EastEnders line up shock return for Elaine – a year after star's dramatic soap exit

The Sun

03-06-2025

EASTENDERS actor Paul Clayton is set to return to the soap after more than a year as he reprises the role of Drew Peacock.
Drew was revealed as the ex lover of the husband of Queen Vic landlady Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe).
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The character made their debut last year when they arrived as the drag artist hired by the Carter's to perform at Elaine's hen-do.
Things soon took a dramatic turn when Elaine recognised him and ordered him to leave.
The landlady was then forced to reveal to her daughter Linda (Kellie Bright) that Drew was the mystery person that her father had an affair with all those years ago.
And while Elaine and Drew managed to talk things over and put the past behind them it looks as though more drama is on the way as Drew makes a shock return in upcoming episodes.
The character is featured on the cast list for next week's episodes meaning that his return isn't far away.
The guide hints that it is a huge week for the character of Elaine as she makes a shock discovery before making a decision about her marriage to George Knight (Colin Salmon).
She starts to suspect husband George is cheating on her.
Things go from bad to worse when Junior Knight turns up and reveals George kissed his mum Sabrina on Christmas day.
It's another blow to their marriage after the drama with Cindy Beale, after George helped her relaunch The Albert.
Actor Paul, who played Sophie's dad in Peep Show, sparked rumours of a potential return after posing for a photo with Harriet, shared to the actress's Instagram, back in March.
Watch the moment EastEnders' George Knight calls off wedding to Elaine Peacock after deceit is exposed
Elaine hasn't had an easy time since arriving in Walford.
The character permanently moved to Walford with George in 2023, taking over the iconic Queen Vic pub with her daughter Linda Carter.
She recently discovered Cindy's shock affair with her stepson Junior.
The pub at the heart of Albert Square then suffered a devastating explosion that rocked Walford.
The Knight family were forced to move out until renovations were complete after they received the good news that the insurance would be paying out.
Now it seems the pub could be changing hands - after EastEnders accidentally leaked a massive spoiler.
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