EastEnders fans convinced another Walford legend will return alongside Chrissie Watts

EastEnders fans are speculating that another soap legend might join Chrissie Watts upon her return this year.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Chrissie, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman, is set to make a comeback to the iconic square, nearly two decades after her dramatic departure. Chrissie was a regular character from 2004 to 2005.

As Dirty Den's wife, portrayed by Leslie Grantham, Chrissie quickly became a fan favourite, appearing in 218 episodes. During her time on the show, she served as the landlady of the Queen Vic and was involved in numerous storylines - but she is most remembered for murdering her husband, Den.

Chrissie left the soap in 2015 when she was imprisoned for Den's murder. However, 19 years later, the beloved character is set to return to Walford for a brief stint later this year.

Meanwhile, fans are also speculating that another former EastEnders icon, Zoe Slater, may be making a return. As the youngest Slater sister, Zoe, played by Michelle Ryan, arrived at Albert Square with the rest of her family, including Kat (Jessie Wallace), in 2000, reports the Daily Star.

Zoe certainly had her share of significant storylines. She had an affair with her mother's ex and was part of The Witches of Walford storyline, which saw her team up with Chrissie and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) to seek revenge on Dirty Den.

Zoe departed in 2005 and hasn't been seen since. However, following her reaction to Chrissie Watts' return, fans are speculating that a comeback could be imminent. On Wednesday (July 3), Tracy-Ann Oberman, who played Chrissie in EastEnders, excitedly announced her return to the soap on Instagram, sparking a frenzy among fans and fellow cast members.

Michelle Ryan, known for her role as Zoe Slater, couldn't contain her excitement, commenting: "Oh my goodness! How exciting," which sent fans into a speculative whirlwind on social media.

Over on Twitter, one eagle-eyed fan shared a snapshot of Michelle's comment, stirring rumours with the caption: "Hang on... have #EastEnders slyly got Zoe back n all, because why is Michelle's reaction actually giving a little bit of this.."

Speculation continued to grow as another chimed in with "It's happening." while a third suggested that Michelle might be hinting at her own secret return, despite previous statements to the contrary: "This is giving she secretly knows she's coming back as well even though she said she never would... Chris [Clenshaw, EastEnders' Executive Producer] what are you planning."

The buzz didn't stop there, with another viewer expressing their hopes: "If they get my Zoe back on the square I'll never say a bad word about the show ever again! I need her and Kat reunited."

Another fan was equally enthusiastic, saying: "If Zoe Slater comes back to Eastenders I'm going to actually scream."

EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One