You don’t have to be the biggest EastEnders fan to notice that the TV schedules have been a little emptier over the last few months without the long-running soap.
EastEnders fell off the air for the first time in its 35-year history back in June, after running out of episodes pre-recorded before the coronavirus pandemic shut down production in March.
With filming having resumed since resumed, the the show is finally set to our screens on Monday 7 September, for what has been dubbed “series two” by fans.
But we will not be picking up with the Walford residents where we left them, with the soap adopting a time jump to accommodate the period that has passed in between episodes.
As we rejoin the action, the characters will be emerging from lockdown and adapting to their “new normal”, but this being EastEnders, their “new normal” will, of course, still be suitably dramatic.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up all the hints, clues and spoilers of what to expect...
Ian leaves the Square
Ian has been harbouring a rather large secret from his best mate Sharon over the last few months, but it seems like the truth about his involvement in Dennis’ death is about to come spilling out.
Bosses have confirmed that actor Adam Woodyatt is taking a break from filming to tie in with a storyline, and while bosses are keeping tight-lipped as to exactly what prompts Ian’s on-screen departure, many fans believe it is linked to his deadly secret.
When we were last in Albert Square, Dotty was still threatening to expose Ian after learning the truth some months earlier, and with Ian and Sharon now living and working together as the Vic’s new owners, is she about to seize her moment?
Chantelle and Gray’s abuse storyline reaches a head
EastEnders is set to explore the topical issue of domestic abuse in lockdown through Chantelle and Gray.
Gray has been abusing his wife since the couple arrived on the Square, but his treatment of Chantelle has worsened during the time they’ve been forced to spend together at home, mirroring the experience of many domestic abuse victims during the pandemic.
A determined Chantelle plans to leave her husband and end her ordeal once and for all, even consulting a divorce lawyer. But will she succeed in getting away with her children, or will Gray rumble her plot?
Stacey makes her long-awaited return
Fan favourite Stacey Fowler is finally making her way back to Walford, with actor Lacey Turner having returned from maternity leave.
Stacey was driven out of town by Ben Mitchell last year following her attack on his dad Phil, and when we last saw her during a fleeting guest appearance last year, husband Martin lied to her claiming he’d had an affair with ex-wife Sonia, in a bid to protect her and stop her returning home. But when Martin later discovered Stacey had moved on with a new man, he slept with her best friend Ruby.
Sexual tension between Martin and Ruby has bubbled away since, and when we next see them, they will have just spent the whole of lockdown together, paving the way for some explosive scenes when Stacey discovers her ex and her best mate are now an item…
Kat Slater is also back in town
Kat made an abrupt exit from Walford earlier this year when actor Jessie Wallace was temporarily written out.
However, Jessie has since resumed filming, and during a recent appearance on Secrets From The Square, Davood Ghamdi – who plays Kat’s boyfriend Kush – revealed the couple have spent lockdown together with Mo, Jean and Kat’s children at number 31.
Denise faces a blast from the past
Having been involved in some huge EastEnders storylines over the last 14 years, Denise has plenty of things from her past that could remerge at any moment, and actor Diane Parish has teased that exactly that is set to happen in the coming weeks.
During an appearance on Secrets From The Square, Diane said: “I do know that some dark things from her past are going to resurface and there are going to be some challenges there for Denise.”
This Morning’s soap expert Sharon Marshall recently presented a theory that it could have something to do with the son she put up for adoption in 2017, following a one-night stand with Phil Mitchell, while it has also been reported Denise will be involved in a “disturbing accident”. Other fans think it could have something to do with her murderous ex-husband Lucas.
Either way, there are some tough times ahead for this Walford stalwart.
And Kim is on her way home too
Walford hasn’t felt quite the same since Kim upped and left for a new life in Scotland last year. Little did fans know at the time, but actor Tameka Empson had actually gone on maternity leave, but she is now set to return as Kim in the coming months.
She won’t be back on screen straight away, but something tells us Denise is going to need her sister’s support, which could pave the way for the character’s homecoming.
Mick is getting a big story
With the Carters having sold the Vic to Sharon and Ian in the final episode before the break, Mick and Linda are facing a future that doesn’t involve pulling pints.
But those worried that the characters could fade into the background now that they do not live at the centre of the action need not be concerned – Danny Dyer has teased that Mick is about to be involved in his biggest storyline since he joined the soap in 2013.
Speaking on Secrets From The Square, Danny said: “I think when we come out of lockdown I could potentially have the best story I’ve ever had on the show.”
Kellie, who plays Linda, added that there are “some testing times ahead for Mick and Linda”.
There’s no reunion for Sharon and Phil
With Sharon just having bought the Vic from under Phil’s nose, we’d place money on the fact he’s not too happy with his ex right now.
And things don’t look like they’re about to get better any time soon either, as Letitia Dean – who plays Sharon – hinted a reunion isn’t on the cards from the former Walford power couple, following her affair with Keanu Taylor.
She told Stacey Dooley on Secrets From The Square: “I think they’re going to be going their separate ways for… well, indefinitely.
“I think things have gone too far now. He’s accused her of killing her own son. In many ways, it’s just too much.”
Romance for Kathy?
After years of thanklessly serving up tea and sticky buns in the cafe, Kathy finally looks set for a bit of happiness in her life, as actor Gillian Taylforth has revealed there’s a new love interest on the scene.
“Kathy is going to go on a dating app,” she said on Secrets From The Square.
“She is older now and has been looking after everyone else, it’s about time she was looked after and had a bit of love in her life.”
Taylor family secrets are exposed
There’s some further tough times ahead for the Taylor brood, with actors Lorraine Stanley and Zack Morris revealing Karen and her kids will be facing some “challenges” relating to their past.
Zack said on Secrets From The Square: “It’s going to really expose the Taylor family and expose some dark secrets that have been going on.”
However, things are looking brighter for Keegan and wife Tiffany, as Zack also revealed the couple have moved back in together after some troubles prior to lockdown.
Although he did tease that “it’s EastEnders though so there will be something to test them”.
More trouble for Ballum?
Anyone hoping that Ben and Callum’s romance would be more straightforward after lockdown can think again, as the couple look like they will still be at odds over Ben’s recent criminal dealings when the show returns.
The couple have spent lockdown apart, with Ben isolating with dad Phil, which could have an impact upon his relationship with Callum, who is more intent than ever to have a successful career in the police.
“He doesn’t want that derailed by Ben trying to impress his dad again,” Tony Clay, who plays Callum, teased on Secrets From The Square.
Max Bowden added of his character: “[Ben is] not in a personally good place.
“He’s kind of gone back to a life of crime while Callum’s going completely the other way.”
EastEnders returns to screens on Monday 7 September at 8pm on BBC One.