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EastEnders airs unexpected Mitchell return after lengthy absense leaving fans floored

EastEnders fans were left gobsmacked during the latest episode of the BBC One soap as a familar face made an unannounced return after months off screen

[EastEnders GV of Albert Square's gardens ]

EastEnders aired a shock return during the recent episode of the BBC One soap(Image: BBC / Jack Barnes)

EastEnders have aired a shock cameo for a character not seen on screen in months.

During Tuesday's (August 18), Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) rang his estranged wife Nicola Mitchell's (Laura Doddington) from prison but her new partner George Knight (Colin Salmon) answered her phone.

Teddy explained that he was calling Nicola because "today is a big day for her" and George told the prisoner that Nicola's sisters and mother have turned up to Walford.

A confused Teddy asked whether "Ned" was with them but George wasn't aware who Teddy was on about and brushed over the question.

Ned, who is yet to be seen on screen, is the husband of Nicola's sister Gemma Hawkins so fans will have to wait and see why Teddy asked about him.

[Teddy Mitchell]

Teddy Mitchell called Nicola Mitchells' phone from prison(Image: BBC)

As the short scene played out, fans rushed to social media to beg bosses to being back Teddy on a full-time basis. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, OMG TEDDY IS BACK!!!!!, A really nice unexpected surprise seeing Teddy from prison today. He should never have been sent down for Okie's murder and he should still be on the Square supporting Harry, Barney and Nicola."

Another social media user replied: "He was getting interesting before he left, I do wish he comes back properly at some point." A third said: "Bring back Teddy Mitchell full time. Him and Nicola were gold. There the only people Id want in the Vic apart from Kat and Alfie # EastEnders."

Teddy's final scene aired on 11 December 2025 after the character was sentenced to life imprisonment for taking responsibility for the murder of Tobias "Okie" Okyere (Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu).

[George Knight in EastEnders]

George answered Nicola's phone and spoke to Teddy(Image: BBC)

Fans are aware that Teddy and Nicola's son Harry Mitchell accidentally killed Okie during a scuffle in a flat. During the fight, Okie dropped a knife, and Harry grabbed it to protect himself, fatally stabbing Okie in the process

Teddy went to the scene afterward and confessed to the murder himself to prevent his son from going to prison. In devastating scenes, Teddy was told that he was sentenced to life imprisonment and would serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars.

His family reeled and Harry attempted to tell the court it was his fault, but Teddy stopped him as he was taken away.

Back in the Square, Barney Mitchell struggled to accept the news about Teddy and his brother Harry was wracked with guilt about what happened, but girlfriend Gina Knight urged him to try and make Teddy proud.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am

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