Thomas Law has reprised his role as Peter Beale on EastEnders and will return to the soap full-time later this year, it has been confirmed.
In last night's episode it was revealed that Michelle Collins has returned as Cindy Beale, 25 years after she last appeared on the show, alongside original cast member Adam Woodyatt, who plays Cindy's ex-husband Ian.
Cindy was said to have died in child birth while in prison in 1998 but tonight's episode revealed that she was put into the Witness Protection Programme after observing an incident involving her cellmate Jackie Ford.
At some point in the last year Ian discovered the truth and reunited with Cindy in France, where she has been living under the alter ego 'Rose Knight'.
Tonight's episode also saw Law make a shock comeback as Peter Beale, a role he originally played from 2006 to 2010 but was subsequently recast with Ben Hardy and Dayle Hudson.
Peter's ex Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) paid a visit to see Peter and Ian in France and discovered that Cindy was alive, with Peter confessing that he had only found out himself recently.
"Over the years, I had hoped for a return to the Square although I never thought it would happen so it's an absolute delight to be back in Walford as Peter Beale," said Law.
"It's been great to see familiar and new faces, and I can't wait to explore the character again in the wake of Cindy's return – it's an exciting time to return!"
Exec producer Chris Clenshaw added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Thomas back to the role of Peter Beale. Although his time away from the Square has been short-lived, the Beale family dynamics have changed immensely since he last left Walford.
"Viewers will soon learn the details relating to how he came to learn that his mum, Cindy, was in fact alive, and how he and dad, Ian, reconciled their differences.
"We're delighted to have him back permanently, but one thing is for certain, the Beales' comeback will be nothing less than explosive for the Square."
Law, Collins and Woodyatt will all return to the show full-time later this summer.
Neil Wilkes
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