EASTENDERS aired another shock return with a fan favorite making a surprise return after a 27-year absence.
The BBC One soap is welcoming back some of its biggest and brightest stars as it approaches its 40th anniversary.
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Nigel was blown away by the past when Julie called himCredit: BBC
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Julie has not been seen in Walford since 1997. Credit: BBC
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Actress Karen went on to star in Coronation StreetCredit: Getty
And now, in today’s episode, he pulled off another surprise with the voice-over return of actress Karen Henthorn as Julie Haye.
When Nigel Bates returned on Christmas Eve, revealing that he and Julie had broken up, it soon became clear that he wasn’t being honest.
A text message from Julie begged him to come home, but Nigel hid it.
And now in today’s episode, when Nigel was under suspicion from Billy Mitchell, he hid the call from Julie.
After Billy was reassured by Nigel’s name-caller Dot Cotton, he left and Nigel picked up his phone to listen to his voicemail.
Viewers heard her voice – played again by actress Karen – begging Nigel to come home.
She pleaded, “Nigel, Julie again. I don’t know if you got my last message or…
“Listen Nigel, I promise I’m not mad, whatever the reason you’ve gone and disappeared, I just really need to know if you’re okay mate.
“I miss you. I love you, Nigel.”
Julie was last seen on the square in 1998 before she left for a new life in Scotland with Nigel and their children.
An EastEnders legend is making a shock return after 26 years – and he’s hiding a big secret
Bosses are tight-lipped about whether Karen will be back on screen in the soap.
The actress is best known for her role as Teresa Bryant in Coronation Street between 2008 and 2010.
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