Sean Slater is returning to EastEnders after 17 years away from Albert Square

Albert Square is getting a familiar face back

Sean, brother to Stacey and son to Jean, has made guest appearances in 2019, 2021 and 2022, but has not been a permanent fixture since 2009. He was once married to Roxy Mitchell, a marriage that collapsed on Christmas Day 2008 when it emerged that Jack Branning was the biological father of their baby, Amy Mitchell.

The soap told RTÉ Entertainment that Sean “will return for his family, and reasons, which are set to become clear”, noting his actions have previously “led to the destruction of more than one familial relationship on the Square”.

What Rob Kazinsky said about returning as Sean Slater

"I was lucky to spend years of my life working around the world, always championing EastEnders and stating the fact that one day I wanted to walk in Sean’s shoes again, but this time as a man. I’m home, and I can’t wait to bring a new level of heartfelt chaos to Albert Square in the way only Sean Slater can."

Rob Kazinsky

Executive producer Ben Wadey said he was “delighted” to welcome Kazinsky back. “Sean Slater was a big part of the Slater family and, as viewers will already know, where Sean goes, drama is not far behind,” he said.

No return date has been confirmed. For Irish viewers watching on RTÉ One it means one of Walford’s most volatile residents is on his way back, and another marquee name for the BBC’s drama slate.