It’s a Christmas miracle!
We revealed yesterday that Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie) are heading back to Walford for Christmas 2015.
But they won’t be alone…
Yup, Derek Martin will - after a lot of praying from soap fans - finally be reprising his role as Charlie Slater, Kat’s father, for a guest appearance in the new year.
So far, soap bosses are refusing to spill the beans on the reason for Charlie’s comeback… but we have a feeling it might have something to do with Kat learning she has a son she never knew about.
It was recently revealed that, on the night she gave birth to her daughter, Kat actually welcomed twins.
We know that Charlie and his wife went on to raise Kat’s daughter as their own…
But what did they do with her little boy?
Could they really, as some conspiracy theorists have suggested, given him to Jean Slater to raise as her own (hence the mystery surrounding Stacey’s key)?
Or did they put him up for adoption?
Either way, Kat and her father have always had a turbulent relationship, so we imagine this won’t be a happy family reunion.
Speaking about his return, Derek said: “I’m so excited to be coming back into such a big and important storyline and I can’t wait to get stuck in and be back with the family again.”
Charlie Slater was last seen in Albert Square back in December 2013 when he came to spend Christmas with Kat and Alfie for their final Christmas in The Vic.
His return is part of the storyline that sets the scene for the new BBC One drama which will see Kat and Alfie head off to Ireland to search for answers to some very big questions…
Are you excited to hear that Charlie’s coming back to EastEnders?
Let us know via Facebook or Twitter (@CloserOnline).