EASTENDERS has dropped the biggest clue yet a show icon is returning next week.

The BBC has remained silent on The Sun revealing there are two icons making a shock comeback in the coming months.

But now they have announced that Monday’s episode – the first under the tenure of new boss Ben Wadey – will not be made available on iPlayer at 6am as has become standard.

And it’s set to be an exciting one.

Ben said: “Next week marks the start of something big in Walford that we hope will get everyone talking, and it’s only just the beginning.

“We’ve got twists, shocks, and plenty of drama lined up for a summer you don’t want to miss.”

pisode spoilers have revealed it will feature a mysterious phone call from Stacey Slater to Alfie Moon.

Stacey has undeniably connections to the two characters returning to the Square.

Max Branning is her former lover, boyfriend and father-in-law.

And her cousin Zoe Slater is also making a bombshell return after 20 years away.

The shock return will see Michelle Ryan, 41, back in Walford this year — delighting fans who had hoped to see her in the soap’s 40th anniversary special in February.

A source said: “Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right.

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“People are still talking about her character, so it’s a real coup to bring her back.

“She feels like now is the perfect moment — and there was an exciting script on the table.”

Michelle starred on the soap from 2000 to 2005, before moving to Hollywood after landing the lead role in a series called Bionic Woman.