10:49AM, May 01, 2009
EastEnders bosses created a scandal when they introduced child abuser Tony King to the Jackson household.
But it looks like we may not have seen the last of him - and he's not the only character set to return.
In an interview with Digital Spy, executive producer Diederick Santer hinted that Tony (actor Chris Coghill) may return to Albert Square.
The show boss stated that Tony's trial for his relationship with teenage step-daughter Whitney Dean should play out this year. "I'd love him to return," said Diederick, "and in due course I'll be having that conversation with Chris."
But he refused to elaborate on his plans for the controversial character, who's previous storyline resulted in 70 complaints to TV watchdog Ofcom: "How it plays out on screen remains to be seen. We still need to do our research."
Sam Reunites With Ricky?
Diedrick did spill the beans on what's in store for another highly anticipated return, Daniella Westbrook as Sam Mitchell, and it looks like there might be a love triangle to look forward to.
"What makes Sam interesting is that she's Ricky's first love and first wife," explained Diederick. "As Bianca and Ricky spend more time together, the inevitability of them coming together increases. What's stopping them? Well, it's Sam.
"Sam and Ricky had a good thing going all those years ago. All Ricky ever gets off Bianca is indifference, whereas Sam is less than indifferent towards him and it makes a nice change."
Sam is also set to rock the boat in the Mitchell household.
"Who's the original Mitchell sister? You have these two pretenders in there with Ronnie and Roxy, but Sam is Peggy's little girl, her princess."
But let's not forget, Sam was last seen fleeing to Brazil after her part in Dirty Den's murder. "We'll definitely get around that one," assured the show boss. "We've got it all worked out."
Archie Makes Amends
And there's more Mitchell mayhem in store from dastardly villain Archie (Larry Lamb). "It'll be interesting to see if there'll be a reconciliation with Ronnie," teased Diederick.
"It's harder than ever now for the pair of them. They were really getting somewhere just before the wedding, but Archie's got a long way to go."
Somehow, we can't imagine that story will have a happy ending.
With the show's 25th anniversary coming up and the promise of a "significant infusion of young men by the summer," it looks like this could be a vintage year for the soap.
Find out when EastEnders is on TV.
