EastEnders teases return of two Walford icons as Alfie Moon ‘drops hint’ ahead of 40th anniversary celebrations

COULD there be a Slater sister reunion ahead of the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary? Alfie Moon drops the biggest clue yet.

Despite not being seen on EastEnders since 2004, Lynne Slater, portrayed by Elaine Lordan, was mentioned in tonight’s episode.

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BBC

BBC

And now viewers are demanding for her return for a Slater sisters reunion.

Lynne first made her appearance with the Slaters in 2000 and is the elder sister to Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace).

Lynne is also known for her rocky relationship with her husband and mechanic Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves).

She was employed at Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) café and was a enemy to Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks).

Lynne attended her father’s funeral off-screen in 2016, but she hasn’t been seen on screen for two decades.

However, she was mentioned in tonight’s episode during a conversation between Alfie and Kat at the launderette.

The newly reunited couple chatted about their son Tommy Moon’s (Sonny Kendall) recent aggressive behaviour.

Alfie soon shifted the conversation to the latest family plans and said: “So anyway, Freddie has informed me that Little Mo and Lynne are going to be going to the caravan for a bit. As you were meant to go last week, fancy it?”

Alfie suggested that some quality time away might benefit Tommy.

Kat admitted she’s “dealing” with Tommy’s issues, but left viewers pondering whether she’ll join the caravan getaway with her sisters.

Could this hint at a Slater sister reunion be teasing the soap’s 40th-anniversary celebrations?

Darkest soap storylines

Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…

EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) – Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca’s adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police.

Emmerdale: Holly’s drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) – In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale’s first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose.

Hollyoaks: Luke’s rape (2000) – Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap’s first make rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs – who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance.

Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) – Just a mere mention of ‘Richard Hillman’ is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it’s not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn’t.

Taking to X – formerly known as Twitter – fans are anticipating a reunion, as one said: “A Little Mo and Lynne mention that they’re heading to the caravan – Slater reunion on the cards?”

Another added: “It’ll be nice if Lynne, Little Mo and Zoe made a comeback. Even if it was for a flying visit.”

A third penned: “We know more returns are happening.. What if Kat and Alfie get married again and they stay happy this time… and Little Mo, Zoe, Belinda and Lynne all return for their wedding on 19/2/25?”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.

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BBC