There’s certainly never a dull moment in Albert Square, but EastEnders fans got the shock of their lives earlier this week when Keanu Taylor (played by Danny Walters) made a shock comeback.
Keanu hasn’t been seen on-screen in almost three years after he was forced to flee Walford to escape the wrath of Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) following his fling with Phil’s wife Sharon (Letitia Dean).
He has a lot of unfinished business in E20 as Sharon has been parenting their son Albie alone and his mum Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and sister Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris) still live on the Square, but it seems the real reason that Keanu returned was revealed when he contacted DCI Keeble (Alison Newman) in order to help her bring down Phil.
It seems that Keanu hopes that getting Phil out of the picture so he can stay in Walford for good, however fans are convinced things aren't as they seem and have predicted that a huge twist is in store.
According to some viewers, Keanu is secretly working with Phil in order to take down Keeble once and for all.
One tweeted, "I’m calling it now. Keanu is working with Phil to get Keeble off his back for good, in return for being allowed back on the Square."
Another wrote, "Wait so how exactly did Keanu supposedly even hear about Keeble's plan to take down Phil given only him and Kat actually know the truth? What if it's actually a double cross? Keanu working with Phil so Phil will put in a good word with Louise so he can see Peggy too?"
A third added, "I’m convinced Keanu might be working for Phil and not Keeble..."
While it's not known exactly what Keanu is working on, viewers are certainly happy to see him back and they took to social media in droves to share their delight – especially as his return was kept under wraps until it aired on our screens.
One tweeted, “Okay seriously you guys need to do more of this, this is what makes EastEnders so great when you don’t announce returns.”
Another commented, “Oh my god, it’s so much better when no one knows they are coming back.”
“Great to see Keanu back, nice surprise after two fantastic tribute episodes this week to Dot... well done to all,” added a third, while one more remarked, “What a plot twist smh I literally gasped out loud because I thought this year's EastEnders Christmas was gonna be dead. Finally things are speeding up.”
Keanu isn’t the only much-loved character to make a return to EastEnders this week as Ian Beale made a surprise appearance at Dot Cotton’s funeral to secretly pay his respects outside the church.
According to reports, a major comeback storyline has been lined up for Ian and fans got a teaser when he took a phone call from an unknown person.
We absolutely cannot wait to see what’s in store for both Ian and Keanu.
Who is Keanu Taylor on EastEnders?
Keanu Taylor is the eldest son of Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and half-brother to Chantelle, Keegan, Bernadette, Chatham and Riley. He arrived on Albert Square in 2017 with the rest of the Taylor clan and got a job as a mechanic working for Phil Mitchell at the Arches.
Keanu eventually began having an affair with Phil's wife Sharon and also ended up in a relationship with his daughter Louise. Sharon and Louise both fell pregnant with Keanu's baby and, in true EastEnders fashion, Keanu's affair with Sharon was exposed. Phil's son Ben blackmailed Martin Fowler (James Bye) to kill Keanu, but Keanu managed to make an escape.
Later, Keanu and Phil had a fight on a party boat that had been organised for the residents of Walford. The fight caused the boat to crash, which results in the death of Sharon's son Dennis. Upon finding out the news, Sharon told Keanu to leave Walford who then said a tearful goodbye to his mum Karen.
Who plays Keanu Taylor on EastEnders?
Keanu is played by actor Danny Walters. Danny previously played Tiger Dyke in ITV sitcom Benidorm and has also appeared in Call The Midwife.
Why did Danny Walters return to EastEnders?
After making his shock return to EastEnders, Danny revealed he was persuaded to return when boss Chris Clenshaw told him about the upcoming storylines. Danny explained, "When I got the call from Chris [Clenshaw], he told me about some of the storylines.
"Even Chris was teasing some – I don’t think he’s told me everything yet! But Chris’ vision is incredible and I like what he’s done with it and the writers involved and the directors and everything. So when I heard what he wants Keanu to do, I couldn’t help but want to come back. I’m very privileged to be coming back in such an iconic episode."