Shane Richie is to make a sensational return to the Square.
The 45-year-old was last seen in the BBC soap on Christmas Day 2005 when Alfie and wife Kat (Jessie Wallace) drove off into the sunset together bound for America in their Ford Capri.

He is due to return to filming in the autumn and will make his screen reappearance toward the end of the year.
Speaking of his comeback, Richie said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be asked back to the iconic series of EastEnders which is at the top of its game! I’m looking forward to finding out what Alfie has been up to over the last few years but more importantly – what the future has in store for him.”

Controller of BBC drama production John Yorke commented: “Alfie is one of EastEnders’ most loved and iconic characters, so he’s bound to get a very warm welcome from viewers when he returns to Walford.