Joe Swash convinced that jellyfish are 'aliens'
Joe Swash is set to grace the screens of EastEnders on Monday night, marking his return after over a decade's absence.
The 42-year-old actor will reprise his role as Mickey Miller in a special cameo for the soap's 40th anniversary. In the episode airing on December 9, available earlier on BBC iPlayer, viewers will see Mickey back in Walford, rallying to save Bridge Street Market from the clutches of avaricious developers.
Mickey makes a grand entrance, dressed to the nines, and informs Mo Harris (Laila Morse) of his successful ventures as a B'n'B owner, managing a chain of businesses named 'Miller's Villas'.
He contributes generously to the Save Bridge Street Market campaign and even catches the eye as a potential Mr. December for Big Mo's market trader calendar.
As the eldest son of the Miller family, Mickey was central to some of the most significant storylines during their four-year stint on the show. His character exited in 2008 but briefly returned for his brother Darren's departure plot.
However, this isn't Joe's first return to Albert Square. Last year, he hosted the behind-the-scenes special The Six: Revealed, interviewing the actresses involved in the year's biggest whodunnit storyline, reports the Mirror.
Reflecting on his enduring bond with 'EastEnders', he expressed: "It's nice to still have a relationship with EastEnders after all these years, which I really like. Whenever I've been back there it's not changed inside the dressing room, the makeup room, costume room. 'It's exactly the same, the same carpet, same doors.
"The nostalgia hits every time I return. I was 21 when I joined the show. It's amazing how much life has moved on since then and you tend to forget. But the connection is so precious. Any opportunity to go back is welcome. It's a part of who I am, a slice of my history."
Other icons from Albert Square such as David Wicks and Chrissie Watts have recently graced the screens.
But the unexpected appearance of Mickey on the show has sent fans into a frenzy.
One fan exclaimed on X: "Tonight’s #EastEnders is a bit all over the place, but the return of Mickey is everything me. I wish he could come back permanently."
A second stated: "NO STOP, HE NEEDS TO STAY PERMANENTLY," followed by a string of crying face emojis.
A third chimed in: "I know they said there would be many surprise appearances leading up to the 40th anniversary but didn't expect to wake up and see Mickey Miller on my screen, such a great surprise #EastEnders."
"What on Earth is Mickey Miller doing back on the Square? #EastEnders", added another shocked fan.
EastEnders airs Monday until Thursday on BBC One at 7:30pm
