EastEnders legend Alfie Moon to return in explosive storyline as Shane Richie calls it ‘an honour’

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EASTENDERS is about to welcome back one of its most iconic ever characters – with Alfie Moon returning to Albert Square.

Shane Richie is going to reprise his role as the loveable rogue for the first time in more than three years.

Shane Richie will return to EastEnders as Alfie Moon this autumn

The actor, 58, said: “It’s an absolute honour and privilege to be asked back to my TV home of Albert Square.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with some old castmates and meeting some new ones.

“The new exec producer, Chris Clenshaw, has been instrumental in wanting to bring Alfie Moon back with some wonderful storylines… and who am I to say no? I can’t wait.”

Alfie fled Walford and EastEnders in January 2019, making an enemy of Steve McFadden’s Phil Mitchell in the process.

In scenes due to air in the autumn, he will return to Walford, prompting friction with the residents, not least his ex-wife, Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace.

The couple’s fiery relationship was at the centre of many major storylines but things went sour for them in 2018.

It emerged Alfie had secretly fathered a son with her cousin Hayley, and he and Kat got divorced.

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Shane Richie created one of the most iconic, loveable and most memorable characters in soap, and to welcome him back to Walford is an absolute pleasure.

“A lot’s happened since Alfie’s been away from the Square, but wherever his floral shirts go you can expect fun, frolics and, of course, the odd porky-pie.”

He added with a pun: “We’re over the moon to have him home.”

Alfie first appeared on EastEnders in November 2002 and, being caught stealing a drink from behind the bar of the Queen Vic, is assumed to be the new manager.

He stayed on the soap for years, becoming a firm favourite with fans, being named Most Popular Actor at the National TV Awards in 2003.

Alfie, seen here with Kat Slater, was one of the show’s enduring characters

He first appeared as the Queen Vic’s manager back in 2002