EastEnders’ Shirley Carter was a firm favourite on the soap until her shock exit in 2022 – but fans are convinced she is heading back and have ‘worked out’ the date of her return
EastEnders fans have ‘worked out’ the date Shirley Carter is heading back – and it’s soon.
Soap legend Shirley (Linda Henry) first burst onto screens way back in 2006. As the outspoken, cigarette-smoking man-eater, Shirley became a firm favourite with fans.
The character also had her fair share of tumultuous storylines over the years, including the murder of best friend Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison). She also has a long-running on-and-off romance with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).
In December 2022 though, Shirley left the soap – leaving fans heartbroken. She said her goodbyes after her son Mick went missing at sea after trying to save Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Janine Butcher (Charle Brooks).
What’s more, Shirley’s other son, vile rapist Dean (Matt Di Angelo) made his return last year. And as fans will recall, the sicko ended up getting arrested in April for the murder of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).
Dean didn’t actually murder Keanu as it was Linda who stabbed him to stop him from strangling Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean). Linda, Sharon and the rest of The Six then went and framed Dean.
Since then, he’s been locked up behind bars – with the Six seeming to have gotten away with it. But now, viewers are certain that a return is on the cards for Dean’s mum Shirley – and it’s soon.
Over in the soap this week, it was Dean’s plea hearing, in which he pleaded not guilty. It was then revealed that Dean’s court case will be taking place in September – sending fans into a frenzy, thinking this will be when mum Shirley makes a comeback.
On X, one viewer mused: “Nice to hear Shirley get a mention. Wonder if she returns for the trial. A second penned: “She is definitely returning then.” A third wrote: “Dean’s court case in September & a Shirley mention.
“I hope she returns in the autumn for Dean’s trial.” Meanwhile, another fan proclaimed: “please bring back Shirley in September!”
