The return of Kathy Beale is the start of the 'most earth-shattering storylines ever', according to the soap's boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins.
One of EastEnders true icons, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), shocked fans when she returned to the show in a live scene on Thursday night.
EastEnders' executive producer Treadwell-Collins said: “I have always made my feelings on Kathy Beale and Gillian Taylforth very clear – she is part of EastEnders history, mother to Ian and Ben and one of the most important and iconic television characters on British television. Six months ago, we set ourselves the challenge of bringing Kathy back to the Square in a credible way. And I believe we have succeeded.
"Viewers will have to keep watching to find out exactly why Kathy ‘died’, where she has been all these years and why she now wants to come home to Albert Square. This is only the beginning of one of the most earth-shattering storylines EastEnders has ever seen…”
Kathy was last seen in EastEnders in 2000 before returning to South Africa and viewers were led to believe she was killed in a car crash. However when Kathy returns to Walford later this year, viewers will learn where Kathy has been and why she has stayed away so long.
Gillian said" “When Dominic approached me with his plan, I was so shocked I got into my car and burst into tears! ‘Kathy’ has always been so close to my heart and it’s absolutely wonderful to be returning to the show and reprising the role.”
Adam Woodyatt, who plays her on-screen son, added: “I’m thrilled, I couldn’t be happier. I’ve finally got my mum back! I’ve been keeping this secret for so long and now I just can’t wait to work with her again.”
Kathy appeared in the very first episode of EastEnders on February 19, 1985.
EastEnders goes live tonight at 8pm to broadcast the aftermath of the revelation that Bobby Beale killed his sister, Lucy.
