BBC EastEnders fans issue same demand as as soap icon returns after 13 years

Joe Swash is set to grace the screens of EastEnders on Monday night, marking his return after over a decade's absence from the show.

The 42-year-old actor will reprise his role as Mickey Miller, joining a host of former characters making guest appearances in celebration of the beloved soap's 40th anniversary. In an episode airing on Monday (December 9), which has been pre-released on BBC iPlayer, viewers will see Mickey returning to Walford to aid in saving Bridge Street Market from the clutches of developers.

Mickey makes his entrance in style, informing Mo Harris (Laila Morse) that he's now a prosperous B'n'B owner, managing a chain of businesses known as 'Miller's Villas'. He contributes generously to the Save Bridge Street Market campaign and even catches the eye as a potential Mr. December for Big Mo's market trader calendar.

As the eldest son of the Miller family, Mickey was central to some of the most significant storylines during their four-year stint on the show. His character was written out in 2008, but made a comeback as part of his brother Darren's exit storyline.

However, this isn't Joe's first return to Albert Square. Last year, he was enlisted to host the behind-the-scenes special The Six: Revealed, where he interviewed the actresses involved in the year's biggest whodunnit plot, reports the Mirror.

Reflecting on his connection with the iconic soap, he shared: "It's nice to still have a relationship with EastEnders after all these years, which I really like. Whenever I've been back there it's not changed inside the dressing room, the makeup room, costume room. 'It's exactly the same, the same carpet, same doors."

The sentimentality of the return didn't escape him, as he added, "So I do get really