EastEnders enthusiasts have identified what they perceive as a definitive clue indicating the imminent return of actress Letitia Dean to the BBC One serial drama. The moment, which occurred during an episode last week, was so fleeting that viewers could easily have overlooked it.
Sharon Watts Mention Sparks Speculation
In a scene broadcast on Thursday, 12th March, characters Phil Mitchell, portrayed by Steve McFadden, and Mark Fowler Jr, played by Stephen Aaron-Sipple, engaged in a discussion concerning The Boxing Den. This dialogue naturally progressed to a reference about Sharon Watts, the long-standing character embodied by Letitia Dean since 1985.
During their exchange at the gym, Phil advised his nephew, Mark, stating, "You can manage it until Sharon gets back." Mark's nonchalant reply of "Yeah, anything..." has ignited fervent speculation among the show's dedicated fanbase.
Fan Reaction on Social Media
Following the broadcast, numerous supporters hurried to X, the platform previously known as Twitter, to express their exhilaration regarding the mention. One user commented, "Yeah but the fact that Sharon is still getting referenced when she's not been mentioned in months makes me optimistic for a return at some stage. #EastEnders." Another exclaimed, "OMG SHARON IS RETURNING!!" while others noted her historical pattern of comebacks.
Additional reactions included remarks such as, "She always comes back in time for Grant lol," and "Yay! We'll get her back for like a couple of weeks before she goes on yet another break/holiday!" The Daily Mail has reached out to the BBC for an official statement regarding these developments.
Sharon's Recent Absence Explained
The beloved character Sharon Watts has been conspicuously absent from EastEnders throughout 2026. Her last appearance was on 16th October 2025, amidst dramatic storylines involving Zoe Slater's return to Walford, played by Michelle Ryan. In a twist, Zoe falsely informed Sharon that her long-lost children were fathered by Sharon's former husband, Dennis Rickman, portrayed by Nigel Harman. This deception was later revealed, with the children actually belonging to Anthony Trueman, acted by Nicholas Bailey.
Another Character Makes a Comeback
In related news, EastEnders aficionados will be delighted to learn that another fan-favourite personality is scheduled to reappear on screens. The episode set to air at 7:30 pm today, 16th March, which is already accessible on BBC iPlayer, confirms the return of Cora Cross, played by Ann Mitchell.
This special Mother's Day episode will feature the Beale family gathering for celebrations. Lauren Beale, depicted by Jacqueline Jossa, invites her father, Max Branning, played by Jake Wood, to join the occasion. Lauren's husband, Peter, acted by Thomas Law, prepares a surprise, reintroducing a familiar face to Albert Square.
To Lauren's joy, she reunites with her grandmother, Cora Cross, who is also Max's former mother-in-law. The cherished family matriarch was last seen in a guest appearance in November 2018. EastEnders continues to broadcast on BBC One, maintaining its position as a cornerstone of British television drama.
