The EastEnders favourite tipped for an on‑screen reunion following a three‑year emotional exit is Stuart Highway, portrayed by Ricky Champ. He exited Walford in 2023, but has recently been confirmed to return later this year in a temporary yet impactful storyline—and fans are already buzzing about the waves his comeback will make in Albert Square Wikipedia+15The Sun+15Radio Times+15.
Stuart, introduced in 2018 as Callum Highway’s cheeky brother, transformed from a villain into a beloved comedic force over five intense years. Hi
s departure coincided with Ben Mitchell’s imprisonment story arc and left many viewers nostalgic for his unique brand of chaos. According to reports, Stuart is stepping back into the Square to stir things up once again, though only for a limited run The Sun+1celebritycrush.uk+1.
Meanwhile, another fan-favourite, Shirley Carter (Linda Henry), remains off-screen after her emotional exit in 2022. Although her departure was initially framed as a break, recent confirmations reveal she officially quit the show, and there are no plans for her return, despite initial hopes otherwise Reddit+4Entertainment Daily+4The Sun+4.
🧩 Story Impact: Why Stuart’s Return Matters
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Comedic Relief & Drama: Stuart brings a unique blend of humor and unpredictability. His return promises lighthearted relief amid heavier storylines—a balancing act that Walford often needs.
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Family Friction: With his brother Callum currently married to Ben (who is incarcerated), Stuart’s reappearance could rekindle unresolved family dynamics and lead to new conflicts.
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Legacy Character Cameo: As a familiar face from recent years, Stuart’s return is nostalgic for long-term viewers but fresh enough to shake up the status quo.
👥 Contrast: Stuart vs. Shirley
| Character | Exit Year | Current Status | Return Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Highway | 2023 | Returning temporarily | ✅ Confirmed return |
| Shirley Carter | 2022 | Officially left, no plans to return | ❌ Very unlikely |
Shirley’s departure was tied to deep personal grief following Mick Carter’s disappearance. Although fans hoped for a return, it now appears her exit is permanent Media Mole+15Entertainment Daily+15Dailygossip+15.
🎬 What to Expect on Return
Expect Stuart to re-enter with flair—possibly disrupting the lives of his brother Callum, family members, or even stirring up trouble at Coker & Mitchell. His return may coincide with other anniversary celebrations or dramatic exits (like Sonia Fowler), amplifying his impact in key story arcs The Sun.
If you’re curious about other possible returning characters or how Stuart’s storyline might intersect with major plotlines like Sonia’s exit or Nigel Bates’s current arc, I’d be happy to dive into that!
