The future of EastEnders looks brighter—and even more dramatic—than ever, as fans were treated to an exciting teaser following the show’s major win at the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards. After scooping the prestigious Best Soap & Continuing Drama title, the cast and crew celebrated not just the recognition, but the promise of what’s to come. In a statement that has left fans buzzing with speculation, EastEnders boss Kate Oates hinted that yet another fan-favourite character may be making their way back to Albert Square.

This potential comeback follows a string of emotional and nostalgic returns during the soap’s recent 40th anniversary celebrations. Long-time viewers were thrilled to see the likes of Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp), Angie Watts (Anita Dobson), Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), Mickey Miller (Joe Swash), Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves), and Minty Peterson (Cliff Parisi) stepping back into the spotlight for the show’s milestone episodes. But if you thought the surprises were over, think again.

Speaking after the BAFTA ceremony, Kate Oates—BBC’s Head of Continuing Drama—could barely contain her excitement. Though she remained coy on the details, she strongly hinted that another major character could be making a dramatic return. “If you like a return,” she teased, “I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed because there’s potentially one on the cards.”

Naturally, this one cryptic sentence was enough to set social media ablaze. Who could it be this time? Could we see the likes of Peggy Mitchell’s legacy revived in some form, or perhaps an unexpected twist involving a character long believed to be gone for good? The secrecy surrounding the identity of the returning icon only adds to the suspense—and the possibilities are endless.

But the surprises don’t stop there. Oates went on to share that EastEnders is heading into uncharted territory with its storytelling in the months ahead. “We’ve got some really, really big stuff coming up,” she revealed. This is particularly striking considering the massive success achieved under former executive producer Chris Clenshaw, whose bold narrative choices and character arcs helped rejuvenate the soap’s popularity since his return in 2022. With Clenshaw having stepped down last year, the responsibility now falls to Ben Wadey, a former Channel 4 commissioning executive, who is set to lead the show into its next thrilling chapter.

“The challenge for Ben,” Oates explained, “has been to carry on after Chris’ success.” But rather than merely preserving past triumphs, the new leadership appears poised to break fresh ground. With Oates describing the upcoming plotlines as “really, really big stories”, it’s clear that EastEnders has no intention of slowing down.

For viewers, this means one thing: the next few months could bring game-changing twists, unexpected alliances, shocking returns, and possibly even long-awaited resolutions to stories that have simmered in the background. If Oates’ hints prove true, we could be on the verge of a major storyline that ties the show’s rich history with its present-day drama—something EastEnders has excelled at in recent years.

The BAFTA win is not just a reflection of past success, but a beacon for what lies ahead. The show’s 40th anniversary already demonstrated that EastEnders still knows how to captivate its audience with high-stakes drama, emotional depth, and clever callbacks to its long-standing legacy. With another mystery character possibly returning soon, fans are encouraged to keep their eyes on Walford—because anything could happen.

So, who’s next to make their grand return? Could it be Sharon’s long-lost brother, the reappearance of a presumed-dead villain, or a familiar face who has dramatically changed since we last saw them? While the answers remain under wraps for now, one thing’s for certain: the buzz is building, and Walford is preparing for another storm.

In true EastEnders fashion, the identity of this returning character will likely be kept tightly under wraps until the moment is right—but that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating wildly. Theories range from the return of Dirty Den (again), to the revival of Zoe Slater, or even the reintroduction of Ronnie or Roxy Mitchell—perhaps via surprise twin twists or hidden secrets. The beauty of EastEnders is that it never plays all its cards at once—and when it does, the drama is unmatched.

Until then, fans can revel in the excitement, knowing that the legacy of EastEnders continues to thrive, both on screen and behind the scenes. With a bold new direction under Ben Wadey and the passionate oversight of Kate Oates, the next chapter of life on Albert Square promises to be as compelling as ever.

If you’re a fan of shock returns, dramatic face-offs, and stories with emotional punch, you’ll want to stay tuned. Because if EastEnders has taught us anything over the years, it’s that just when you think you’ve seen it all—someone knocks on the door, and everything changes.