EastEnders is lining up a surprise return for Lee Carter this year

He hasn't been seen on-screen since 2017.

But EastEnders' Lee Carter will be back in Walford later this year as his parents, Mick and Linda, go through a difficult time. The character - played by Danny-Boy Hatchard - left Albert Square in 2017 after struggling with his mental health, and as his relationship with Whitney fell apart. The Mirror report Lee will return to help his parents, after Mick has been struggling with anxiety and panic attacks recently and an upcoming storyline is set to see Linda explore her struggles with alcohol. Discussing his return to the soap, Danny-Boy said he would "always be loyal to the Carter clan and the show." He added:

"The way things are going with the Carters at the minute, it makes total sense that Lee would return, even for a short stint.

"I will always be loyal to the Carter clan and the show, and am very excited to be back on set with some immensely talented people whom I love dearly."

Producer Jon Sen said:

"We are thrilled that Danny-Boy is returning to Walford to reprise the role of Lee Carter. "Lee obviously left the Square under a cloud but now he returns to vanquish demons and help Mick and Linda as they struggle through their latest crisis."