EastEnders fans are buzzing with excitement, convinced another character is set to return following the surprise reappearance of Dean Wicks.
The baddie, played by Matt Di Angelo, was last seen on the popular BBC soap seven years ago but made a dramatic comeback to Albert Square in Monday's Halloween episode, 30 October.
Dean, who was chased out of Walford back in 2016 after it came to light that he had sexually assaulted Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), has now returned to seize an opportunity as the Beale family's new business partner.
He also revealed to Linda that his daughter, Jade, needs a transplant due to her cystic fibrosis.
While Linda initially didn't believe him, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) called Jade's mum, Shabnam Masood (Rakhee Thakrar), who confirmed everything.
Back in 2008, Shabnam fell pregnant after a one-night stand with Dean and later gave birth to a baby girl. But when caring for her baby became too overwhelming, Shabnam left her on her aunt's doorstep and she was adopted.
Dean's mum, Shirley Carter, discovered the truth about Jade and took over as her guardian, with Shabnam's blessing.
However, when Dean was accused of a serious crime against Linda, Shabnam left Walford with her daughter in 2016 and hasn't been seen since.
With Dean's return linked to Jade, fans are convinced that Shabnam will soon be back on Albert Square.
Fans have been sharing their thoughts online, with one excited viewer exclaiming: "DEAN AND SHABNAM'S DAUGHTER IS ILL DOES THAT MEAN SHABNAM IS RETURNING!?!?"
Another speculated: "Now that Dean is on his way back to Walford, I wonder if they're bringing back Shabnam and Jade Masood?"
Another fan agreed: "With Jade being the reason Dean is back, I hope her and Shabnam appear. I'd love it if they became regulars but even for a short stint would be great."
Echoing this sentiment, another viewer wrote: "I hate that Dean is back in # EastEnders but if it means it's the foot in the door for Zainab and Shabnam's return then I'm all for it x."
Matt, who plays Dean, opened up about his return to the show, as he said: "It felt like the right time for me, but also for Dean.
"When Mick was alive, Dean wouldn't have dared to come back to the Square because there's no way Mick would have stood for it."
He continued: "Rightly so, because what Dean did to Linda is unforgiveable and even his parents Shirley and Buster turned their backs on him.
"But now Mick's dead, I think it's opened up that door to allow Dean to return as Linda doesn't have him there to back her up. Without Mick, Dean can twist the narrative, and he has more chance of getting away with it."
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