Eastenders viewers thrilled as icons Mary 'The Punk' and Lofty return to Albert Square after THIRTY years

The pair – played by Linda Davidson and Tom Watt – haven't been seen on the show for 30 years but in this evening's episode they returned to join the residents of Walford in saying goodbye to Dr Legg.

In scenes tonight, Mary was first spotted having a look round the market with her daughter Annie, as she headed to the church for the doctor's funeral.

Next Lofty was seen knocking on the door of his old friend Sharon Mitchell, much to her surprise.

Later they were seen talking to Dot Cotton about old times as she paied tribute to the late doc in the Queen Vic at his wake.

Fans were LOVING the reunion of the original cast, despite the sad circumstances.

They immediately took to Twitter with one saying: "I love these little visits by original characters #EastEnders"

Another said: "OMG Mary! #EastEnders"

This one couldn't contain their excitement: "I’m loving Lofty and Mary being back in Walford. Even if you didn’t watch them back in the day, a true #EastEnders fan would still know who they are!"

This fan wanted more of the orginal cast to make a come back: "It was great to see Mary and Lofty back in #Eastenders. I would like to see other characters return, like Mary's boyfriend or Sue and Ali"

Mary and Lofty were two of the show’s 26 characters when it launched in 1985 — first appearing in episodes three and five respectively.

But neither have been seen in Walford since their final appearances in 1988.

Earlier this month Tom, 62, and Linda, 54, were pictured on set at the show’s Elstree Studios, in Hertfordshire – posing with June Brown, who has played Dot in the soap since 1985.

Mary was seen as one of EastEnders’ most controversial characters at its launch — a former punk rock groupie and drug user whose wild lifestyle put her baby at risk.

Barely able to write, she couldn’t look after her child without her neighbours’ help and earned her living as a prostitute.

Actress Linda, who was born in Canada, dated co-star Nejdet Salih, who played cafe owner and minicab driver Ali Osman.

She later gave up acting to work in web design and now runs a social media agency.

And George 'Lofty' Holloway — the barman at The Queen Vic pub — was hopelessly in love with Michelle Fowler, who also returned last year played by Jenna Russell rather than original actress Susan Tully.

Michelle dumped him at the altar at their first wedding, but they later married after she had Dirty Den’s illegitimate child, Vicki.

Lofty left the soap after their relationship broke down to become a social worker.

In real life, aside from a few small roles, actor Tom moved into sports journalism and regularly appears on radio.

He also ghostwrote David Beckham’s autobiography.

He recently praised his time on the soap and his character, saying: "I had really good working relationships with people like Leslie Grantham (Den Watts), Anita Dobson (Angie Watts) and Sue Tully.

"Lofty was a really rewarding character to play — a beautiful mix of comedy and proper drama."

Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.

Source: Read Full Article