Shane Richie will reprise his role as Alfie Moon in EastEnders in scenes due to air in the autumn, the BBC confirmed on Friday.
The legendary character, who first appeared on the soap opera in November 2002, decided to flee Walford in January 2019.
His return to Albert Square will cause friction with his ex-wife Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace – whose “future in the soap opera is assured” despite the actress’ arrest in June.
He is back! EastEnders’ Shane Richie will return as Alfie Moon in scenes airing in the autumn, the BBC confirmed on Friday
The pair’s fiery relationship ended abruptly in 2018 when it was revealed Alfie had secretly fathered a son with her cousin Hayley – leading to their divorce.
The show’s bosses are encouraging viewers to keep an eye out for any hints of his return in the coming days.
Of his return, Shane said, “It is an absolute honor and privilege to be reclaimed to my Albert Square television home.”
Drama: His return to Albert Square will cause friction with his ex-wife Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace – whose “future is secured” despite the actress’ arrest in June
He continued, “I’m looking forward to meeting some old castmates and meeting some new ones.
“New Executive Producer, Chris Clenshaw, was instrumental in bringing Alfie Moon back with some wonderful storylines… and who am I to say no?! I can barely wait for it.”
Executive Producer Chris added, “Shane Richie has created one of the most iconic, loveable and memorable characters on the soap opera and welcoming him back to Walford is an absolute pleasure.
“A lot has happened since Alfie left the Square, but wherever his floral shirts go you can expect fun, hilarity and of course the odd porky pie. We are overjoyed to have him at home.”
Of his return, Shane said, “It is an absolute honor and privilege to be reclaimed to my Albert Square television home.”
Speaking to The Sun about Shane’s return, a source added: “It also secures Jessie’s future as Kat as together they deliver one of EastEnders’ most compelling love stories.
“Having her in the cast is seen as a dynamite combination that could get more die-hard fans tuning in again.
“The loss of Jessie would have been a disaster for producers who place a lot of emphasis on new storylines that they will be the focus of.”
M has contacted EastEnders representatives for further comments.
Shock: Footage showed the moment Jessie was arrested after a ‘drunk’ night out. Witnesses claimed she was kicked out of Flex nightclub for being “gobby.”
It comes as the BBC “considered all options” as bosses determined Jessie’s future at EastEnders following her arrest outside a nightclub in June.
The star is said to have “told a police officer to piss off during five minutes of the carnage” at Bury St Edmunds, during which she also allegedly knelt on his groin, leaving him on his knee in pain.
Footage released last night showed the moment Jessie – best known as barmaid Kat – was arrested after a “drunk” night out, with witnesses claiming she was kicked out of Flex nightclub for being “gobby”.
The actress was released without charge after receiving a conditional warning.
Warnings: Jessie was reportedly urged by her friends to ‘slow down’ and warned by BBC bosses after she was arrested (pictured) for allegedly assaulting a police officer
This incident is the latest in a string of problems for Jessie, who was previously suspended from work, with reports claiming she was drinking on set in 2020, forcing bosses to write her out of a series of episodes.
She was also found guilty of drunk driving in 2003, which resulted in a £1,000 fine and a three-year ban from driving.
Jessie also suffered heartbreak in 2011 when she called off her wedding to fiancé Vincent Morse after he allegedly sent his ex-girlfriend an explicit picture of the soap star.
Step back: This incident is the latest in a series of problems for Jessie, who was previously suspended from work with reports claiming she was drinking on set in 2020