EastEnders' latest episode airs the return of a fan favourite with viewers thrilled, after the BBC soap icon, Sharon Watts, vanished rather abruptly last year with barely any screen time10:29, 26 May 2026Updated 10:31, 26 May 2026An iconic EastEnders character made her highly anticipated return to the BBC soap on Tuesday.‌After months off screen and some concern from viewers, the fan favourite headed back to Walford, finally, leaving viewers thrilled. The return marked a double exit twist, seeing two other Walford icons depart the show.‌Warning, this article contains spoilers from Tuesday's episode that is now on BBC iPlayer. It airs at 7:30pm on BBC One on Tuesday evening so if you don't want to know what happens, look away now.‌The return had not been confirmed in spoilers, with the Mirror and other soap sources asked to keep the big twist under wraps. Fans will have to stay tuned to find out how long she will be around for, and if she is back for good.READ MORE: EastEnders icon makes unannounced return with huge news for Zack - as fans stunnedREAD MORE: Emmerdale spoilers: Dr Todd exposed by Chas, robbery plan and affair heats upThe icon in question is none other than Sharon Watts. Actress Letitia Dean has reprised her role after some time away from the show, marking her big return in time for her sister Vicki Fowler's wedding this week.‌Sharon has been away with Vicki's mother and her BFF Michelle Fowler. Michelle's son with Grant Mitchell, Mark Fowler Jr, recently rocked up in Walford.There has been mentions of Sharon recently, and Phil Mitchell suggested she might be back at some point. But the soap decided to keep back any hints that it would be this soon.Sharon had left unexpectedly late last year before making a super brief return. She then fled again, making Tuesday her first appearance on the soap this year.‌It was said Sharon was struggling after the drama with Zoe Slater, while fans were concerned after the months of absence. As viewers begged for Sharon to make a comeback, their prayers were answered this week.Just seconds before Sharon arrived, Grant and his sister Sam Mitchell fled. Drama with Max Branning reached a dramatic conclusion, and the Mitchell siblings fled.‌Fans will have to tune in later to find out the specifics about both storylines, and for more details. It follows the surprise return of Whitney Dean this week.I'm A Celebrity star Shona McGarty reprised her role after two years away. Whitney unexpectedly met up with her ex Zack Hudson after their previous split, and she soon dropped a bombshell on him.There had been no warning or spoilers about the character making a comeback, just like Sharon. Fans are now wondering if this could mean more twists and turns ahead.Article continues belowEastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .