EastEnders legend Chrissie Watts is heading back to Albert Square later this year after 19 years away – but fans reckon she will be joined by another icon

EastEnders fans are convinced another soap legend will be joining Chrissie Watts when she returns this year.

This week, it was confirmed that Chrissie (Tracy-Ann Oberman) is heading back to the famous square, nearly 20 years since her explosive exit. Chrissie was a regular on the soap from 2004 until 2005.

As the wife of Dirty Den (Leslie Grantham), Chrissie became a hit with viewers and appeared in 218 episodes. During her stint, she was the landlady of the Queen Vic and featured in numerous storylines – but she is mostly remembered for killing husband Den.

Chrissie exited the soap in 2015 when she was sent to prison for the murder of Den. But 19 years on, and the soap icon is heading back to Walford later this year for a short stint.

However, another former EastEnders legend, Zoe Slater, could also be making a comeback, according to fans. As the youngest Slater sister, Zoe (Michelle Ryan) rocked up to Albert Square with the rest of the clan including Kat (Jessie Wallace) in 2000.

And it’s fair to say Zoe had her fair share of big storylines. She had a fling with her mum’s ex, and was also part of The Witches of Walford, which saw her team up with Chrissie and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) to take revenge on Dirty Den.

Zoe left in 2005 – and hasn’t been seen since. But after her reaction to Chrissie Watts’ return to the soap, fans think a comeback is on the cards.

On Wednesday (July 3) Chrissie actress Tracy-Ann took to her Instagram to share the news of her heading back to EastEnders. Fans and pals were quick to share their excitement – including Michelle Ryan.

In the comments section, the Zoe Slater actress wrote: “Oh my goodness! How exciting,” and the comment didn’t go unnoticed from fans.

Over on X, formerly known as Twitter, one person shared a snap of Michelle’s comment and wrote: “Hang on… have #EastEnders slyly got Zoe back n all, because why is Michelle’s reaction actually giving a little bit of this…”

Someone else mused: “It’s happening.” A third quipped: “This is giving she secretly knows she’s coming back as well even though she said she never would… Chris [Clenshaw, EastEnders’ Executive Producer] what are you planning.”

Another viewer chimed in and penned: “If they get my Zoe back on the square I’ll never say a bad word about the show ever again! I need her and Kat reunited.” A fifth wrote: “If Zoe Slater comes back to Eastenders I’m going to actually scream.”

In 2005, Chrissie and Zoe were the focus of one of “the programme’s biggest and most high-profile narratives” when Chrissie murdered her husband Den in self-defence at the end of the special 20th anniversary episode.

The broadcast was watched by 14.34 million people – with “almost 60% of possible viewers” tuning in to see Chrissie killing Den.

Chrissie, along with Sam Mitchell and Zoe took on evil Den, leading to his violent death. Chrissie was m arrested for the crime, after she framed Sam at first, and she left the soap in 2005.