EastEnders icon’s shock return revealed with showdown with Phil Mitchell just weeks after star was axed
EASTENDERS icon Karen Taylor makes her shock return next week – just weeks after actress Lorraine Stanley was axed.
The character fled Walford after stealing £50k ransom money from Phil Mitchell having faked baby Albie’s kidnapping.
In her absence her son Keanu has been killed by The Six with his death covered up.
The dead hunk has been framed for attacking Nish Panesar and fleeing Walford – but now Karen is returning in an attempt to uncover the truth.
Viewers know Keanu is buried under the floor in the cafe, but Karen has no idea.
And so Linda, Stacey, Kathy and Suki are horrified to discover she’s back in Walford searching for news on her son.
However Karen will find herself in danger on the Square.
She finds herself in hot water as Phil Mitchell tracks her down and demands the kidnap ransom back.
Karen was last seen in a cameo appearance on Christmas Day when she video called daughter Bernie to say it was unsafe for her to return.
But Karen has clearly had a change of heart for some reason, as it’s now been confirmed she will reappear in Walford during the February 6 episode.
EastEnders director John Greening confirmed the comeback news on X – formerly Twitter – in a now deleted tweet: “Directed by me… Finishing touches added last week.”
Karen will certainly seek answers about her son’s disappearance, and soap spoilers reveal Stacey and Kathy will team up to convince her that their version of events are what really happened that fateful night.
EastEnders fans were quick to comment on the news, with one writing on social media: “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.”
Another added: “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.”
A third commented: “That’s one crossed out on my return bingo!”
