EastEnders fans are convinced they have worked out the real reason Nancy and Lee Carter are returning to Walford this year, with many predicting a heartbreaking family funeral.
It has been confirmed that Maddy Hill and Danny Hatchard are reprising their roles later this year, and the pair have already started filming. Mum Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) is in for a shock when her children return, and the family has weathered plenty in their absence, so their upcoming reunion may not be entirely smooth.
Fans predict Mick Carter's funeral
While the reason for their return is yet to be revealed, fans of the BBC One soap are convinced a shock family death will bring the Carters back together. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: "Wild theory: Nancy and Lee come back for Mick's funeral, then Mick turns up alive and all the Carters ride off into the sunset. #EastEnders."
Another added: "The fact that Nancy Lee and Johnny last reunited in December 2024 for Linda's special standalone episode - a glimpse into Linda's future if she didn't stop drinking which included her funeral. Now 2 years later Lee Nancy and Johnny will reunite once more - this time possibly for Mick Carter's funeral almost four years since he 'died at sea''."
Mick's disappearance in 2022
A third person said: "Lee and Nancy returning……… is this how u tell me u have found his body?!? i can’t even… please god no! not my Mick."
Lee and Nancy's dad Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) seemingly drowned in the sea during the Christmas Day episode in 2022. He dived into the ocean to rescue a pregnant Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) after their car plunged off a cliff, not knowing his ex-wife Linda had already managed to escape. Mick never resurfaced, and though his body was never found, he was presumed dead.
Stars react to their return
On her return, Maddy said: "I am SO excited to be returning to Enders for a short stint and stepping back into Nancy’s shoes (or basketball shorts!). I've missed her! I’m especially looking forward to seeing lots of familiar faces and acting alongside my incredible on-screen family."
Danny added: "I'm absolutely over the moon to be returning to EastEnders as Lee Carter. Albert Square has always felt like a home away from home, so I’m proper buzzing to be back grafting with the Enders family."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am.
