Sean Slater made a surprise return to EastEnders tonight - leaving fans thrilled.
Viewers tuning into the BBC One soap were happy to see Sean, played by Rob Kazinsky, make a brief return to the show today, as he chatted with Jean via FaceTime after moving abroad.
Stacey Slater has been growing increasingly concerned about her mum's mental health, with her calling on her brother to get in touch after Jean made sexual advances towards Rocky, leaving him feel very uncomfortable.
It was then that Stacey decided to give her brother a call and see if he was able to help out with Jean's mental health, as her sibling reassured her: "We'll suss it out together. We'll make sure it's sorted. Oh, and Stace, calm down love."
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He then made a call to Jean and whilst she was initially thrilled to hear from him, she soon realised it was Stacey who had organised the chat, as he asked her about Harvey and quizzed her on why she was "talking a bit quick".
"I honestly think you two are as bad as each other," Jean told him as she realised they were in cahoots.
Fans were thrilled to see Sean back on the show, albeit briefly, as one wrote: "Good to see Sean tonight, wonder if he’d come back for good? #EastEnders." A second added: "All I can think about is Sean returning, like we need him back ASAP. #EastEnders."
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"That sean phone call made me actually scream bring him back right now #Eastenders," a third shared, with a fourth adding: "Come back Sean. Your presence on the square is needed now more than ever #EastEnders."
A fifth excited fan penned on Twitter : "SEAN RETURNING ON FACETIME HAS BROUGHT ME SO MUCH JOY YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND #EastEnders," as a sixth wrote: "I'm so glad that the Sean we know and love remains the same. No recasts or anything."
"Good to catch a glimpse of Sean Slater in #EastEnders. Hope we see him again at some point," a seventh shared, whilst another called for a permanent return: "Honestly wish they’d bring Sean back permanently. It would be so interesting for the dynamics."
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Sean last returned to the show in November last year to quiz Stacey on her relationship with Eve.
Speaking about his regular appearances on the show, he told Metro.co.uk: "Earlier this year I was able to visit my family in the UK for the first time in years thanks to the global pandemic and a thankfully difficult work schedule.
"While I was packing my bags I sent Kate Oates an email. It was simple really, I live in LA and when conditions allow I’ll try and see my family every year – or more if I can – so I though why wouldn’t Sean do that. Pop in for a cuppa?"