EastEnders viewers are convinced Mick Carter is still alive, pointing to recent scenes, a looming return and a confirmed exit as clues that Danny Dyer's character could be heading back to Walford.
The character was presumed dead and "lost at sea" after appearing to be swept away in December 2022. A showdown with Janine Butcher and Linda Carter saw Mick seemingly lose his life. Since then his body has never been found.
Lee Carter revokes death certificate
This week, Lee Carter admitted he had revoked his dad's death certificate, saying he couldn't believe his dad was dead and questioning if he had in fact survived. Fans have long wondered this too, and many believe the scene, along with recent mentions of Mick, could be a huge hint that Mick is alive and will return in time for Linda's exit.
Taking to social media, one fan commented: "If they had time to do the storyline proper, imagine Linda seeing Mick in the market thinking she’s hallucinating, but he’s real and he’s got a new identity and new family." Another said: "So is Mick alive then after all this time?"
Fans predict New Year's Day return
A third fan added: "Got a feeling Mick Carter will return to Walford eventually." A fourth viewer posted: "Lee foreshadowing the future with Mick. What do you have up your sleeve Ben Wadey?"
Another fan said: "Some very subtle Mick Carter return from the dead foreshadowing from Lee here. He's coming home for Linda on NYD," while another said: "Wonder if Mick will come back he is definitely not dead."
A further theory read: "Who could blame Lee? I still don’t believe Mick is dead," as one agreed: "Great time for Mick to return." The comments kept on coming, with a fan saying: "WHO THINKS THAT MICK CARTER WILL RETURN ON NEW YEARS DAY 2027??"
On the scene with Lee, a fan asked: "What did Linda mean when she said Lee had revoked Mick’s death certificate? Is this a clue that Mick is coming back??"
Theories on Mick's return
Fans then continued to speculate when Mick would be back, with some theories suggesting it would be in the big New Year's Day 2027 episode. A fan suggested: "This is also making me think that this could be Mick behind the gun as the jacket that the person who is behind the gun is wearing is very reminiscent of Mick’s coat from when he first joined."
A final post read: "So many Mick mentions at the moment. I’m really leaning to him returning and that’ll be Linda’s exit where they go off together as a family and start a fresh new life away from Albert Square."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
