Walford disciples are going to be deprived of their long-awaited Kat and Alfie reunion.
One of Eastenders most popular actors confirmed in an interview they would not be returning to the square.
Rumours were circulating for a while earlier this year that as Jessie Wallace is set to reprise her role as Kat Moon, she would likely bring Shane Ritchie’s character, Alfie, with her.
Unfortunately, in a nightmare interview that will pain the ears of Enders fans across the country, Ritchie has ruled out a return, saying he needs to “take a break from showbiz.”
Speaking on Radio City, as part of their 24 hour mental health broadcast, he said: “I’m in a fortunate position where I can pick and choose what I want to do and EastEnders at the moment I said no to it.
“I just need to take a break from television and a little break away from showbiz.
“Trust me, it’s not because I’ve got loads of money because that is far from the truth. But I just need to pick and choose.”
So Kat will be left to terrorise residents of Albert Square on her own.
Jessie Wallace confirmed her own return by sharing a picture of her character’s infamous ‘bling’ necklace, adding the caption: “I’m home #EastEnders.”
I'm home #EastEnders ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LmvLF29Thn
— Jessie Wallace (@JessieWallaceUK) January 11, 2018
It is understood she will be coming back to Walford alongside Mo Harris and Jean Slater, but no Alfie.
The couple were last seen in the EastEnders spin-off Redwater.
Speaking about reprising the role, Jessie has previously said: “I am thrilled to be returning to EastEnders next year and knowing what John Yorke has in store for the Slaters is incredibly exciting.
“I love Kat and Walford dearly and I cannot wait to get started – watch out Walford, Kat’s coming home.”
All will no doubt be revealed in the coming months, but for now fans were just happy to know Kat was back.
https://twitter.com/megandavies2710/status/951475637281271808
Best decision eastenders have made for years! Can’t wait bring back the good old days 🙌🏻🙌🏻😘
— LaurenAsh1T (@laurenT1c) January 11, 2018
Hope they have some good storylines ready for you, too many characters not really being used to there full potential in the show at the moment. Can't wait to see Kat again though xx
— 𝕁𝕦𝕕𝕪❄𝔽𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕖𝕣 (@missjudyfisher) January 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/xxLinziWrightxx/status/951550072466149376
