EastEnders sends fans into meltdown with surprise return of former character

EastEnders fans raced to Twitter during Friday night's episode of the BBC One soap, after spotting a familiar face.

Phil Mitchell came face-to-face with a former nemesis of sorts leaving him stunned, but also fearing for his future.

After being on the run for weeks with his young son Raymond, Phil listened to his partner Kat Slater and decided to hand himself in.

He was already wanted in connection with the murder of Vincent Hubbard, while the police have wanted Phil sent down over a number of crimes through the years.

After handing himself in, his solicitor Ritchie Scott warned him that he was facing a long stint behind bars for everything he was being accused of.

EastEnders viewers couldn't believe their eyes on Friday night, as Phil Mitchell came face-to-face with a former nemesis (BBC)

But they hoped, with a new DCI in charge, he might be able to get a lenient sentence.

His hopes were dashed though when the new DCI walked into the interview room, and she was no stranger to Phil or viewers at home.

It was none other than former DI Samantha Keeble, played by actress Alison Newman, who famously led the Lucy Beale murder investigation.

DI Samantha Keeble, played by actress Alison Newman, famously led the Lucy Beale murder investigation (BBC)

Keeble has a history with the Mitchells and Walford, and claimed her role in the Lucy Beale case landed her a promotion.

She then teased an even bigger promotion would be on the cards for her, once she got Phil sent down.

Keeble made appearances on the show between 2008 and 2016, the latter being when Bobby Beale confessed to the murder of his sister.

Keeble has a history with the Mitchells and Walford (BBC)

Now she's back, and in charge, and she's ready to bring down Phil for once and for all.

From covering Max Branning's hit and run to Nick Cotton's death, she was at the centre of some big scenes - but found herself in a bit of trouble when she wrongly accused Max and Ben Mitchell of Lucy's murder.

Fast-forward to 2022 though, and she's back and ready for more Walford drama.

Phil Mitchell came face-to-face with a former nemesis of sorts leaving him stunned, but also fearing for his future (BBC)

Fans were quick to recognise her and praised her comeback as they raced to Twitter over the surprise return.

One viewer said: "Keeble 2022 is looking up," as a second added: "KEEBLE! What an icon."

A third tweeted: "omg DI Keeble," as another wrote: "DI Keeble what a throwback."

EastEnders airs Mondays and Fridays at 8pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One.