EastEnders legend 'set for return' after two years as fans 'spot' glaring clue

EastEnders fans are convinced one much-loved character will make a return to the BBC soap and be reunited with ex Phil Mitchell

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EastEnders fans are speculating that beloved character Shirley Carter, played by Linda Henry, could be making a return as part of Phil Mitchell's ongoing mental health plot. The character left Walford in December 2022 following the assumed death of her son Mick Carter (Danny Dyer).

Since then, Shirley has been absent from our screens, though she has been mentioned on several occasions. In October 2023, Dean Wicks, (Matt Di Angelo) made an unexpected comeback to Walford and shared concerning news about his mother Shirley.

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He revealed that since Mick's disappearance and the death of her sister Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White), Shirley, who first appeared in Walford in 2006, has struggled with her mental health and has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital twice.

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Shirley's former partner Phil (Steve McFadden) is also currently receiving treatment at a mental health facility following a distressing suicide attempt in February.

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Phil had been battling loneliness and depression before psychosis took over, leading him to try to take his own life. EastEnders viewers can expect a special episode focusing on Phil's path to recovery while he stays in the mental health unit.

He will form a bond with fellow patient Gaz, brought to life by the talented Keith Allen, who plays a crucial role in encouraging Phil to confront his inner struggles, reports Plymouth Live.

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The upcoming episode, which will take place over four weeks, will see Phil tackle his depression and psychosis through therapy and group sessions, all while having Gaz by his side for support. Fans are speculating that this storyline might lead to a reunion between Phil and Shirley, with the two potentially returning to Albert Square together.

One fan expressed their hopes on X, saying: "Keith Allen's character better be somehow connected to a Shirley return. Looking forward to this, we've been spoiled with Steve McFadden content recently this should be brilliant! #EastEnders."

Another fan added: "Ooh, this sounds good! Great casting! So glad to see them really delving deeper into this Phil story... hopefully he sees Shirley, too? #eastenders."

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A third fan exclaimed: "OMG Imagine if we got a Shirley Carter return during Phil's special episode in the MH Unit. Remember the last we head of Shirley she was also sectioned like Phil was #EastEnders."

Others speculated about a potential reunion, with one saying: "Imagine if they bump into each other in the mental hospital and Phil brings her home #EastEnders".

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Another asked: "So Phil's having a stint in a mental health facility and according to Dean Wicks- Shirley was in one after having a breakdown... Could we be finally getting Shirl back @bbceastenders".

EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer

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