EastEnders boss teases return of legendary characters as soap celebrates 40th anniversary
EastEnders boss teased major characters return
BBC
Over the years, there have been many iconic characters to come and go from the BBC soap opera, however, EastEnders executive boss Chris Clenshaw has teased that a string of legendary characters and family members will return for the 40th anniversary.
Last year, long-term fans were left thrilled when Cindy Beale (played by Michelle Collins) and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) returned to the soap, especially since many thought Cindy had died in 1998.
Since Christmas 2023, there have been major storylines developing and continuing to grip the viewers, especially with the ongoing "The Six" storyline where the women of Walford are struggling to cover up a murder.
In an exciting update, Clenshaw teased that he didn't intend to stop with the return of Cindy and Ian, and admitted there are some more familiar faces to return to Walford during the run-up to the BBC One show’s 40th anniversary next year.
He told The Sun: "As we head towards our 40th year, I think the nostalgic element means a lot. Into the autumn and the end of the year, we’ve got quite a few treats coming up."
Asked if that meant a return for long-departed characters, Chris replied: "Maybe. It all depends on the story and where the characters are. But it has to come from character, it has to come from story.
Cindy and Ian returned to the soap last year
BBC
"It would depend when they’re looking back from, but probably. The 40th has been in the works for quite some time and Christmas is well underway. In the story office, there is a board and it all connects. I compare it to a tapestry board, everything has to fit together."
The update comes after eagle-eyed fans may have already spotted clues about who could return.
Taking to Reddit, one fan noted: "I reckon it will be Ross Kemp back for a few weeks or maybe even Susan Tully‘s Michelle?"
Someone else agreed: "A Grant return does seem more likely now, as Ross Kemp has been more enthusiastic about it in more recent interviews, whereas he was quite dismissive of it before."
Fans have been following along The Six storyline since Christmas
BBC
Other names which have been thrown into the mix are Dean Wick (Matt Di Angelo) getting out of prison, Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), David Wicks (Michael French), and Max Branning (Jake Wood).
Actress Bonnie Langford has also hinted she could return as Carmel Kazemi, who left Walford in 2021 after her older son Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) was stabbed to death in a tragic knife crime story.
Speaking to RadioTimes.com, she stated: "Anything can happen, and this is the whole beauty of storytelling. You can tell whatever story you like, and I would be delighted to, I've got loads of friends there now as well.
"I'd love to go and see… I would never put a kibosh on anything, because I think anything is possible. It's important, sometimes people want to know what happened - what happened next? So, you never know.
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Executive boss Chris Clenshaw teased at some major returns
BBC
"Carmel has got a grandson, Arthur, still there, and has a lot of history and a lot of friends, but you just don't know, so you never say never!"
Grant Mitchell actor Ross Kemp also previously opened up about a potential return and told The One Show: "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!"