Joe Swash made an unexpected return to EastEnders yesterday as he reprised his role as Mickey Miller, much to the delight of fans.

After hearing about the residents’ campaign to save the market, Mickey returned to Albert Square with a donation to their cause, and got stuck in helping Mo Harris (Laila Morse) with her charity calendar.

‘Working again with Laila was an absolute pleasure,’ Joe enthused, before reflecting on their relationship during his previous stint.

‘I worked with her so much and she was a bit like my EastEnders mum, she used to pick me up and drop me home!

‘Big Mo is a terrible influence for Mickey. Mickey would do anything for Mo and she has him wrapped around her little finger. Working again with Laila was an absolute pleasure.’

Joe played the role of Mickey between 2003 and 2008, before returning for a brief stint in 2011 for half-brother Darren’s wedding.

‘I was super honoured to be asked back; it was so nice to see all the new crew and the crew that was there back in the day when I first started. It felt like home,’ he said of his most recent return. 

Countless familiar faces have returned to Walford this year, ahead of the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary in February 2025.

‘Amazing people have been in EastEnders, so to be asked back was amazing,’ Joe added.

The actor and presenter, who recently presented a special EastEnders spin-off which saw him interview The Six ahead of last year’s Christmas Day murder reveal, explained that he was nervous to act again.

‘I was so nervous to be back as I haven’t done much acting since EastEnders, but it all came back straight away and it felt completely normal.’