BRINGING Kathy Beale back from the dead to run the café in EastEnders seems a missed opportunity; here’s what BBC bosses should do with this iconic character.

Kathy Beale’s (played by Gillian Taylforth) return to EastEnders after her dramatic ‘death’ was one of the most jaw-dropping moments in the soap’s history.

Her reappearance opened up a wealth of potential for storylines for her.

However, to make the most of this iconic character, bosses need to ensure Kathy’s has an integral part of the ongoing drama.

WHERE DID THEY GO WRONG?

The actress, 69, reprised her role as Kathy Beale in 2015, after viewers believed her character had died in a car crash in South Africa in 2006.

Her surprise return was part of the BBC soap’s 30th anniversary celebrations, when they revealed that Kathy faked her death as part of an insurance scam.

Her return was one of the show’s biggest storylines that year, but what has she done since?

Viewers were excited to see how Kathy’s return was going to rock Albert Square.

However, despite the shocked reactions from the few residents who remembered her, her return caused only minor ripples, and the initial shock quickly faded.

Now, a decade on, Kathy has largely been a background figure.

She has played a supporting role in others’ storylines while working hard to keep Ian Beale’s businesses afloat.

EastEnders’ Cindy Beale slaps Walford resident within minutes of shock return to Albert Square

Kathy’s backstory is anything but dull, as her father was a heavy drinker and she was raped at age fourteen by a music teacher.

These themes could have been revisited, but instead, she has remained a supporting character in the lives of her loved ones.

For example, she has been there for Linda Carter when she turned to alcohol, and her son Ben Mitchell when he was raped by his friend Lewis Butler.

But Kathy has not been in the spotlight or at the center of a major storyline.

I think the soap tends to recycle petty feuds among the same characters, like Cindy Beale and Sharon Watts, leading to a lack of character development or evolution.

And in terms of romantic relationships, she has had flings with Masood Ahmed, Buster Briggs, Rocky Cotton and Harvey Monroe.

Her romances have been devoid of the usual EastEnders drama, missing out on iconic weddings, explosive brawls or shocking revelations that the soap is known for delivering.

When Kathy was revealed part of the The Six storyline, there was hope she would finally be a integral part of a major story.

However, Kathy’s role in the storyline felt minimal, as she was merely there to help carry the body – something that likely could have been managed without her involvement.

Her relationship with Linda is not strong, so her presence at the murder scene seemed coincidental.

And she didn’t show much turmoil after experiencing such a traumatic event like the other matriarchs did.

HOW CAN SHE BE SAVED?

Kathy finally needs to take center stage in her own emotional storyline, that doesn’t involve a business, family member or romantic partner.

Being 75 years old, there are countless harrowing twists her character could experience, offering storylines that viewers of a similar age could deeply relate to and resonate with.

Kathy could face a common health problem such as arthritis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke or the early stages of dementia.

A long-buried family secret could come to light, shaking Kathy’s world forever.

Whether it involves a past relationship, a hidden child, or a shocking revelation about her own parents, this would create plenty of drama.

Kathy could face mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety, particularly if she’s struggling with isolation or past trauma.

This storyline could open up important conversations about mental health in older generations.

Kathy could become a victim of an online scam or fraud, highlighting the dangers that many older people face in the digital age.

She might decide to pursue a new career or passion, showcasing that life doesn’t stop at retirement.

Whether it’s starting a new business, taking up a hobby that turns into a profession or volunteering.

Kathy could find herself embroiled in a legal dispute, perhaps over property, inheritance or a local issue.

She could experience a spiritual crisis, questioning her beliefs or turning to religion or spirituality in search of solace.

Kathy might face ageism, whether in the workplace or within her community, giving her an opportunity to stand up against discrimination.

She could reconnect with old friends or even past lovers, leading to nostalgia-fueled storylines that explore how people change over time and the power of enduring friendships.

Or Kathy could take on a mentorship role for a younger character, bridging generational gaps within the show.

These storylines would provide depth and complexity to Kathy’s character, while offering relatable, emotional narratives for older viewers.