Aaron Sidwell is returning to EastEnders as Ian's gay stepson Steven Beale in an explosive new storyline.
Aaron last played the role in 2008 and has reportedly already returned to the set for filming.
Steven is son of Ian’s Beale’s first wife Cindy (Michelle Collins) from her affair with Simon Wicks (Nick Berry), although he was raised as his own son by an unwitting Ian (Adam Woodyatt).
Aaron played deeply disturbed Steven from 2007-2008 and featured in big storylines including stalking and eventually taking hostage Ian, before trying to kill himself and accidentally shooting Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) in the stomach.
In his brief time on the soap, Steven tried to commit suicide again, attempted to seduce Jane’s brother Christian (John Partridge) and even gave smothering Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement) a go.
Steven with Ian, just after he had shot Jane
Is Steven back to try to kill again?
Having been rejected by Ian, Steven fled Walford and went to New Zealand to live with his biological father, Simon.
Although the details of his return aren’t known, his storyline will likely be explosive.
It comes as John Partridge is confirmed to be back in a guest role as Christian and Lynda Baron will also be back briefly as Christian and Jane’s mum Linda Clarke.
“We're staying tight-lipped on the details surrounding their return for now, but the shocking storyline is set to change the Beale family forever,” says an EastEnders insider.
And if Steven’s return is linked to their return… Well, that would be life-changing for the Beales.
John Partridge will return for a short stint as Christian Clarke (Ian West/PA)
Or…Steven’s return could coincide with that of Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).
Lauren and boyfriend Peter Beale have been living in New Zealand with Simon and their baby, Louie, but she is set to make a comeback soon, when Jacqueline Jossa returns from maternity leave.
And Jacqueline has recently teased that Lauren’s return will be “dramatic” and will “shock people”.
Coming back with Steven would certainly cause a stir…
EastEnders continues on BBC1, Monday, May 2, 8.00pm.
