EastEnders viewers fear Sean Slater’s dramatic return to Walford could mean the end for one of Albert Square’s most beloved characters.
Many fans are speculating on social media that actor Rob Kazinsky’s brief revival of his soap role could result in a final farewell to his long-suffering mum Jean.
And with ‘Enders chief Kate Oates recently hinting Jean could endure further problems linked to her mental health issues, some are convinced there may not be a happy ending for this family reunion.
Rob moved on from the BBC soap a decade ago after three years as bad boy Sean, Stacey’s older brother.
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He is expected to make his comeback in the spring for a short stint, with scores of lapsed fans vowing to watch again for his return.
But could the fan theories prove to be true, resulting in a bittersweet homecoming for the Slaters?
Soap boss Kate teased a “big story” in 2019 for the character played by Gillian Wright, noting: “She’s going to have a challenge coming her way where we look at her mental health through the lens of her physical health.”
However, the producer also promised the storyline would contain some light to go with the dark – and hopeful fans reckon that means she might suffer a serious illness which brings Sean home.
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“Must be something to do with jean or Stacey . He wouldn’t come back for any of the others,” pondered one fan on the show’s Facebook page.
“Probably means his Jean or Stacey are gonna go off the deep end again,” added another.
A third concurred, marking Jean’s card immediately. “Jean dies, he’s back for the funeral,” they predicted.
And a fourth fan also agreed they considered it likely Jean would be going on a downward spiral.
“I feel like over the next few weeks we will see jeans mental Heath deteriorate and that could spark his return,” they speculated.
Following Thursday’s announcement, Rob – who has appeared in Hollywood films such as Pacific Rim since his soap days – declared himself keen and willing to get back to business in Walford.
“I have unfinished business in Albert Square and am thrilled to be returning to what I still consider to be my home, however briefly,” he said.
– EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One
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