Shane Richie backtracks on rejecting EastEnders return

Justin Harp
Photo credit: Patrick Redmond / BBC
Photo credit: Patrick Redmond / BBC

From Digital Spy

EastEnders star Shane Richie is walking back his claims that he rejected a return as his fan-favourite character Alfie Moon.

The fate of the character has been in limbo ever since the series finale of his spin-off Kat & Alfie: Redwater, which ended with both Albert Square mainstays seemingly on the verge of death.

However, it was recently confirmed that his co-star Jessie Wallace will be back in Albert Square later in the year - with soap bosses saying that Shane Richie could also be welcomed back soon.

Photo credit: Patrick Redmond / BBC
Photo credit: Patrick Redmond / BBC

Following an interview in which Shane claimed to have rejected such an offer, he's now trying to set the record straight about his future with EastEnders in a new interview.

"Forgive me, I used the wrong words," he told Metro. "I wouldn't – and in fact have never declined going back to EastEnders – as it's part of my life.

"It's like family! And it goes without question that if EastEnders want me, I'd jump at the chance of stepping back into Alfie's boots!"

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Shane has most recently stepped away from acting to promote his country music album A Country Soul, which he's currently touring across the UK.

He'll be back on screen soon enough with a return appearance in the tenth anniversary series of ITV's evergreen comedy Benidorm.

EastEnders continues on Thursday (January 18) at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our EastEnders homepage

Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.

Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest EastEnders spoilers, as Stacey returns to the Square, and the Carters could be about to lose the Queen Vic for good.

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