Cindy, Pat, Kathy and Lucy all return to EastEnders for BBC Children in Need special
EASTENDERS fans are in for a treat as some of the soaps' most loved characters return to Albert Square in an exclusive sketch for BBC Children in Need.
Ian Beale is in for the shock of his life as ghosts of his past come back to haunt him.
When he's knocked unconscious, Ian travels back in time to find his adulterous, home-wrecking ex-wife, Cindy, played by Michelle Collins, in his kitchen.
And that's not his only blast from the past as he escapes to the pub and finds Pat Butcher, played by Pat St Clement, and her infamous earrings running the Queen Vic.
And Ian can't believe his eyes to see his mother Kathy, played by Gillian Taylforth, back behind the counter in the café with a surprising new love interest.
It's not just Ian who's had the opportunity to reminisce.
Gillian, who left the soap 2000, said: “It was surreal being back but it was fantastic to have the chance to play Kathy again.
"Once I was back in the café with my apron on and stirring the beans it was like I had never left”, she joked.
Ian also has a touching encounter with his dead daughter Lucy, played by Hetti Bywater, whose killer is still on the loose – but will she be able to give her dad the answers he's desperately searching for?
Remaining tight-lipped about what happens, Hetti said: "Ian feels guilty as the last few conversations they had didn’t end well so it was nice for them to have a final moment together.
"Lucy and Ian have had their fair share of ups and downs but Lucy always loved her family".
Adam Woodyatt who plays Ian Beale said filimg the sketch with his old colleagues was "one of the best days he's ever had at work".
"Ian is really happy to see some faces and completely knocked for six by others but then again I think finding your late ex-wife in your kitchen is enough to shock anyone."
The special will be broadcast as part of Children In Need on Friday 14th November.