First Shane, now Jessie's returning to EastEnders!

Jessie Wallace WILL be returning to EastEnders as Kat Slater, following reports than Shane Richie would be reprising his role as Alfie Moon.

Jessie, who's character Kat left the square with husband Alfie on Christmas Day 2005, has apparently signed an initial one-year deal to revive the role, according to reports in The Sun.

It was reported on Monday that Shane would be returning to the soap as fan favourite Alfie. Both will appear on-screen in the autumn.

Their return will be a massive boost for EastEnders, which celebrates its 25th anniversary with a live episode on February 19.

First appearing in 2000, Jessie was at the centre of some of the soap's biggest storylines - and the confession that she was Zoe Slater's mum and not her sister has just been voted Greatest EastEnders Moment by readers of TV Times.

After leaving EastEnders, Jessie appeared in ITV1's Wild at Heart and competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2008.

Jessie said: "I am excited to slip back into Kat's stilettos. I've missed her."

Shane added: "More than anything, I'm looking forward to getting my face covered in Kat's lipstick again!"

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