EastEnders fans are speculating that two iconic characters may be making a comeback to Walford for the soap’s 40th anniversary. In recent times, Albert Square has seen the return of several beloved characters such as Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), David Wicks (Michael French), Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), Jack Moon (Joel Beckett) and Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton).
Not to mention a video call from Joe Wicks as Paul Nicholls reprised his role for a single scene after departing in 1997. However, sharp-eyed viewers believe two more legends could be returning to the East End after spotting a hint.
Earlier this week, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) considered phoning long-time friend Martin Fowler (James Bye) to inform him that Ruby had given birth to their son some time ago. While in the café, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) gave Sharon the birth certificate of Martin’s son as evidence that Ruby did indeed have a baby boy in 2022.
As Sharon scrolled through her phone contacts preparing to call Martin with the big news, viewers noticed the numbers of two former Walford residents – Louise Mitchell and Michelle Fowler. Louise Mitchell is her ex-stepdaughter and the daughter of Phil and Lisa Fowler (Lucy Benjamin).
EastEnders fans are convinced more familiar faces are returning to Walford (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)
Eagle-eyed buffs have been lit up with speculation after a recent episode teased the possible return of two major characters, Louise Mitchell and Michelle Fowler.
Initially gracing Albert Square in 2001, Louise (once portrayed by Tilly Keeper) departed Walford in 2020, her exit fuelled by the revelation of beau Keanu’s (Danny Walters) affair with Sharon, which led to Sharon giving birth to his child.
Michelle Fowler, an iconic original from the show’s inaugural 1985 episode, was initially brought to life by Susan Tully. She’s none other than Martin’s big sister and cousin to Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), bid adieu to the drama-filled Square in 1995.
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Sharon Watts looked at her mobile phone during a recent episode (Image: BBC)
The character, later embodied by Jenna Russell, briefly returned for a spell only to head off to Australia in 2018.
Fans on couldn’t help but ponder as one user highlighted Michelle and Louise’s names popping up conspicuously on Sharon’s phone.
They posited: “In last night’s EE episode Sharon could have just had Martin’s contact details up ready to call him but these characters’ names were also deliberately showed. Do you think this is a clue to 40th anniversary appearances? “.
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Eagle-eyed viewers spotted a clue (Image: BBC)
The post elicited various reactions, with one response highlighting: “I saw someone else mention OG Michelle is rumoured to be making an appearance. I can’t believe it myself – but who knows! ” Another wrote tersely: “Hopefully.”
Someone else chimed in with surprise: “I thought the same thing, firstly the Michelle thing caught my eye because of the rumours of Sue Tully cameo but then to notice Louise in there, in Sharon’s phone! ? ! ?”
Rumours are rife – will Michelle and Louise indeed make a comeback for ‘ milestone 40th anniversary?
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