EastEnders confirms unexpected return as legend stages Albert Square comeback

Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) is set to make an unexpected return to Albert Square in next week’s EastEnders as she arrives home with Hope and Arthur in tow.

Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and Mo Harris (Laila Morse) are both thrilled to have her back, and quickly catch her up on recent events.

However, when Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) arrives, Stacey begins acting shifty, and it is clear that she is hiding something.

Viewers will know that until recently, Stacey had been in contact with Kat’s daughter, Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), and allowed her to stay at her flat.

Zoe was adamant that she didn’t want to see Kat as she had done something ‘so bad’ her mum would never be able to forgive her, though the secret of having been in contact with her is clearly weighing on Stacey.

When Kat questions Stacey on her behaviour, she manages to cover by making out that she’s missing daughter Lily (Lillia Turner).

Later in the week, Kat is upset when Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) fails to return her calls, and things only get worse when Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) is caught stealing vapes with new friend Joel Marshall (Max Murray).

She soon shares her upset with Stacey, who covers for Alfie, insisting she hasn’t heard from him.

Viewers will remember that Stacey previously called Alfie to help her deal with Zoe, and they are both hiding it from Kat.

Unfortunately, Jean puts her foot in it by later revealing to Kat that Stacey received a phone call from Alfie that morning, and Kat is determined to find out what they’re hiding.

When Kat calls Spencer Moon to demand answers, she is horrified to learn that Alfie isn’t in Australia after all…

Realising that both Alfie and Stacey have lied to her, Kat heads to No.31 to confront Stacey about Alfie’s whereabouts.

Will Stacey be forced to come clean?