Albert Square could be set for yet another bombshell as EastEnders teases the comeback of a beloved character, igniting a wave of speculation among fans. The hints come hot on the heels of the show’s major win at the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards, where it reclaimed the award for Best Soap and Continuing Drama — a title it hadn’t held since 2019. Riding high on this success, BBC’s Head of Continuing Drama, Kate Oates, made a cryptic but thrilling revelation: “If you like a return, I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed.”

That single comment has sent the EastEnders fandom into overdrive, wondering which familiar face will next stroll back into Walford. Though Oates didn’t reveal any names, she doubled down on the intrigue by saying there are “some really big stories coming up,” and those craving a return “might be interested in what’s on the horizon.”

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. As part of the show’s ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations, producers have already revived several characters from EastEnders’ rich past. Most notably, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) shocked viewers with her resurrection — not only had she vanished, but she’d been presumed dead for over two decades. The twist rocked Albert Square and proved once again that in Walford, no character is ever truly gone.

In addition to Cindy, other major returns have included Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), Peter Beale (Thomas Law), Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), and Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). These appearances have been carefully woven into dramatic plots that balance nostalgia with high-stakes conflict, breathing new life into the show while keeping loyal viewers emotionally invested.

Given this track record, expectations for the next return are sky-high. Could it be another presumed-dead figure like Ronnie or Roxy Mitchell? Might it be a classic villain, back to cause chaos? Or perhaps a character who left quietly years ago, ready to stir up unresolved drama?

The producers have proven they’re willing to dig deep into the show’s legacy to surprise the audience. And as Kate Oates made clear, death is hardly an obstacle in the world of EastEnders. That means even the most far-fetched theories are suddenly plausible. With the bar already set by Cindy’s shocking homecoming, the next return will need to pack serious emotional punch — and based on Oates’ comments, fans won’t be disappointed.

While the identity of the returning character remains a mystery, the build-up is unmistakable. The combination of the show’s BAFTA win, a changing of the guard with new Executive Producer Ben Wadey, and the momentum of the anniversary celebrations, all point to EastEnders entering a bold and unpredictable new era. The show has already proven it’s not afraid to bend the rules of time, memory, or even mortality — and that anything can happen.

As the countdown begins, the only question left is: who’s walking back into Walford next — and what secrets will they bring with them?