EastEnders confirms THIS Walford LEGEND will be returning to Albert Square in early 2020

The Beale family are in for a shock when EastEnders Peter Beale returns to Walford next year...

EastEnders fans are in for a treat in 2020 when Peter Beale returns to Albert Square to reunite with his family.

But the role of Peter, which has been played by numerous actors over the years, will be played by a new face as Dayle Hudson takes on the part as the son of the infamous Ian Beale.

Dayle Hudson as Peter Beale in EastEnders — Actor Dayle Hudson will take on the iconic role of Peter Beale (Picture: BBC)

EastEnders fans will remember that Peter left Walford back in 2015, played by actor Ben Hardy at the time.

The character departed the Square to go and join half brother Steven Beale in New Zealand with then fiancee Lauren Branning in tow.

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But fast-forward almost five years and Peter is returning, but what brings him back to Walford after all this time?

The last time Peter was in London he was at the heart of the 'Who linked Lucy Beale' storyline after his twin sister was brutally murdered, leading to a year long investigation into her death.

Peter Beale in EastEnders — Last time Peter was in Walford he was played by actor Ben Hardy (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

Eventually the killer was revealed to be none other than Lucy and Peter's younger half-brother Bobby, leading to Peter leaving Walford behind him.

But what will happen when he returns and comes face to face with his sister's killer?

EastEnders will be actor Dayle’s first television appearance, and he is thrilled to be taking on the iconic role: "I'm really grateful and excited to have the opportunity to work on such an institution of British television, alongside some incredible actors.

"Peter has been away for some time so I can’t wait to find out what he’s been up to and I’m very excited to see what the future holds for him."

Lucy Beale in EastEnders — Lucy Beale was murdered by brother Bobby... how will Peter cope with seeing him again? (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

EastEnders' Executive Producer Jon Sen added: "As soon as I met Dayle, I knew he’d be the one to bring Peter Beale back to Walford.

"Peter’s a young man with a big heart but a bruised soul and Dayle’s a talented actor who captures his complexity perfectly. I welcome him to the company and can't wait to start working with him."

EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.