After an extended absence from screens, EastEnders legend Linda Henry is making a highly-anticipated return—but not as Shirley Carter. Instead, she’s teaming up once again with her former on-screen son Danny Dyer for a brand new project, marking a major reunion fans didn’t know they needed.

Linda, who played the tough and fiercely loyal Shirley Carter for over 15 years, stepped away from EastEnders following the harrowing storyline of Mick Carter’s disappearance and presumed death. Now, three years later, she’s back—not in Walford, but in the second season of Sky’s critically acclaimed comedy Mr Bigstuff, where she’s joining a cast full of soap royalty and quirky new characters.

Dyer, who recently earned his first-ever BAFTA nomination for his role as Lee Campbell in Mr Bigstuff, returns alongside series creator Ryan Sampson, who plays Lee’s estranged brother Glen. The comedy centers around the reconnection of these two polar-opposite siblings as they navigate their wildly different approaches to life, family, and personal baggage.

Speaking to Metro, Danny opened up about the show’s fresh tone and rich characters. “You can go where you want with these characters,” he shared. “They’re flawed, loveable, and each has their own issues. I think this is just the beginning—and I’m very intrigued to see what Ryan comes up with next. No pressure!”

Season two picks up after a bombshell ending from the previous series, where the brothers discover their supposedly deceased father is actually alive. This revelation sends them on another emotional—and hilarious—journey as they struggle to process the news in their own chaotic ways.

Adding to the drama, Glen’s wife Kirsty (played by Harriet Webb) finds herself blackmailed after a kiss with someone who isn’t her husband, further complicating the brothers’ efforts to reunite and rebuild.

In a new role worlds away from her EastEnders persona, Linda Henry will portray Pam, a no-nonsense, hands-on mechanic working at the family’s haulage firm. Fans can expect her signature blend of grit and humour as she gets caught in the middle of the family madness.

But Linda isn’t the only soap icon making a return to screens in Mr Bigstuff. Also guest-starring is EastEnders veteran Shaun Williamson—best known for his role as Barry Evans, who met his end at the hands of Janine Butcher. This time, he’s back for a special appearance that promises to be anything but ordinary.

Adding even more nostalgic flavour to the mix, Coronation Street legends Rula Lenska and Shobna Gulati are joining the ensemble cast. Lenska will portray an eccentric woman named Rita, whom the brothers suspect may be connected to their mysterious father. Meanwhile, Gulati, remembered fondly for her portrayal of Sunita Alahan on the cobbles, will also appear in a yet-to-be-revealed role.

This mix of familiar faces from across British soap history has sparked excitement across social media. One fan exclaimed, “I genuinely stopped in my tracks and thought this was a Shirley Carter return first look.” Another added, “Linda Henry is still acting!” And perhaps the most heartfelt comment: “The fact our Shirl will be back on our screens—OMG, I’ve missed her. I will have to tune in.”

The blend of heartfelt comedy, unpredictable family drama, and an all-star cast makes Mr Bigstuff’s second season a must-watch. While Linda’s return may not be in EastEnders—at least not yet—it’s a welcome comeback for a fan-favourite actress who brought so much emotional depth and fierce loyalty to one of Walford’s most iconic matriarchs.

As Danny Dyer continues to evolve in his post-Walford career and Linda Henry steps into new territory, fans can rest easy knowing the chemistry between Shirley and Mick is alive and well—just with a new twist and a few more laughs.

Whether you’re tuning in for the sibling chaos, the soap reunions, or just to see what Danny and Linda do next, Mr Bigstuff Series 2 promises to deliver sharp humour, emotional storytelling, and a reunion you won’t want to miss.