Walford Gazette #0

All the latest updates and news down Walford way!

EDITORIAL, Monday 9th September 2024

Hey all. Hope everyone is enjoying the current storylines.

I used to have a list of returnees, I’m not going to lie. There are certain characters that are my faves, and when they return, which, thankfully most of them have, I make it appointment viewing! I mean up at 6am and waiting with baited breath, sometimes unable to wait until the credits to see if there’s any more surprises! Yes I like to be spoiled. But that’s besides the point. The point is that list came with me for years, stapled into the back of my journal and it has stayed there, still in the same handwriting.

The list says “My Ultimate Returns“. I must have been 23 writing it. So, around 2008. Doctor Who took over that year and I remember (horror) missing episodes as they went out! I also fell in love, so I had other priorities. But the list had the following names on it.

Zoe Slater
Grant Mitchell
Sam Mitchell
Kathy Mitchell
Sharon Watts
Chrissie Watts

I had to wait a long time for some of them. Sam returned in 2009, but was swiftly gone again. She’s always been my favourite Mitchell, no matter who has played her, and I’ve learnt that her bungee cord never goes that far. Sharon‘s ‘break’ turned out to be six years and she blew back in like a hurricane in 2012. Kathy, already dead and crossed out, but on the morning of her return, I received word that Kathy Beale’s return was imminent 12 hours later (and 17 years since her last regular stint) in 2015! Grant caught up with her in 2016 where he borrowed Sam’s bungee a few times.

But Chrissie Watts and Zoe Slater, like Sam, the Witches of Walford, from the biggest event of my teenage years? That ultimate anniversary had had my family in shock as first Andy went flying over, then Sharon emerged from the shadows and then THUD. Dead Den. But not! THUD again. Chrissie’s lie! The expectation and the build up – it was phenomenal and I have only experienced that same feeling once since (the night ‘What I Did For Love’ doofed us out). There was even a cake!

They’ve never returned. Michelle Ryan emphatically said no and has even told producers to recast! Chrissie, surely one of the most formidable, strongest women to grace Albert Square, would come back? Never.

Until now.

This week will be a joyous week for EastEnders. The scenes between Sharon and Chrissie as they untangle the damage that Den did to them both. Chrissie’s quite right – we have a word for what Den did to them now. It may not excuse her actions, but it does explain her character. It even offers a chance to sympathise with her! Spellbinding stuff, for a character that hadn’t appeared for 19 years!

I hope she sails off into the sunset, man by her side (Jake Moon was never found… hmmm) and at peace by the end of the week. I’d rather her and Sharon bond over this and even make amends – imagine the ally Sharon would have against all who would try to take her down – and she has always craved a mother figure.

Screw the sunset. I want Chrissie back full time EastEnders! We’ll see what the future brings, but it’ll be a stunning piece of television!

‘I AIN’T ONE TO GOSSIP…’

All episodes of EastEnders from 1985 – 2023 are available until 30th September. Email, chat or message for the links.
The Year Was… 2017 will be also be published this week.
EastEnders will go live for it’s 40th Anniversary in February, with an interactive element allowing the fans to decide the end of a yet-to-be-disclosed love story! Get your thinking caps on now people! Who could they be?
Louisa Lytton is returning to the show for another stint as Ruby Allen later this year!