Shock return in tonight’s EastEnders as THIS Walford legend makes an unexpected comeback

EastEnders logo

There's a familiar face returning to Albert Square in tonight's EastEnders...

Tonight's EastEnders sees Martin Fowler make a surprise return to Albert Square to be with daughter Bex Fowler... but little does he know he's about to run into some serious trouble.

After Friday's (4th October) devastating episode that saw Bex attempt to take her own life, things will never be the same again for the Fowlers in EastEnders.

Lisa Fowler and Bex Fowler in EastEnders

Lisa tried to talk to Bex on Friday night (Picture: BBC)

But thankfully Bex's attempts are unsuccessful and tonight's EastEnders (8pm, see our TV Guide for full listings) sees the aftermath of her suicide bid unfold as Martin races to Walford to be at her hospital bedside.

Sonia is stunned when she sees Martin with their daughter as she lay in her hospital bed, and with her being totally in the dark about why Martin hasn't been in the Square for weeks, she lays into him for not being there for Bex when she needed him the most.

Little does Sonia know Martin has been on the run with Stacey and the kids, desperate to keep her away from the Square so that Ben doesn't tell the police she is the one who attacked Phil with the wrench and left him fighting for his life.

Bex sees her consultant in EastEnders

Tonight's EastEnders sees Martin return to be with Bex (Picture: BBC)

While Martin is worried about going back to Albert Square and bumping into Ben, he is relieved when the doctors tell Bex she is allowed to go home.

MORE: EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite hints that Mel Owen will NEVER return to Walford - will she die at Christmas?

Despite the fact he was planning to make a hasty getaway from Walford once he knew Bex was okay, Martin feels guilty for leaving again so soon and, putting his daughter first, he heads home to the Square with Bex and Sonia.

EastEnders Bex talks to her mental health worker

Martin is determined to be there for his daughter as Bex talks to her mental health worker later this week (Picture: BBC)

Once at home Martin and Bex have a heart-to-heart and he agrees to stay... knowing that he is putting his and Stacey's future at risk by sticking around where Ben can see him.

And it seems Martin is right to worry, because by the end of tonight's trip to Walford Ben knows Martin is back.

EastEnders Ben Mitchell and Martin Fowler clash

Coming back to Walford lands Martin in trouble with Ben (Picture: BBC)

The pair see each other across the Square and it soon becomes clear that Ben isn't going to let Martin come home without any drama.

Spoilers have revealed that Ben is set to get Martin working for him in return for keeping the wrench covered in Stacey's prints away from the police... but how far will Martin go to protect his family?

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

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.