Former EastEnders legend Danny Dyer quit the soap in 2022, but his ending was left open.
Former EastEnders legend Danny Dyer is yet to be contacted by show bosses about returning for their 40 anniversary celebrations.
The 46-year-old actor – who played Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter for nine years – spoke on stage at the National TV Awards saying “bring back Mick”.
But we can reveal the BBC soap hasn’t called Danny about a potential return.
A source said: “Danny’s character was a huge fan favourite during his time on the show. Everyone loved Mick and it was sad when he left so it’s surprising that the Beeb are yet to make contact about him returning for the show’s 40th anniversary.
“There’s no expectation from Danny about a full time return, he wouldn’t want that either right now, but it’s just a bit odd that they haven’t even asked him about making a guest appearance.
“Danny loved being on the show and if they asked him and he had the time, of course he would do it.”
Danny left the BBC soap after a tragic twist on Christmas Day 2022 saw Mick Carter disappearing into the sea to save Janine Butcher and his ex-wife Linda Carter.
Earlier this month Danny dropped the biggest hint yet that he would like to return.
Speaking on stage at the National Television Awards, Danny shared a message to his EastEnders co-stars, who went home empty-handed when Emmerdale took the prize for Best Serial Drama.
As he presented an award, he said: “I want to send a shout-out to my EastEnders family over there. I love yous. I miss yous. Bring Mick back.”
Danny isn’t the only one to be calling for Mick’s comeback as Kellie Bright, who plays Linda, also said she’d be happy to have a Carter romantic reunion.
She explained: “I would love to do anything with Danny Dyer – work-related, just clarify that!
“But I have no idea if he’s been asked to come back. Obviously, I would love to do anything with him, and I would love to see Mick and Linda together again.
“He’s a busy boy, he’s doing his thing, and I’m championing him from afar. I know that people would love it. We’ll see. I’d be surprised, but we’d see.”
He was last on the show on Christmas Day in 2022 (Image: BBC)
Danny previously told how he thought Mick’s character had “lost his way”.
He said: “I didn’t quite know how [Mick’s final scenes were] gonna go down.
“I felt my character had lost his way. I didn’t quite know who I was playing anymore. It was a really odd thing.”
Since leaving EastEnders Danny has signed up to a string of dramas.
As well as his TV comedy debut, in Ryan Sampson’s Mr Bigstuff on Sky, he’s starring in Disney’s glossy new adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s Rivals and a film about football hooliganism called Marching Powder.
The source added: “Danny is in demand, and has lots going on but he will always have time for EastEnders.
“He loved that show and he would be up for a brief visit to be involved in all of the celebrations.”
An EastEnders spokesperson said: “There are many rumours and theories circulating about the 40th anniversary, but to not spoil the drama for the audience, we will not be commenting on any speculation.”
