What's behind Robbie's sudden return to EastEnders?

(Image credit: BBC/Kieron Mccarron)

Robbie Jackson (Dean Gaffney) left EastEnders 12 years ago for a new life in India with then girlfriend Nita Mistry and her son, Anish. The couple married some time later, and the last we heard they had a new baby, but that was a few months after Robbie made a brief return to Albert Square for sister Bianca's wedding to Ricky Butcher in 2010.

It's a bit of a surprise, then, when Robbie suddenly reappears unannounced in the Square next week. The big question is, can sister Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) and mum Carol (Lindsey Coulson) get to the bottom of why's he back?

After another stressful day following brother Max's trial at the court, Carol returns home and is shocked to find her son, Robbie, waiting for her. But when she asks what's going on, he's not very forthcoming.

 

(Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

Later, Sonia gets to the bottom of her brother's sudden return when she catches him stealing from her purse. He reveals he's broke and Nita has left him!

 

(Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

Robbie's attitude and actions worry Sonia, who's concerned because she wants to help him if there's any way she can.

 

(Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw White) appears on the scene, and Sonia's persistence eventually pays off when Robbie finally comes clean that he's got problems back in India.

 

(Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

Having opened up to Sonia, Robbie feels more at ease with mum Carol and tries to explain his situation to her.

 

(Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

It looks like mother and son are getting their relationship back on track.

 

(Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

But Robbie's in for a nasty shock when Carol learns exactly why he's back in Walford… And she tells him to pack his bags!

Find out in EastEnders on BBC1 from Monday, September 21.