The popular character left the soap in mysterious circumstances – but fans are hoping for a comeback
EASTENDERS fans are certain a beloved character will return – and in time for an important show landmark.
Mick Carter – played by Danny Dyer – exited the BBC soap after nine years in December 2022 when he vanished at sea.
The fan favourite was believed to have tragically lost his life after trying to save childhood sweetheart Linda (Kellie Bright) and new wife Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks).
Although both women survived, Janine wound up in prison for her actions against Linda.
Meanwhile, Mick was declared dead by police after his wallet washed up to shore.
His disappearance has significantly impacted Linda, especially as the pair had been planning to reunite and work on their strained marriage.
In an attempt to cope, the pub landlady, who has battled alcohol addiction, reverted to the bottle.
Monday’s episode revealed a further insight into Linda’s internal struggles, as she shared she was still dreaming of Mick.
Revealing the details to her son Johnny (Charlie Suff), the grieving former wife shared: “I dreamt about your Dad last night, that’s all.
“Probably because Ollie’s been talking about him all weekend. It was just, I don’t know, so vivid.
“It was just me and him in a park, somewhere, near a lake or a pond.
“He was throwing stones into the water – and we had some chips. I don’t know why we had chips.
“I could feel the sun on my face, we were happy and we were together. It felt so real.”
Linda faced further trauma when Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) asked if she could host her brother Keanu’s (Danny Walters) wake in the Vic.
Haunted by both Mick’s absence and the memory of Keanu’s murder at Christmas, she hid out in the cellar and got drunk.
Despite the sorry state the popular character found herself in, fans believe happier times could be on the way with the possibility of Mick making a comeback.
One wrote: “Linda is having dreams of Mick. I’m convinced one day he will return”, as another added: “Also they need to replace Lola’s picture with a picture of Mick now on the bar.
“Mick was owner of the Vic and had a more substantial impact on the place then Lola did. I still think Mick may come back for the 40th – Keep in mind we haven’t seen a body.”
A third fan shared: “why did we never get a funeral send off for Mick? or did I miss something.”
Although Danny Dyer has never announced a return to the BBC soap, the actor has shared he isn’t against reprising his role as Mick.
Speaking on the Jonathan Ross Show last year, he said: “If it goes [bleep] up I can go back. I can turn up in three years’ time, walk in The Queen Vic smothered in seaweed.”
He added: “They wanted to keep it open. I’m very privileged and grateful for that job. It really did change my career and my life.”
Additional absent members of the Carter clan include Mick’s mother Shirley Carter, as well as Linda’s other children Lee and Nancy.
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
