Ever since Chris Clenshaw took over the role as EastEnders boss, fans have loved seeing the development of the BBC One soap and how introducing new characters – and bringing old ones back – impacts the current Walford community.
Of course, one of the biggest returns in recent years has been that of Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). The audience were left in shock last year when it was confirmed Cindy was actually alive and now, she is living in Albert Square.
An episode set in France allowed us to discover that Cindy was living under cover as Rose Knight shortly after her arrest 20 years ago.
The instalment also confirmed Cindy was in a relationship with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and living with their son Peter Beale (Thomas Law).
Another recent return was Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), another of Ian’s ex-wives who Cindy believed he was having an affair with.
After building up the courage to follow him to a remote cottage, she peered through the window and spotted a bottle of wine and two glasses on the coffee table.
After slamming on the door, Ian eventually answered and she charged through the property.
In a truly iconic EastEnders doof doof moment, Cindy looked towards Jane – and she introduced herself.
‘Hello Cindy, I’m Jane.’
David Wicks (Michael French) then headed back to Walford, the son of legendary matriarch Pat Butcher (Pam St Clements) and original Walford barrow boy Pete Beale (Peter Dean).
He shared scenes with Patsy Palmer who plays his on-screen daughter Bianca Jackson – though he could do with returning again sharpish, as she’s been held hostage by sinister killer Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman)!
EastEnders has been on our screens for almost 40 years and while it’s important for the soap to be modern and current, the return of old characters not only excites fans but certainly brings an element of nostalgia to the show.
Last year, Chris Clenshaw reflected on his time as the boss of the hit continuing drama so far, and when asked about bringing more characters back, there was one name at the top of his wish list.
‘Grant Mitchell, for more brotherly drama with Phil!’, he said during a chat with TV Times.
Grant was last seen in 2016, when he reunited with his family for Peggy Mitchell’s (Barbara Windsor) funeral.
It seems that Ross hasn’t ruled it out either, after once again being asked about reprising the role.
‘I don’t think you can ever say never, you know?,’ he told The One Show, who posed the question from a fan on social media.
‘I loved the part, I did it for 10 years.
‘I must have liked it because I stayed there for 10 years. But, you know, look, it was great fun, I loved the cast, it was a great job. [I’m] doing lots of different things right now, but never say never!’
We’ve got everything crossed!
It has been claimed that Ross will play some part in the show next year, when he will front a special documentary charting the soap’s biggest moments as it celebrates the milestone in February.
This article was originally published on 28th November 2023.
