TAMEKA Empson’s EastEnders return has been confirmed – but only for spin-off Secrets From the Square.
The actress – who plays Kim Fox-Hubbard in the BBC soap – hasn’t been seen since Christmas where she made a brief video call appearance to her family.
Kim left Walford for a new job in Scotland after falling out with sister Denise while working together in their salon.
Her return has long been reported but it’s not been known when until now.
EastEnders: Secrets From The Square will air from the fictional restaurant, Walford East, to help plug the gap when the soap goes off-air.
The episode with Tameka will see her have a socially distanced reunion with on-screen sister Diane Parrish.
Episodes produced before the pandemic run out next week on BBC One, with filming due to resume at the end of June.
The spin-off will premiere on Monday June 22 as Dyer and Bright, who play Mick and Linda Carter, discuss their time on the soap.
Bright will reveal a wardrobe malfunction, Dyer will show of his “doof doof” face and Dooley will be teased about another famous investigative journalist.
Bright said the show would feature “things I don’t want people to know that I just blurted out”.
“They will enjoy seeing the characters, seeing the actors behind the characters, seeing our relationships, and what it’s like interacting with us, you’ll feel like you’re there sat down having a chat,” she said.
Each week across five weeks, two cast members will appear on the show.
Original cast members Letitia Dean and Adam Woodyatt will be followed by James Bye and Davood Ghadami, then Max Bowden and Tony Clay.
More contributors for further weeks will be announced in due course.
Classic EastEnders episodes will also be aired to plug the gap.
The new instalments, to be filmed with social distancing, will be around 10 minutes shorter than the usual running time.
EastEnders: Secrets From The Square will premiere on Monday June 22 and continue weekly on Monday nights at 8pm on BBC One.
