Who would you like to see return to EastEnders? Take our poll and have your say

Some EastEnders characters are more iconic than others, and many long-lost favourites have made surprise returns - even coming back from the dead.

One of the most notable returns was Kathy Beale, played by Gillian Taylforth, who was one of the soap's original characters from when it began back in 1985. Kathy was 'killed off' in 2006 to make way for her son Ben Mitchell who returned having not been seen featured in the soap since he was a baby.

Despite being presumed dead, Kathy made a shock return to the Square in 2015 for the 30th anniversary, and has been gracing our screens ever since. Her return was a total shock to viewers, having been kept completely under wraps for the special episode.

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Here we take a look at some other characters that have departed - would you like to see any of them return? Take our poll below, or if you can't see it, have your say :

Bex Fowler

Rebecca 'Bex' Fowler, originally introduced as Chloe Jackson, is the daughter of Sonia and Martin Fowler. Portrayed by Jasmine Armfield since 2014, Bex appeared on until 2020 and again more recently for a short stint for Martin's funeral.

During her appearance in the EastEnders' 40th anniverary special, many fans were impressed by Bex's level-headed approach to grief and her sweet relationship with her adopted sister Lily Slater, and have suggested they wouldn't be opposed to Bex making a proper, long-term return.

Pat Butcher

The iconic Pat Butcher - also known as Pat Evans, Pat Wicks, and Pat Beale - left the show in 2012 after dying on screen from cancer. Pat originally appeared on the square in 1986, just a year after EastEnders first hit our screens, and quickly made a name for herself through her numerous affairs and her fierce rivalry with Peggy Mitchell.

Despite having died on-screen surrounded by her family in 2012, Pat made a short return in 2016 to appear as a ghost to accompany her old pal Peggy as she died. Despite Pam St Clement wanting to leave the show, there has been debate over whether it was necessary to kill her character off. Many fans have made it clear they would welcome a return from Pat, and wouldn't care if it makes sense for her to come back from the dead or not.

David Wicks

David Wicks, played by Michael French, has been a recurring character in EastEnders since 1993. Known for his dynsfunctional relationship with his mother Pat Butcher, and having an affair with his sister-in-law Cindy Beale.

One of David's most notable storylines was him finding out he was the father of Bianca Jackson, as a result of David's relationship with Carol Jackson (Branning).

Known as a beautiful, lovable bad boy throughout his run in the 90s, David has made several returns over the years to continue his tumultuous relationship with Carol, each time leaving her heartbroken. Despite Carol not currently living on the Square, some fans have said they'd welcome a return from David just to see him engage in new storylines and get involved with characters outside of the Beale/Jackson family.

Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell

Sisters Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell appeared in 2007, and left the show together in 2017 in a tragic turn of events at Ronnie's second wedding to Jack Branning. One of the most popular double acts of the show, Ronnie and Roxy's storylines saw them clash with their villainous father Archie Mitchell, open a club, each have a child with Jack Branning, and clash with each other numerous times.

Despite it all, the pair were best friends and incredibly loyal to each other, even when it looked like Ronnie's past traumas would drive a wedge between them forever. Many fans consider the killing off of Ronnie and Roxy by EastEnders showrunner Sean O'Connor, to be one of the biggest mistakes in the soap's history. If there's a creative way to bring them back from the dead, it would surely prove popular.

Mick Carter

Mick Carter, played by Danny Dyer, made a tragic exit on Day in 2022, with his final scenes showing him lost at sea while trying to rescue his beloved Linda. Danny played Mick for nine years, starting out as the new landlord of the Queen Vic pub. His character's most notable storylines included finding out that Shirly Carter, his sister, was actually his mother, and learning his brother Dean Wicks raped his then-wife Linda.

Much-loved by many fans, some have said they'd welcome a return from Mick and the still-unexplained whreabouts of his body means Danny Dyer has a lot of potential for a shock return.

But would you welcome it, or is there another character you'd like to see back on the show - however dramatic their exit was? Take our poll and let us know how you feel in the comments below. If you can't see the poll above, click .