EastEnders reveals FIRST LOOK at Nancy Carter's shock return to Walford

EastEnders
(Image credit: BBC)

Nancy is back, but what has made her return to the Square?

EastEnders has released brand new pictures showing Nancy Carter returning to Walford to see her family.

In scenes that air on Tuesday 13th April, Nancy will make her surprise comeback, arriving in the middle of a big Carter family celebration.

Maddy Hill as Nancy Carter back in her EastEnders days

Maddy Hill as Nancy Carter just before her exit in 2016 (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

The much-loved character, played by Maddy Hill, hasn't been seen in Walford for almost five years.

But what has brought her back to her old stomping ground? And where is her husband, Tamwar?

Where has Nancy been?

Fans will remember Nancy and Tamwar went off on the adventure of a lifetime as they travelled around the world before tying the knot off screen.

More: Easter TV 2021 - all the best shows to watch over the bank holiday weekend 

They then settled down for a new life in New Zealand, but why has Nancy returned all of a sudden?

Nancy Carter EastEnders

Nancy returns to Walford on 13th April (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)

The new images released today by EastEnders show Nancy arriving home to surprise her parents... but as fans know she has come back right in the middle of a tough time for the Carters.

All change for the Carters 

Not only does Nancy now have a new sister that she has never met, her dad, Mick (Danny Dyer), is also being haunted by his past as suppressed memories of his abuse at the hands of Katy Lewis have resurfaced.

Could Nancy's return bring the Carter family some much-needed happiness?

Or will she be bringing more trouble to their door?

Nancy Carter EastEnders

Nancy will surprise her family when she returns in the middle of a family celebration (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)

Speaking of her return, Maddy, who left her role as Casualty's Ruby Spark in April last year, said: "I’m SO excited to be coming back and reconnecting with all the hilarious, warm, talented cast and crew and meeting some lovely new faces.

"I absolutely loved playing Nancy and have often wondered what she’s up to, so feel very grateful to be able to rediscover her 5 years on!"

EastEnders airs Mondays at 8.05pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm and Fridays at 8.30pm on BBC One - see our TV Guide for full listings.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

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.