The nation’s favourite characters will return to Albert Square in a must-see anniversary celebration to mark four decades of the cockney soap opera with some ‘treats’ in store for fans

A host of classic characters are set to return to EastEnders for its 40th anniversary.

Bosses want to stage the comebacks to make the ­celebration next February must-see TV. Executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “We’ve got quite a few treats coming up.

“The 40th anniversary has been in the works for quite some time. It is about celebrating the history of the show. I think the nostalgic element of EastEnders means a lot.”

The returns will happen as part of major storylines.

Chris added: “We don’t bring characters back just because it gets a lovely reaction.

“It all depends on the story where the characters are.

“It has to be right for the character and come from a good story.”

A raft of big names have returned to the BBC soap in recent years.

Michelle Collins made a sensational comeback as Cindy Beale more than 20 years after being killed off.

Others back include Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson, Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning and Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman.

The news comes after the Daily Star revealed how EastEnders fans have predicted the return of a soap legend – but it will be a huge surprise to Stacey Slater.

Slater sister Stacey (Lacey Turner) first appeared on the soap back in 2004. Making her debut when she was just 16, Lacey has gone on to become one of the soap’s most-loved stars.

Over the years, Lacey’s had some big storylines too playing Stacey. From her bipolar battle to murder, Stacey’s time in Walford has not been short of drama.

What’s more, it’s fair to say Stacey has had her fair share of romances too throughout her stint. She famously married the beloved Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements) back in 2007 and who could forget her iconic affair storyline with his dad Max Branning (Jake Wood).

But now, fans are certain that Max is the “likely character to make a huge comeback”. Over on an EastEnders fan forum page titled: “EE – The next big return,” fans shared their theories.

One person said: “Personally I think Max is probably the character who would have a lot of storylines straight away: Unresolved feelings for Linda, Finding out Annie is his daughter, Reconnecting with Lauren, Sparring with Cindy over their shared grandchildren.”