EastEnders fans are convinced that Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) will make a dramatic return as the Carter family prepares to leave Walford, with many predicting a Christmas twist following this week's shocking developments.
The speculation comes after Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) re-emerged and complicated matters in her attempts to keep hold of Mick's life insurance payout. When Lee Carter (Danny Hatchard) de-registered his father's death, the insurance company demanded the money back, forcing Janine to get creative and re-declare him dead.
Linda Confronts Janine
Tracking Janine down, Linda (Kellie Bright) was rocked when she was told that Mick had survived his perilous plunge and had been living in London for the past four years without contacting his family, but that he had died two weeks ago and been cremated.
After seeking counsel from current partner Max Branning (Jake Wood), who suspected Janine was up to her usual tricks, they returned to find her with a coffin supposedly containing Mick. When Linda insisted on seeing the body, Janine convinced her that seeing it in its current state would break her, leaving Linda to ask Max to do the honours.
Max's Manipulation
Janine then turned her manipulation onto Max, admitting the body wasn't Mick's but claiming that if he went along with her story, he would finally break whatever tie remained between Linda and Mick. Upcoming scenes will see Max capitalise on Linda's supposed closure, dropping to one knee and proposing.
Fan Predictions
With Mick's fate still unconfirmed, Metro readers believe a comeback is imminent before Linda and the Carter kids depart. On the Metro Soaps Facebook page, Juanita Sinclair expressed hope that 'Danny would come back for two episodes and leave with Linda that would be amazing,' while Alana Meneer said: 'I bet He will be back for Linda's exit'.
Joanne Cooper said: 'No I don't think he is dead I think he will turn up Christmas time, fingers crossed', while Fiona Barnes mused: 'I think he will come back in the new years episode, possibly holding the gun or he gets Max arrested!'
Don Reagin highlighted the strong relationship between Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright: 'Honestly, I'd be happy if he returned even for a single episode just to escort the Carter family out of Walford. I believe Danny would do that for Kellie.' Elaine Howard predicted: 'He be back and Linda will leave with him to live happy life'.
Barbara Tidball predicted a further twist: 'I think he will come back and surprise Linda but I hope it isn't to late as Max and Linda getting married at Christmas, he will probably turn up when they are doing there vows and stop the wedding'. David O'Sullivan worked Mick's return into the upcoming flash-forward episode: 'He's alive. He'll return for a happy leaving storyline for Linda. If he's not holding the gun at Oscar and Lauren, it's Cindy'.
