Lindsey Coulson, Natalie Cassidy and Dean Gaffney are to return to EastEnders in the New Year as the Jackson family reunite ahead of the show’s 25th anniversary. Carol, Sonia and Robbie head back to Albert Square in the early part of next year, much to the shock of their Walford-based relatives, who include Bianca (Patsy Palmer) and Branning brothers Max (Jake Wood) and Jack (Scott Maslen).

Coulson made her last appearance as Carol on October 7, 1999 when she left to care for her sick mother who subsequently died. Earlier that year, Carol made the shocking discovery that her daughter Bianca was having an affair with her then-partner Dan Sullivan (Craig Fairbrass) and a bitter showdown in The Queen Vic resulted in Bianca leaving Walford. Since parting ways, mother and daughter have barely spoken.

Speaking of her return, Coulson said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to EastEnders after all these years. I’m also excited and intrigued to find out what Carol and her family have been up to since we last saw her and where she will be going next.”