Shane Richie returning to EastEnders

Shane Richie is set to return to EastEnders this year as loveable rogue Alfie Moon.

A spokeswoman for the BBC1 soap confirmed that Shane, who left EastEnders in 2005, would be back on screen by the autumn.

Shane said: "It's an honour and a privilege to be asked back to the iconic series of EastEnders which is at the top of its game!

"I'm looking forward to finding out what Alfie has been up to and what the future has in store for him."

John York, Controller Continuing Drama Production, added: "Alfie is one of EastEnders most loved and iconic characters so he's bound to get a very warm welcome from viewers when he returns to Walford.

"We've had so many new and interesting characters settle into Albert Square since Alfie departed that it's going to make for fantastic viewing when one of the show's most familiar faces rides back into the EastEnd."

Joining EastEnders in 2002, Shane became an instant hit with viewers, especially when his character Alfie hooked up with Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace.

Alfie and Kat left Walford on Christmas Day 2005 - but soap bosses have not decided if Jessie will also be returning to EastEnders.

Last year, Shane was cast as Arthur Daley in Five's much-hyped remake of the 80s comedy-drama Minder.

But the show was axed after one series after losing a million viewers.