In a wave of nostalgia and grief, EastEnders fans were treated to a touching return as Bex Fowler (played by Jasmine Armfield) made her way back to Walford—if only briefly—following the tragic death of her father, Martin Fowler, during the soap’s 40th anniversary week.

Bex, once a fixture in Albert Square, resurfaced not just for a funeral, but for an emotionally loaded reunion with her family, sparking heartfelt moments that rippled across the Square. The character, absent since 2020, came back stronger, wiser, and more grounded—offering fans a glimpse into the woman she’s become after years away.

From the moment she stepped back into Walford, Bex immediately began reconnecting with Sonia (her mother, portrayed by Natalie Cassidy). Their mother-daughter bond, though complicated by years of silence and distance, quickly warmed. Conversations turned raw and real, and we saw Bex provide a rare form of emotional clarity that helped Sonia process her own grief for Martin.

But it wasn’t just Sonia who leaned on Bex. Lily Slater (Lillia Turner), grappling with the loss of her father, found an unexpected anchor in her older sister-figure. In quiet, tender scenes, Bex comforted Lily and encouraged her to find strength through sorrow. The connection between them hinted at what could have been a beautiful ongoing sibling dynamic—if only Bex had stayed.

Bex also met her new baby sister Julia, a poignant moment that underlined how much time has passed and how much she’s missed. Holding the child in her arms, surrounded by bittersweet memories of Martin and dreams that will never be realized, Bex’s return felt like the closing of one chapter and the hesitant opening of another.

Her return may have only lasted a week after the funeral, but every second counted. In a final emotional twist, Bex chose not to remain in Walford. Instead, she left once again—this time hand in hand with Sonia and their ever-spirited aunt Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer). The trio’s departure was painted with a sense of escape, of new beginnings, but also with deep sadness. Bex wasn’t just leaving behind her childhood home—she was walking away from the ghost of her father and the pieces of the past she’d just started to mend.

The mini-arc struck a powerful chord with long-time viewers. Social media lit up with fans expressing joy over Jasmine Armfield’s return and heartbreak at her swift exit. On X (formerly Twitter), one user, Josh, admitted to not being a fan during Bex’s original run but was “very much impressed” with how she’s matured. He even pleaded for producers not to recast the role in the future, praising Jasmine’s nuanced performance.

Another fan wrote: “Such a welcome return this time around,” while user Ryan called it a “brilliant mini stint” and said he sincerely hopes “this isn’t the last we see of her.” Their sentiments were echoed across the fandom—there’s a growing desire to see Bex return for good, especially now that Lily remains on the Square. With so much family still in Walford, many believe her story is far from over.

Jasmine Armfield originally portrayed Bex between 2014 and 2020. Her original exit saw the character choosing to leave Walford behind to travel, yearning to escape the chaos and heartache that had consumed her teen years. At the time, her farewell was emotional but final. Her return now, however brief, felt like an open door rather than a closing one—a suggestion that Bex might one day reclaim her place in the Square for good.

What made her guest stint even more special was the quiet transformation in Bex herself. No longer the conflicted, anxious girl burdened by heartbreak, unrequited love, and emotional trauma, she returned more composed, reflective, and protective of her family. That subtle maturity did not go unnoticed—and fans are hungry for more.

Her story is clearly not done. Whether as a support system for Lily, a companion to Sonia, or a possible player in future dramas yet to unfold, Bex Fowler has a place in EastEnders. And for viewers, the hope is clear: this goodbye won’t be forever.

While the streets of Walford have seen countless comings and goings, Bex’s presence offered a poignant reminder of how the past always lingers, how healing is possible, and how some characters leave a mark that time simply can’t erase.

Until then, fans are left with memories of her fleeting visit—smiles through tears, a final hug, and the promise that maybe, just maybe, Bex Fowler will come home again.