EastEnders fans are convinced one much-loved character is going to be making a return to Walford
EastEnders fans are speculating that beloved character Shirley Carter, played by Linda Henry, could be making a return to the soap as part of Phil Mitchell’s ongoing mental health plot. Shirley left Walford in December 2022 following the supposed death of her son Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) and has been off-screen since, although her name has come up several times.
In October 2023, Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) made an unexpected comeback to Walford and shared concerning news about his mother Shirley. He revealed that Shirley, who first appeared in Walford in 2006, has been struggling with her mental health following Mick’s disappearance and the death of her sister Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White), leading to her admission to a psychiatric hospital on two occasions.
Meanwhile, Shirley’s former partner Phil (Steve McFadden) is also undergoing treatment at a mental health facility after a distressing suicide attempt in February. Phil had been battling loneliness and depression before psychosis set in, prompting him to try to take his own life.
EastEnders viewers can look forward to a special episode focusing on Phil’s path to recovery while he stays in the mental health unit. He will form a bond with fellow patient Gaz, played by the talented Keith Allen, who plays a crucial role in encouraging Phil to confront his inner struggles.
Over a four-week period, the episode will track Phil as he begins to address his depression and symptoms of psychosis through therapy and group interventions, with Gaz providing support.
Fans are speculating that Phil and Shirley might rekindle their relationship before making a joint return to Albert Square, reports Plymouth Live.
One viewer took to X and posted: “Keith Allen’s character better be somehow connected to a Shirley return. Looking forward to this, we’ve been spoiled with Steve McFadden content recently this should be brilliant! #EastEnders.”
Another chimed in: “Ooh, this sounds good! Great casting! So glad to see them really delving deeper into this Phil story… hopefully he sees Shirley, too? #eastenders.”
A third fan exclaimed: “OMG Imagine if we got a Shirley Carter return during Phil’s special episode in the MH Unit. Remember the last we head of Shirley she was also sectioned like Phil was #EastEnders.”
Imagine if they bump into each other in the mental hospital and Phil brings her home #EastEnders,” suggested another fan.
“So Phil’s having a stint in a mental health facility and according to Dean Wicks- Shirley was in one after having a breakdown… Could we be finally getting Shirl back @bbceastenders,” pondered another.
