Who is James Willmott-Brown? The EastEnders villain returns after more than 25 years to take his revenge on Walford

EastEnders villain James Willmott-Brown has made a surprise return to Albert Square, more than 25 years after he last appeared in the soap.

The character, played by William Boyde, is best-known for the harrowing 1988 storyline in which he brutally raped employee Kathy Beale.

Willmott-Brown made his return to Walford in Friday’s episode and it seems he’s not finished with Beale, as teaser images show him skulking around the café Beale now runs.

A spokesperson for the show said the villain’s return would test ‘family loyalties’.

“Family loyalties will be questioned, tested and exposed but one thing is for sure, with ruthless Willmott-Brown ruling the clan, the residents of Walford are in for a huge shock.”

Willmott-Brown’s return to EastEnders comes after it was announced that Lisa Faulkner, who plays his daughter Fi Browning , will not be staying on the soap.

She told Radio Times: "We were always clear that there would be a beginning, middle and end – Fi was coming in to do a job."

"She was never going to be a new regular living on the Square and I have absolutely loved it.”

Who is James Wilmott-Brown?

James Willmott-Brown is a returning EastEnders character, played by William Boyd. He last appeared in the soap in 1992, following his release from prison where he was serving time for the rape of Kathy Beale.

Willmott-Brown’s reintroduction to Walford looks as if it will reopen old wounds for Beale, who has unknowingly been left flowers by her old tormentor.

The villain is also caught up in Max Branning’s revenge plot against Albert Square residents, as he was revealed to be the owner of Weyland and Co, making him Branning’s boss.

Branning reunited with his old cellmate Luke, who viewers now know is another of Willmott-Brown’s children, as the family gathered together to hatch a plan.

EastEnders airs tonight at 8pm on BBC One.