The recent flood of returning favourite faces -- namely the entire Jackson clan -- has got us thinking about who else we'd love to have back on the Square. From the hundreds of departed characters, we've whittled this definitive EastEnders call-back list...
Last seen… being slathered in concrete and buried under the Vic by Walford's three witches: Chrissie, Sam and Zoe.
We'd like him back because… he's soap's best bad boy. And we'd kill to see how the writers would resurrect him for a second time.
What are the chances? Alas, a concrete zero.
Last seen… leaving for Alabama, pregnant with Grant Mitchell's son. She called the baby Mark Junior after her brother -- the only person she felt able to tell the truth.
We'd like her back because… her moody mum Pauline is no more, so by rights Michelle should inherit her scowling queen of soap tiara. Plus we'd like to size up Grant's male offspring.
What are the chances? Fair. Actress Susan Tully went on to direct episodes of EastEnders, so might one day fancy reprising her role.
Last seen… in December 2005. He returned for a week to persuade Pat not to give evidence against Janine. In 2008, we discovered that he'd died of throat cancer at daughter Diane's house in France.
We'd like him back because… we miss Frank and Pat's potassium-meets-water chemistry. And his 80-a-day laugh.
What are the chances? Not great. He's dead, both on screen and off. Still, maybe someday CGI and soap will get acquainted. Soon, mortality may no longer have the power to scupper a juicy comeback.
Last seen… leaving for Portugal with daughter Courtney after he tricked wife Carla into revealing her true intentions, then dumped her in a bin.
We'd like him back because... bald brute Phil is nothing without his womanising (br)other half. Nothing says entertainment like Grant biffing Phil over some brassy bird.
What are the chances? Ross Kemp hasn't ruled out a return, but it's unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Last seen... reuniting, then driving off into the sunset. Or, more likely, to the airport.
We'd like them back because... their stormy relationship lit up the Square.
What are the chances? Excellent. In fact, the pair confirmed that they'll return to Walford later this year. Wardrobe had better stock up on mini-skirts, stilettos and industrial grade lip liner.
Last seen... telling schizophrenic son Joe that he was leaving town, then fleeing to Milan in tears. Recently, he sent daughter Bianca £10,000 as a wedding present.
We'd like him back because... he's a bit of a fox. And with the Jackson clan back on the scene, David's return would guarantee fireworks.
What are the chances? Persuade Casualty to kill off Nick Jordan, then we'll talk.
Which departed East Ender would you want back?
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