EastEnders legend confirmed to return and bring 'plenty of drama' to Albert Square

Virgin Radio

24 May 2023, 10:09

Another EastEnders icon is returning to Walford. 

Lucy Benjamin, who played Lisa Fowler on the BBC soap, will be back later this year with her granddaughter Peggy Taylor - the daughter of Louise Mitchell and Keanu Taylor. 

Lisa was first seen in Albert Square in 1998 before leaving in 2003, and has had various stints on the series from 2010, 2017 and most recently, 2019. 

She was at the centre of one of soaps biggest storylines after being found as the culprit of Who Shot Phil Mitchell back in 2001. Most recently, Lisa stints have seen her coping with Mel Owen’s (Tamzin Outhwaite) death and a feud with Sharon Watts, played by Letitia Dean. 

Actress Lucy said of her big return (via Digital Spy): “I can't wait to return as Lisa after leaving for Portugal with Louise and Peggy in 2019. No doubt, in true Lisa fashion, she will bring plenty of drama for many of the characters, which is why playing her is such a delight."

When Lisa was last in EastEnders, the revelation about Keanu’s affair with Sharon had come to light, with both Louise and Sharon falling pregnant by him. Shortly after, Keanu had faked his own death, but has recently returned to Albert Square’s criminal underworld while trying to live a normal life with Sharon and son Albie. 

EastEnders producer Chris Clenshaw added: “I’m delighted to welcome Lucy back to the iconic role of Lisa Fowler. 

“We last saw Lisa three years ago when she and daughter Louise fled Walford following the Christmas reveal of Sharon and Keanu’s affair. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have her back for a short while as she and granddaughter Peggy cause trouble between the happy couple.”

Lucy’s return comes after the EastEnders icon Danny Dyer hinted he could also make another go of life at The Queen Vic. 

The actor first appeared in EastEnders in 2013 and his character, Mick Carter, remained a popular figure with viewers until he left the show in 2022.

It seemed that the landlord of the Queen Vic had died when he was washed away in the sea while trying to save Linda, but… maybe not. 

In an interview with Radio Times, Danny teased fans by saying: "I don't regret leaving, but it was really emotional for me. Mick's exit felt like a real 'full stop', but maybe it was a 'dot, dot, dot'."