EastEnders welcomed back two iconic characters to Walford in Thursday's episode (July 9), as fans speculate on the identity of the mysterious gunman seen in the New Year's Eve flash-forward. Original character Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and killer Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) both made their comebacks, each bringing troubling news for fellow residents.
Sharon Watts Returns to Walford
Sharon's return was unveiled early in the episode when her brother, Zack Hudson (James Farrar), arrived home to find her standing in the hallway. Zack was thrilled to see his sister, as was her former partner, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who had helped Sharon orchestrate the surprise. However, matters quickly became tense between Sharon and Phil as she revealed she was offloading her stake in their boxing gym.
Ravi Gulati's Comeback and Threat
Shortly afterward, Ravi's return was also broadcast. He was spotted stepping out of a vehicle after nearly knocking down his former flame, Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Levy). Ravi made it evident he was keen to rekindle their romance and become a devoted father to their children once more, but Priya was having none of it, according to the Mirror. She marched off, and when he pursued her, Priya lambasted him for abandoning her.
Ravi explained he had been "ill," having recently been discharged from a mental health unit, but Priya was livid that she had supported him and was incensed that he had slept with her before ending their relationship when he left the hospital. When Ravi maintained that Priya must have feelings for him or she wouldn't have sent him a photograph with her new partner visible in the background, she implied she had moved beyond him.
Unknown to Ravi, his competition for Priya's affections is Max Branning (Jake Wood). Yet that didn't prevent Ravi from making a menacing warning. He informed his stepmother, Suki Panesar-Unwin (Balvinder Sopal), that he wouldn't allow anything to come between him and his family, and if that bloke attempted to interfere, he would murder him.
Fan Theories Point to Ravi as Gunman
After Ravi's intimidating words, some viewers speculated that he could be the enigmatic gunman who takes Max's children captive on New Year's. The armed figure was initially glimpsed during the flash-forward on 1 January 2026, pointing a weapon at Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) before commanding Max to pick one to rescue.
One viewer posted: "It's either setting things up for NYD already (and my theory about Ravi being the gunman being correct) or the biggest red herring." Another commented: "The nerve of wanting Priya back when he's treated her like dirt! And issuing death threats... They are trying to sell him as the gunman." A third enquired: "So the gunman in the flash-forward is gonna be Ravi, huh?" while another chimed in: "It all makes sense now, Ravi is the one who kidnaps Lauren and Oscar in the flash-forward episode #EastEnders."
The shooter's identity remains one of numerous puzzles leading up to the New Year. Viewers had also been questioning who Max would marry on that date, but this has now been revealed to be Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), who is not only betrothed to Max but has also secured their wedding location for New Year's Day in Thursday's episode.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
