EastEnders fans were left reeling on Thursday, June 22 as the BBC soap opera welcomed back two more fan favourite characters. The shock return of Peter Beale (Thomas Law) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) comes after it was finally confirmed that Cindy and Ian Beale would be returning, played by Michelle Collins and Adam Woodyatt - read more about that here.
Peter and Lauren’s comeback was kept under wraps prior to transmission with viewers having no idea they’d be returning. Peter last appeared on the show in 2022 but was played by Dayle Hudson. Thomas Law last appeared in the role 13 years ago.
In recent weeks viewers have been singing the praises of EastEnders’ executive producer Chris Clenshaw, who took over the position last year. During his run, he has been behind several popular storylines including the introduction of the Knight family, the flash-forward mystery and now the long-awaited return of Cindy Beale.
Read more: BBC EastEnders viewers work out the reason for Cindy Beale’s shock return
“Chris Clenshaw should be knighted for bringing me back Thomas Law’s Peter Beale, he’s done the work of God,” one viewer said of Chris’ work on the show. A second echoed: “Wow @bbceastenders what an episode! @chris_clenshaw and all the team are giving us what we want! Great storylines!”
A third wrote: “@chris_clenshaw is never allowed leave as an executive producer on @bbceastenders ……ever!!” And a fourth shared: “EastEnders was truly on the brink of death before Clenshaw took over. I'm not saying that to be over the top. It's totally true. It was utterly unrecognisable for so long, and what Chris has done in such a short time is nothing more than a miracle.”
Thomas Law, who last played Peter in 2010, said of reprising the role: “Over the years, I had hoped for a return to the Square although I never thought it would happen so it’s an absolute delight to be back in Walford as Peter Beale. It’s been great to see familiar and new faces, and I can’t wait to explore the character again in the wake of Cindy’s return – it’s an exciting time to return!” Are you happy to see him back? Let us know in the comments.
Show boss Chris added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Thomas back to the role of Peter Beale. Although his time away from the Square has been short-lived, the Beale family dynamics have changed immensely since he last left Walford. Viewers will soon learn the details relating to how he came to learn that his mum, Cindy, was in fact alive, and how he and dad, Ian, reconciled their differences. We’re delighted to have him back permanently, but one thing is for certain, the Beales comeback will be nothing less than explosive for the Square.”
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