Shane Richie to return to 'EastEnders' as Alfie Moon

EastEnders is set to welcome back an Albert Square legend as Shane Richie has been confirmed for a comeback as Alfie Moon.

It has been almost 20 years since Alfie first appeared in the BBC One soap and he was last on screen in 2019, but will be back in town from the autumn.

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However, while viewers might be pleased to see the popular character back in Walford, it's likely that many of the other residents won't feel the same way.

Alfie's relationship with now ex-wife Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) was at the heart of many of his storylines and things between them finally failed for good just before his departure when Kat discovered he was the father of her cousin Hayley's baby.

Kat isn't the only one with an axe to grind when it comes to Alfie - one of the reasons why the former Vic landlord fled in 2019 was because he had stolen money from Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) to give to Kat, although she returned the money to Phil.

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With Phil looking at a number of tricky situations related to his time in prison, including inmate Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) set to make a beeline for Albert Square on his release, could Alfie's return tie in too?

Viewers should apparently look out for a clue in the coming episodes about Alfie coming back.

Richie said: “It's an absolute honour and privilege to be asked back to my TV home of Albert Square. I’m looking forward to catching up with some old cast mates and meeting some new ones.

"The new exec producer Chris Clenshaw has been instrumental in wanting to bring Alfie Moon back with some wonderful storylines…and who am I to say no?! I can't wait."

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Shane Richie created one of the most iconic, loveable and most memorable characters in soap, and to welcome him back to Walford is an absolute pleasure.

"A lot’s happened since Alfie’s been away from the Square but wherever his floral shirts go you can expect fun, frolics and, of course, the odd porky-pie. We’re over the moon to have him home.”

The soap has undergone a cast shake-up, recruiting a number of new characters and announcing the return of Laila Morse as Big Mo this summer.

Cast who are leaving include Danielle Harold as Lola Pearce, Maddy Hill who has exited her Nancy Carter role, and Danny Dyer, who plays her Vic landlord dad Mick, is due to depart at Christmas - leaving a space behind the bar...

Watch: EastEnders cast on the show's shake-up