EastEnders Odds: Jo Joyner Odds-On For Show Return
EastEnders fans have already been treated to the returns of several characters this year - but there's plenty of room for more in Albert Square.
Following the recent fireworks in the Square, betting sites have been buzzing with speculation about the next Walford comebacks.
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey was behind the return of Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), Max Branning (Jake Wood) and his son Oscar Branning's (Pierre Moullier) comeback.
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As if that wasn't enough, fans were stunned when it was revealed that Max and Zoe had been involved in a shocking romance.
Max is one of Walford's most infamous lotharios, having been married four times and having numerous affairs.
But could the character be set for another blast from the past soon?
Brannings Assemble
The Brannings are well and truly back this year.
Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and his kids, daughter Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and son Ricky Branning (Frankie Day), were joined by cousins Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine), while Oscar joined the party this year.
With Max now back as well, the Brannings nearly have a full set with which to cause more chaos in Albert Square.
Following the family's resurgence, fans have pleaded with show bosses to bring back Max's ex, Tanya Branning, played by Jo Joyner.
Speculation about the potential move has increased so much that show boss, Ben, recently spoke out about the possibility.
He told reporters: "We've just given you Max and Zoe! I mean, Jo's amazing, isn't she? We've also got an amazing cast with brilliant performances that deserve and need stories..."
Scott added fuel to the flames by joking: "We need a bit of naughty Max first, don't we? Yeah, we need him back for a while and let her come and sort him out."
While the pair didn't give any concrete confirmation that Tanya might be set to return to the Square to reunite with her family, they didn't rule it out either.
Jo is just 4/11 on betting apps to be back at the BBC soap soon.
EastEnders Odds: Character To Return In 2025
Character | Odds | Probability |
Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner) | 4/11 | 73.3% |
Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) | 2/5 | 71.4% |
Clare Bates (Gemma Bissix) | 4/9 | 69.2% |
Emma Harding (Patsy Kensit) | 1/2 | 66.7% |
Little Mo Slater (Kacey Ainsworth) | 8/15 | 65.2% |
Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) | 8/13 | 61.9% |
Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks) | Evens | 50% |
Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) | 2/1 | 33.3% |
Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) | 3/1 | 25% |
Aunt Babe (Annette Badland) | 4/1 | 20% |
Mickey Miller (Joe Swash) | 5/1 | 16.7% |
Robbie Jackson (Dean Gaffney) | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Arthur "Fatboy" Chubb (Ricky Norwood) | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Tiffany Butcher-Baker (Maisie Smith) | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Patsy's EastEnders Regret
Another star who could be making a Walford return this year is Patsy Kensit.
The actress recently admitted she would be up for an Albert Square comeback as Emma Harding, the long-lost mother of late character Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold), who tragically died of a brain tumour.
Speaking on the Second Act with Ateh Jewel podcast, Patsy said: "I'd love to go back on EastEnders. That was a dream job."
Patsy has also hinted she has unfinished business in the Square, after admitting she wasn't "encouraged" to take part in the programme when she appeared in the soap in 2023.
She added: "I was in a relationship at the time, and it wasn't something that, you know - it wasn't really a job that I was encouraged to take, and I've wanted to be on that show for the last 40 years.
"I went in, and I did nine episodes for them, and it went really well and everything. Unfortunately, I put life stuff first, and I knew I'd regret it, actually, when it happened."
If Patsy does return, she looks unlikely to rub shoulders with Jamie Borthwick, after the BBC recently confirmed he won't be reprising his role as Jay Brown.
A spokesperson for BBC Studios said: "We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders.
"We do not comment on individual matters."
Jamie was recently suspended from the BBC soap for three months for using a disability slur.
Rainie Ready For Return?
Jay's best mate Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) is set to make a Walford comeback soon, with Max and Ricky Champ, who plays Stuart Highway, due to reprise their roles this autumn.
Following news of Stuart's return, and Max Branning's Albert Square renaissance, there has been speculation that Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks) - who previously left Walford alongside husband Stuart - could also make a comeback.
If Tanya does make a comeback, it might increase Rainie's chances of a return - because the pair are sisters.
Rainie, who was married to Max, is into Evens, from 7/4, to be spotted in Walford at some point this year.
What's more, with Zoe now back in the East End, it's been rumoured that some of her family members might follow suit.
Kacey Ainsworth is 8/15 to reprise her role as Little Mo Slater, and Rob Kazinsky is just 8/13 to be back as Sean Slater.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
