Maddy Hill is to reprise her role as Nancy Carter on EastEnders after almost five years away from the soap.
The daughter of Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda (Kellie Bright) was last seen leaving Walford to go travelling with Tamwar Masood (Himesh Patel) - and has since got married to him off screen, settling down for a new life in New Zealand.
The Carters will be surprised by the sudden return of Nancy to Walford in the coming months, prompting the question - why has she abandoned her husband on the other side of the world?
"I'm so excited to be coming back and reconnecting with all the hilarious, warm, talented cast and crew and meeting some lovely new faces," said Hill, who appeared on Casualty for two years after leaving the soap.
"I absolutely loved playing Nancy and have often wondered what she's up to, so feel very grateful to be able to rediscover her five years on!"
EastEnders executive producer Jon Sen said: "We're delighted to have Maddy back and I can't wait for audiences to see what's in store for Nancy.
"There's a lot of mystery surrounding her return and she's coming back to a family that have been through a very difficult year – things are definitely not as Nancy left them.
"Maddy is a fantastic actor and we feel very lucky to have her back in Walford."
Hill will begin filming this month and her first scenes will air later in the spring.
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