EastEnders has welcomed back some huge character this year in anticipation of the shows 40th anniversary in February 2025, but eagle-eyed fans think two more icons are returning in the near future.
EastEnders viewers are convinced two legendary characters are about to return Walford in celebration of the soap’s 40th birthday.
In recent months, Albert Square has welcomed back a string of much-loved characters including 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 forgetting a video call from Joe Wicks as Paul Nicholls reprised his role for one scene after leaving in 1997.
But now eagle-eyed viewers think two more icons are making their way back to the East End after spotting a clue.
Earlier this week, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) contemplated making a phone call to long term friend Martin Fowler (James Bye) to tell him Ruby had given birth to their son a while back.
While sitting in the café, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) handed Sharon the birth certificate of Martin’s son as proof Ruby did give birth to a baby boy in 2022.
Sharon then scrolled through her contacts list on her phone as she prepared to give Martin a call to tell him the big news, but viewers noticed the numbers of two former Walford residents – Louise Mitchell and Michelle Fowler.
Louise Mitchell is her former stepdaughter and daughter of Phil and Lisa Fowler (Lucy Benjamin). She also has a young daughter called Peggy named after her nan Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor).
First appearing in 2001, the character (then played by Tilly Keeper) left Walford behind in 2020 after discovering her boyfriend Keanu (Danny Walters) was having an affair with Sharon, and had fathered her baby.
While Michelle Fowler is an original character who starred in the soap from the first episode in 1985, played then by Susan Tully. Michelle is also the older sister of Martin and and the cousin of Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), but left the show in 1995.
Fans last saw Michelle (with Jenna Russell taking over from Susan Tully) in 2018. After a two year stint on the Square, she left and was last known to be residing in Australia.
Taking to Reddit, one EastEnders fan pointed out the two names on Sharon’s phone and speculated the two characters may be making an appearance.
They wrote: “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?”
A second replied: “I saw someone else mention OG Michelle is rumoured to be making an appearance. I can’t believe it myself – but who knows!” (sic)
A third simply wrote: “Hopefully.” While another added: “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!?!?” (sic)
Will Michelle and Louise return to Walford?
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
