EastEnders' Shane Richie to return as Alfie Moon in autumn

EastEnders’ Shane Richie is RETURNING as Alfie Moon in scenes set to air this autumn – while Jessie Wallace’s ‘future on the soap is secured’ following actress’ arrest

Shane Richie is set to reprise his role as Alfie Moon in EastEnders in scenes due to air in autumn, the BBC confirmed on Friday. 

The legendary character, who first featured in the soap in November 2002, decided to flee Walford in January 2019.   

His return to Albert Square will prompt friction with his ex-wife, Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace – whose ‘future on the soap is secured’ despite the actress’ arrest in June.

He’s back! EastEnders’ Shane Richie is set to return as Alfie Moon in scenes set to air in autumn as confirmed by the BBC on Friday 

The couple’s fiery relationship came to a sudden end in 2018 when it emerged that Alfie had secretly fathered a son with her cousin Hayley – which resulted in their divorce.

Show bosses are encouraging viewers to watch for clues about his return in the coming days.

Speaking about his return Shane said: ‘It’s an absolute honour and privilege to be asked back to my TV home of Albert Square.’

Drama: His return to Albert Square will prompt friction with his ex-wife, Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace – who’s ‘future is secured’ despite the actress’ arrest in June

He continued: ‘I’m looking forward to catching up with some old castmates and meeting some new ones.

‘The new executive 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.’

Executive producer Chris added: ‘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, 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.’

Speaking about his return Shane said: ‘It’s an absolute honour and privilege to be asked back to my TV home of Albert Square’

Speaking to The Sun, a source added of Shane’s return: ‘It also secures the future of Jessie as Kat, because together they deliver one of EastEnders most captivating love stories.

‘Having them on the cast is seen as a dynamite combination that might get more diehard fans tuning in again.

‘Losing Jessie would have been a disaster for producers who are pinning a lot on new storylines they’re going to be at the centre off.’ 

MailOnline has contacted EastEnders representatives from further comment.  

Shock: Footage showed the moment Jessie was arrested following a ‘drunken’ night out, with witnesses claiming she had been kicked out of Flex nightclub for being ‘gobby’ 

It comes after it was reported that the BBC were ‘considering all options’ as bosses determined Jessie’s future at EastEnders following her arrest outside a nightclub in June.

The star is said to have ‘told a police officer to “f*** off you fat c***” during five minutes of carnage’ in Bury St Edmunds in which she also allegedly kneed him in the groin, leaving him on his knees in agony.

Footage released last night showed the moment Jessie – best known for playing barmaid Kat – was detained following a ‘drunken’ night out, with witnesses claiming she had been kicked out of Flex nightclub for being ‘gobby’.

The actress was released without charge after receiving a conditional caution.

Warnings: Jessie has reportedly been urged to ‘slow down’ by her friends and warned by BBC chiefs after she was arrested (pictured) for allegedly assaulting a police officer 

This incident was the latest in a series of troubles for Jessie, who has been suspended from work before, with reports claiming she was boozing on set in 2020, forcing bosses to write her out of a number of episodes.

She was also found guilty of drink driving in 2003, which resulted in a £1,000 fine and a three-year ban from sitting behind the wheel.

Jessie also suffered heartbreak in 2011 as she called off her wedding to fiancé Vincent Morse after he allegedly sent his ex-girlfriend an explicit picture of the soap star.

Step back: This incident is the latest in a series of troubles for Jessie, who has been suspended from work before, with reports claiming she was boozing on set in 2020

 

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