Soap veteran Dean Gaffney has teased a big return to Albert Square for this year’s festive episodes.
The 40-year-old star, who made his first EastEnders appearance 25 years ago, hinted an “iconic” character would be making a Christmas comeback as he spoke to reporters at Monday night’s Inside Soap Awards.
And although Dean – who plays Walford’s resident nitwit Robbie Jackson – would not be drawn on the identity of the mysterious performer, he did hint they are good pals in real life.
He also insisted it was good to have the returning star back on board and that their Christmas storyline would be “very interesting”.
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“It’s Christmas in Walford. It speaks for itself! We’ve got a returnee coming back, which is exciting!” Dean yapped to Digital Spy.
He continued: ‘For me, personally, I’m a good friend of this person – whoever they may be!
“I think they’re iconic with EastEnders. There’s certain people that come back to a show, they might not add to it, but this person definitely adds to it!”
Any guesses as to who Dean could be going on about?
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Ruby Allen, played by Louisa Lytton, recently came back to Walford after 12 years away.
Shane Richie’s Alfie Moon is believed to be the father of Hayley’s baby and also thought to be heading back.
And Grant Mitchell – brought to life by the inimitable Ross Kemp – has been rumoured to be in the frame as part of Sharon and Keanu’s blackmail plot.
The Beeb even brought Dirty Den back from the dead in 2003.
So does that mean…? Could it really be…?
It just has to be Wellard, right?
– EastEnders airs on BBC One on Mondays (8pm), Tuesdays (7.30pm), Thursdays (7.30pm) and Fridays (8pm)
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