EastEnders character Peter Beale is returning to Walford after nearly five years away.
Actor Dayle Hudson will take on the role of Ian Beale's son, who was last played by Ben Hardy before the character's swift exit in 2015.
But Beale's return does more than just reintroduce his character into the mix - it opens doors for queen of the jungle Jacqueline Jossa's potential return to the show.
Earlier this year, EastEnders dropped a Lauren bombshell that got fans speculating about a possible return.
In July, Kathy Beale revealed that Ian was in New Zealand because Peter and Lauren were having some relationship troubles.
But the show never confirmed if they ever rekindled their relationship.
When Lauren left the soap, she headed to New Zealand to see her ex Peter to reignite their lost spark.
Peter, who has previously been portrayed by six other actors including Hardy, has been involved in several major storylines over the years, most recently the Who Killed Lucy? saga around the death of his twin sister in 2014.
The tragedy was played out over a nearly year-long investigation which ended in a special week of live episodes to mark EastEnders' 30th anniversary.
Lucy's half-brother, Bobby Beale, was ultimately revealed as her killer and the news was too difficult for Peter, who opted to leave Albert Square for a new life in New Zealand.
Hudson will make his TV debut as Peter when the character returns to EastEnders next year.
He said: "I am really grateful and excited to have the opportunity to work on such an institution of British television, alongside some incredible actors.
"Peter has been away for some time so I can't wait to find out what he's been up to and I'm very excited to see what the future holds for him."
EastEnders' executive producer Jon Sen said: "As soon as I met Dayle, I knew he'd be the one to bring Peter Beale back to Walford.
"Peter's a young man with a big heart but a bruised soul and Dayle's a talented actor who captures his complexity perfectly. I welcome him to the company and can't wait to start working with him."
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