EXCLUSIVE: EastEnders boss reveals which Walford ICON he wants to bring back next

The Albert Square sign on the set of EastEnders
EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw tells us who is on his 2024 returns wishlist. (Image credit: BBC)

EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw has revealed which legendary character he wants to bring back to Walford.

Ever since Chris took over the soap in January 2022, he has gripped the nation with his epic storylines and explosive returns.

In a soap history-making twist, Chris brought the iconic Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) back from the dead after 25 years, who was joined by her partner Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and son Peter Beale (Thomas Law) as they returned to the Square.

He was also responsible for the returns of Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen), Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) and Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).

Rita Simons also reprised her legendary role as Roxy Mitchell, who appeared as a figment of her troubled daughter Amy Mitchell's (Ellie Dadd) imagination during a group therapy session.

Cindy Beale suspects Kathy Cotton started the fire

Cindy Beale made an explosive return to Walford after 25 years. (Image credit: BBC)

We were also treated to the return of Patrick Trueman's (Rudolph Walker) wife Yolande (Angela Wynter), as well as Walford icon Lisa Fowler (Lucy Benjamin).

Stacey Slater's (Lacey Turner) former lover Ryan Malloy (Neil McDermott) also came back for a brief stint following the news that his 12-year-old daughter Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) was pregnant.

Things took a sinister turn when rapist Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) made his villainous return to the Square. 

Now, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) is set to make her way back to Walford alongside her cousin Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine), who was last seen 15 years ago.

But could Chris be adding another soap legend to the list? Speaking exclusively to What To Watch, Chris hinted that he has set his sights on bringing back another iconic star for his 2024 wishlist.

"Fantasy wishlist — Grant! I don’t want to say more than that," he teased.

Grant Mitchell in EastEnders

Grant Mitchell is on Chris Clenshaw's 2024 wishlist. (Image credit: BBC)

The notorious Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) is Phil Mitchell's (Steve McFadden) brother, who left Walford in 2016 and currently lives in Portugal with his daughter Courtney (Megan Jossa).

He hasn't been seen since and was last mentioned when Phil made a phone call to him last year.

But could Grant return for more brotherly drama with Phil? Stranger things have happened! 

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now. 

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.

You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!

Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series. 

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