EastEnders is bringing back Ryan Malloy, with Neil McDermott set to return to the soap for a guest stint in February.
The character, who was last seen on screen in November 2016, will be returning to Walford next month after hearing that his 12-year-old daughter Lily is pregnant.
Ryan now lives in Wakefield with his wife, prison officer Helen – but his return to Albert Square is set to be far from a smooth one, according to show bosses.
Speaking about his guest stint, McDermott said: "When I heard what the story was I was really pleased that the stars aligned and I was able to revisit Ryan and set foot back on the Square.
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"It was so lovely to see so many old friends and to work with Shona [McGarty] and Lacey [Turner] again, as well as to meet and work with Ryan's daughter, played beautifully by Lillia [Turner]."
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw was delighted by McDermott's return, adding: "It's wonderful to welcome Neil back to the role of Ryan Malloy.
"Although we haven't seen Ryan for some years, his character is still intertwined in the history of two of the show's major characters, Stacey and Whitney. We couldn't be more thrilled to have him back for a short while as he's thrust into the heart of the drama."
McDermott debuted as Ryan in 2009, marrying and subsequently divorcing Janine Butcher after he had an affair with Stacey Slater. Ryan also spent time in prison after accidentally killing Rob Grayson while trying to protect his half-sister Whitney from him.
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McDermott left the soap in 2011, before reprising the role in guest stints in 2014 and 2016. He most recently returned for Whitney's wedding to Lee Carter.
Meanwhile, Lily's storyline has seen her and her family reacting to the news of her pregnancy, along with viewers learning that Ricky Jr is the baby's father.
In upcoming scenes, after hearing that Ricky Jr pledged to help Lily raise the child, his father Jack Branning is furious and will demand a meeting with Stacey.
But just how will the story end?
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
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