Just weeks after an emotional exit from the soap, Karen Taylor is set to make a dramatic return to EastEnders – and there is a lot of drama to pack in!
The character was seen driving out of Walford with partner Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths) in a bittersweet ending, after avoiding the debt owed to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).
The truth about Albie’s kidnapping, orchestrated by Karen’s son Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) has also been exposed, meaning it seemed unfeasible for the long-suffering mum to set foot in Albert Square again.
She was last seen in a surprise cameo appearance on Christmas Day, making a video call to Bernie (Clair Norris), who was upset that Karen and Mitch weren’t coming home.
In the very same episode, Keanu was brutally killed in a showdown with six of Walford’s women, as he throttled Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) after finding out about Phil being Albie’s real dad.
To save her friend, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) lashed out and stabbed Keanu to death, and now his body lies festering in the wreckage of the blown-up cafe.
His murder is putting a lot of pressure on The Six so when Karen does make her comeback in scenes next month, it is bound to throw them.
The Taylors and Bakers were thought to be no more (Picture: BBC)
Of course, Karen doesn’t know her son’s fate and her reason for coming back has yet to be confirmed.
Is she worried about his fate? And might she be onto the truth if the clues point to a grisly end?
She will have to also contend with the wrath of Phil, who was screaming with rage after her as she fled the Square.
There is unfinished business, and he is bound to have something to say.
Writer John Greening teased the return episodes, tweeting: ‘Directed by me…Finishing touches added last week.’
Fans have been sharing their reactions to seeing Karen again.
You kept that one quiet didn't you @DuncanLindsay? Looks like @loustar76 is on her way back to #EastEnders 😂👀👏🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/FVVc31Gtps
— Ryan Glendenning (@RyanTheSoapking) January 24, 2024
User Wee-Westie29 said: ‘Karen’s taking one hell of a risk returning to Walford – Phil would be after her blood. Bernie will feel guilty as well seeing as she told Phil about Keanu and Karen.’
While NoniFlax91 commented: ‘Strange she’d risk coming back and not just be video-calling again when she still owes Phil £50k, but praying it means they’ll find Keanu. We need him found.’
Meanwhile, ChippyMcQueen isn’t overly surprised, she already had the character tipped for a comeback this year: ‘That’s one crossed out on my return bingo!’
Following the announcement of her departure, actress Lorraine Stanley paid tribute to her time on the show, saying: ‘Thank you to [writer] Daran Little for creating the Taylors and to the BBC for giving me the opportunity to play such a fabulous character,’ she said.
‘I’ll be sad to be saying goodbye to Karen Taylor and will miss all the cast and crew at EastEnders.
‘However I’m looking forward to my next chapter and excited about being a jobbing Actor again & starting new ventures.
‘Again your kind words of support have been amazing!!! I’m going to miss my Taylor/Baker famalam Clair Norris, Danny Walters, Roger Griffiths and Matthew Morrison. Much love.’
