Almost twenty years after first appearing on the soap, Shane Richie is returning to EastEnders as Alfie Moon. Richie, who was last seen on the soap in 2019, will return to Albert Square in the autumn.
On returning to EastEnders, Richie said: “It's an absolute honour and privilege to be asked back to my TV home of Albert Square. I’m looking forward to catching up with some old cast mates and meeting some new ones."
He added: "The new exec producer Chris Clenshaw has been instrumental in wanting to bring Alfie Moon back with some wonderful storylines… and who am I to say no?! I can't wait."
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Alfie fled the square four years ago when Kat, played by Jessie Wallace, discovered that he was the father of her cousin Hayley's baby. With Kat currently in a relationship with Phil Mitchell, Alfie's return will be anything but plain sailing as he made an enemy of him the last time he was in Walford.
New EastEnders executive producer, Chris Clenshaw, said of Alfie's return: “Shane Richie created one of the most iconic, loveable and most memorable characters in soap, and to welcome him back to Walford is an absolute pleasure."
"A lot’s happened since Alfie’s been away from the Square," Clenshaw added, "But wherever his floral shirts go you can expect fun, frolics and, of course, the odd porky-pie. We’re over the moon to have him home.”
EastEnders also tweeted the news, telling followers: "Almost 20 years since first appearing in Albert Square, @realshanerichie is set to return as the legendary Alfie Moon this autumn! The question is, why is he coming back & what will Walford make of it? Keep an eye on this week’s episodes to find out more…"
EastEnders continues weeknights at 7:30pm on BBC One. Weekly boxsets available on BBC iPlayer every Monday until mid-August.
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