Well played, EastEnders, that’s all we have to say about the incredible news that Tamzin Outhwaite is reprising her role as Melanie Owen, 15 years after originally clip-clopping out of Albert Square.
EE bosses broke the exciting news after last night’s episode, having teased fans on social media throughout the day.
Read more: Mel Owen is coming back to EastEnders
Speculation was rife among the fandom who, mostly, thought Janine Butcher or Tanya Branning nee Cross would be marching back into Walford.
But pretty much everyone called it totally wrong and there was genuine surprise when Mel was revealed to be the returnee.
She was last seen in the Square back in 2002 when she fled to Portugal after discovering she was implicated in her late husband Steve’s drug smuggling.
Mel was facing a long prison sentence – but was bailed by Phil Mitchell before fleeing. She was later joined in Portugal by Lisa Fowler – and her little daughter, Louise….hmmm…interesting.
Anyway, fans were apoplectic with joy about Mel’s return (she’ll be back on screen early next year) and flooded Twitter with their excitement.
One viewer wrote: “I’m flipping out right now. Phil is about to lose poor Ben again. Mel is back and Lisa is waiting in the wings…”
Another added: “Sharon, Michelle, Kathy, Phil, Ian and MEL are about to reunite and I cannot wait.”
A third tweeted: “Mel Owen returning to EastEnders, Carla Connor returning to Corrie a good enough reason to start watching soaps again #girlpower #faves.”
EastEnders dropped the huge bombshell at 8pm last night.
They had teased yesterday that they would be making a big announcement at the end of the show tonight, and the soap’s press account had been tweeting hints and clues all day.
And now the reveal has come with a short video clip of Mel walking into the Square.
We’re not quite sure what to think! Who does she have ties to on the Square? Why would she return?
Mel was resident in Walford from 1998 to 2002. She famously married Ian Beale on New Year’s Eve and then left him almost immediately after discovering he’d lied about his daughter Lucy having cancer.
She also married resident bad boy Steve Owen, and had an affair with Phil Mitchell. But why has she returned now?
In another tweet, actress Tamzin Outhwaite, who played her, said she always knew she’d be back.
She was last seen on the Square escaping with £30,000 of Phil’s money after she was falsely accused of being involved in Steve’s drug smuggling.We don’t expect Phil will be that pleased to see her then, unless she’s returning the cash!
Speaking of her return Tamzin said: “When I got the call from John Yorke, the show’s creative director, I just couldn’t refuse.
John created Mel’s most memorable storylines so it is an honour he has asked me to return.
“EastEnders is in my DNA and I always knew deep down that someday I would revisit Mel – she is a strong independent woman with lots more stories to tell.
“To be stepping back into the character’s shoes nearly 20 years after I first started feels perfect.”
John Yorke said: “Tamzin is one of EastEnders’ biggest stars, so it’s particularly exciting to welcome her back to Walford for an incredible storyline – one that will awaken a lot of old ghosts, some great memories and a whole new series of adventures too.
“We’re thrilled and flattered to have Tamzin back and we can’t wait to reveal just where she’s been, and just who Melanie Owen is now.”
Read more: EastEnders reveal return of HUGE character
We can’t wait to see the reason for her return.
Is she out for revenge too? Is she involved with Max Branning’s plot? Or could she be James Willmott-Brown’s new lover? There’s so many possibilities…