EastEnders fans have been busy piecing together clues over the weekend, and they think they've worked out another major death – and it's a devastating one. The theory centres on the upcoming returns of Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) and Lee and Nancy Carter (Danny Hatchard and Maddy Hill), with viewers convinced that Mick Carter's (Danny Dyer) body is about to be found.
What we know so far
At a press event this month, 'Enders boss Ben Wadey teased what's to come for Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), saying: 'Linda Carter is one of the all time great EastEnders characters, so losing her is such a big moment to the show and we wanted to make sure we see Linda at her best in her final few months.'
He added: 'We will be welcoming Lee and Nancy back for a period in a story where I guarantee your jaws will drop when you see it.' The two missing Carter kids are expected to return for their mum and brother Johnny's (Charlie Suff) big exit.
Janine's mysterious return
But it's Janine's return that has fans puzzled – especially since she's been seen filming a funeral. As EastEnders viewers will remember, Janine was the architect of the Carter family's downfall, destroying the shaky remnants of Mick and Linda's marriage in an effort to claim Mick for herself. Their story ended in watery tragedy after a plunge off a cliff; Mick tried to rescue both Linda and Janine and was pulled into the depths, never to be seen again, with him announced as presumed dead.
Metro reader Tara Blige laid out her theory in the comments on Facebook: 'Only reason Janine would return is if it's Mick's funeral,' she began. 'I'm guessing that's why Nancy and Lee return too. Then Linda will say there's nothing holding her to stay in Walford anymore other than her mum, so she decides to leave with Nancy and Lee and Johnny follows too.'
Fans share their theories
Charlotte Tolson seemed to agree, writing: 'Lee and Nancy and Janine is coming back so guessing Mick's body is found?' Linda Bloemheuvel said: 'Always liked Nancy. I guess with Janine returning as well Mick's body has been found.'
Kim Baker laid out her own dream scenario, suggesting Janine (as Mick's wife) arranges a funeral for him, possibly linked to the son she was having with him. She imagined Nancy and Lee returning for the funeral, and Mick somehow surviving with a knock to the head, losing his memory and floating to shore. She wrote: 'After years (maybe something happened) he starts to have flashbacks of the accident, Janine, his beloved Linda and children and lets not forget his BOOZA lol.'
Kay Stokes offered her storyline idea too, writing: 'If Mick's body is found and it's his funeral I think it will be a fake one and that he has already been in touch with Linda and you will see her leave, then you will see her meet up with Mick, they will go off together and that is why Lee n Nancy are coming back because they have found their dad.'
While it's not yet known who's in the coffin, one thing is for sure – there are some impressive storylines hiding in the comments of Metro Soaps' Facebook page.
