ultimately leading to the arrest of Lydia when the police arrive.

After three of her longtime friends snubbed her ideas to make a fresh start elsewhere, ultimately she was she went travelling with her former boyfriend Mike Barnes (Tony Hirst) and Gilly Roach (Anthony Quinlan).

Zoe, Kris Fisher (Gerard McCarthy), Joe and Olivia Johnson (Rochelle Gadd) are in The Dog in the Pond public house when Sam Owen (Louis Tamone) sets it on fire.

He stops Zoe from leaving to study in New York City, resorting to stealing her passport and breaking her hand.

He and Zoe sleep together, unknowingly recorded by Amy's boyfriend Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson), who exposes them.

Zoe visits her old school with Sarah and Nancy Hayton (Jessica Fox), recalling her relationship with her former teacher.

[31] When Archie destroys Zoe's film project, essential for her graduation, lecturer Adrian P. Kennedy (Richard Lawrence) gives her an extension.

Zoe finds a script belonging to Mike which he wrote 20 years ago about his decision to give Sarah up for adoption.

Zoe goes on a parachute jump with Sarah, Fernando Fernandez (Jeronimo Best), Steph Cunningham (Carley Stenson) and Gilly Roach (Anthony Quinlan).

During her trial, Mike tells the court he believes his daughter committed suicide, and Zoe is found not guilty and is released.

Lydia finds Zoe and stabs her as Charlotte Lau (Amy Yamazaki), Dave Colburn (Elliot James Langridge) and Mike arrive.

[34] In August, six months after leaving the village, Zoe makes Zak and Kris Fisher (Gerard McCarthy) an offer to come to London and help her organise a party for a rich person.

When Kathy arrives at Ryan Knight's (Duncan James) house, she argues with Mike over allowing Zoe to attend Amy's funeral.

"[11] When Zoe's affair with Mike Barnes (Tony Hirst) began, there was some controversy over the storyline, due to the age gap between the pair.

[38] Kris Green of Digital Spy described the skydive as one of the best stunts he had seen in a long time, commenting that Zoe's reaction to Sarah's death made him shed a tear, and that the episode on a whole was "amazing".

[37] Asian News International included Sarah and Zoe second on their top ten "girl-on-girl kisses on TV" list.

"[41] Lesbian culture website AfterEllen.com opined "she doesn't seem like the type of woman to give up without a fight" where Sarah and Mike are concerned.