Sean Slater is back on EastEnders and teams up with a former rival to save Amy Mitchell next week. The character returns after Amy fled Walford with her older boyfriend, detective Craig, who has groomed and manipulated her into believing she is in a healthy relationship.
With Craig exposed, he and Amy fled Walford this week. Jack Branning tried to stop his daughter from getting away but was unable to, leaving Amy missing next week. Actor Rob Kazinsky, who plays Sean, has teased what fans can expect from the return and where the Amy storyline might lead.
Kazinsky on Returning to Walford
Kazinsky said returning to the role felt like home. "I know it's cliche, but it feels like home. Perhaps because I played Sean when I was so young or perhaps because the happiest time of my life was when I was first in Walford, but treading these streets again, wearing Sean Slater, feels safe and calm and exciting all at the same time."
He added that he never lost his connection with the character. "I know Sean inside and out; of all my characters he's probably the one I am most protective of. Perhaps because of his tragedy or his ability to conquer his demons if he loves someone enough, but I find him deeply human. I've never lost my connection with him and putting Sean's shoes and coat on again felt wholly right."
Sean and Jack's Complicated History
On reuniting with familiar faces, Kazinsky said it was lovely seeing old friends, including his Slater family, and meeting people he did not get to before. "Sean was only on the square for two years and never overlapped with Kat and Alfie or Cindy for example and that's magic in waiting."
As Sean arrives in the Square, he is immediately thrust into the drama as he and Jack try to track down Amy. Kazinsky said the relationship between Sean and Jack is the most storied for Sean, describing it as "enemies to grudging acceptance." He explained: "The speed with which two men who have a fight can become friends is almost ridiculous and Sean and Jack have one thing that binds them together – they both love Amy."
A Father's Promise to Roxy
Kazinsky said Sean never stopped thinking of Amy as his child. "He held her in his arms as his daughter and finding out she wasn't his was the hardest thing that ever happened to him. He will protect her and love her as only a father ever could. He swore to Roxy that he would do so and nothing stops him keeping promises to Roxy Mitchell."
Teasing the return in general, Kazinsky said: "That 42-year-old Sean Slater is much more interesting than 21-year-old Sean Slater, be prepared for something old and something new." EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
