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EastEnders air surprise return just months after controversial exit

One EastEnders star has returned for a surprise cameo just months after his controversial exit from the show amid character's life sentence for murder

[Roland Manookian as Teddy Mitchell]

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Roland Manookian as Teddy Mitchell(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes)

EastEnders fans were delighted to see one star make an unannounced return to the show, just months after his controversial exit. Roland Manookian, who played Teddy Mitchell, was seen on screen again tonight, despite his character serving a life sentence for a murder he didn't commit.

In tonight's episode, Roland made a surprise return as Teddy. The Mitchell man had been calling his ex wife Nicola (Laura Doddington) all day, as it was the anniversary of her father's death, but she had been declining his calls. Her new partner George Knight (Colin Salmon) answered though, as he wanted answers about what was really going on with Nicola.

Teddy told George that he should push harder with Nicola, as there were many layers to her that hadn't been uncovered yet. Thanks to Teddy's advice, George got Nicola to open up.

[George Knight in EastEnders]

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George picked up the phone when Teddy called(Image: BBC)

She shared how she had found her dad attacking her mother, and threatened him, saying she would call Teddy if he didn't leave. As such, her dad drunkenly got in the car and drove off. Her mum, Rose (Marion McLoughlin), said she would hold Nicola responsible if anything happened to him - which it did. Nicola's dad crashed his car and died.

The cameo came just eight months after Roland left the show. His character had been sentenced to life in prison after admitting to the murder of Okie (Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu), which his son Harry (Elijah Holloway) had actually committed.

At the time, fans were deeply disappointed that Roland was leaving the show. Some said they felt the sentence was overly "harsh" and ensured neither Roland or Teddy could ever return to the soap.

[Teddy was sentenced to prison]

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Teddy was sentenced to life in prison(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

"Big shame about Teddy. 20 years guess they arent considering bringing him back any time soon then," one fan said. Another added: "I dont think he could have got a tougher sentence if he had been crying tears of pure joy singing that hed killed Okie seems a bit harsh Anywho, really good episode today."

Others continued to say that they felt it was a "waste" of his character and potential. A fan said: "Still think it's s*** that Teddy's going. A waste of a good character who's leaving way before his time."

A second added: "Absolutely hate that Teddy got the axe though, awful decision" while a third said: "Im sad for Teddy, I liked him as a character and really saw much more potential for him and Nicola in years to come, he really did have some good scenes in the past and its such a waste."

[The new Hawkins family]

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The new Hawkins family(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes)

As such, fans were delighted to see Roland return, even if just for a scene. One said they hoped it would lead to more scenes from him, writing: "I still have absolutely no clue why they wrote him out!"

"Teddy!!!!! missed seeing him" said another. A third wrote that Teddy was a "legend", while a fourth said: "I liked seeing Teddy. Giving Nicola the space she needed to speak to George for why she was struggling was nice. Hope he can come back someday."

Teddy's scene also served as a way to tee up tension between Nicola and her brother in law Ned (Jamie Bamber) when he arrives to the Square. When George mentioned that Nicola's sisters had arrived on the Square, Teddy asked if Ned had come too. "Something's up with Ned, by Teddy's words," one viewer noticed.

Ned and his son Ryder (Felix Uff) are set to join EastEnders soon, alongside the rest of Nicola's relatives, sisters Gemma (Patricia Potter) Jodie (Anna Constable) and their mum Rose.

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