Rejoice! EastEnders legend Linda Henry is returning to our screens, alongside former on-screen son Danny Dyer.
The actress, 65, played Shirley Carter in the BBC One soap from 2006, exiting the role in 2022 following the presumed death of Danny’s character Mick.
Since then, viewers have been desperate for them both to return to our screens – and that wish is about to come true.
In July, both Linda and Danny will be together again, albeit in a brand new project.
They’ll also be joined by a number of soapland favourites in the next series of Sky’s Mr Bigstuff. The comedy show, which first aired last year, follows two polar-opposite brothers that have been estranged for a number of years.
Danny, who earned his first ever BAFTA nomination for his role as Lee Campbell, stars alongside Ryan Sampson as Glen, who also pens the episodes.
Speaking to Metro, Danny told us: ‘You can go where you want with these characters. They’re all very loveable, they’re all flawed, they’ve all got their issues.
‘But I think this is just the beginning of this, and I’m very intrigued to see what Ryan comes up with next. No pressure!’
Following a bombshell that their father isn’t dead, the new instalments will see the pair navigate the news in their own, very different ways, while Glen’s wife Kirsty (Harriet Webb) is blackmailed after sharing a kiss with someone other than her husband.
Linda will play Pam, a ‘no-nonsense, hands-on mechanic’ at the family haulage firm.
EastEnders’ very own Barry Evans – who met a ghastly end at the hands of Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) when he was pushed off a cliff in 2004 – will also guest star. Shaun Williamson will play a children’s entertainer in episode five.
Plus, Coronation Street favourite Rula Lenska plays an eccentric woman named Rita who the brothers think is connected to their dad.
Another Corrie legend lined up for an appearance is Shobna Gulati, who is best known for their part as Sunita Alahan.
Fans have already taken to social media to express their excitement at Linda’s TV return.
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‘I honestly did not think we’d ever be seeing her again’ said one.
‘I genuinely stopped in my tracks and thought this was a Shirley Carter return first look’ added another.
Alongside a video of some pop culture icons screaming, a third shared: ‘Linda Henry is still acting.’
‘The fact our Shirl will be back on our screens omg I’ve missed her. I will have to tune in’ said a fourth.
