BACK FOR GOOD? EastEnders line up shock return for Elaine – a year after star’s dramatic soap exit

In a dramatic twist that is set to shake up the dynamics of Walford, EastEnders viewers are in for a shocking return as Paul Clayton reprises his role as Drew Peacock. The character, whose tumultuous history with Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) was revealed last year, is returning just in time to stir up more chaos in the troubled marriage between Elaine and George Knight (Colin Salmon).

Drew first appeared when he was hired as a drag performer for Elaine’s hen-do, but his arrival soon took a dramatic turn. Elaine was forced to confront a painful part of her past when she realized that Drew was the man with whom her late husband had an affair many years ago. Although Elaine and Drew managed to have a difficult conversation and put the past behind them, it seems that this chapter of their lives isn’t quite over. The upcoming return of Drew promises to bring even more emotional turmoil.

Fans were first teased with Drew’s potential return when Paul Clayton shared a photo with Harriet Thorpe on Instagram in March, sparking rumours of his comeback. Now, EastEnders has confirmed that Drew will feature prominently in upcoming episodes, and it looks like his return will have significant consequences for Elaine and her already fragile relationship with George.

In the midst of an already turbulent storyline for Elaine, she is about to make a shocking discovery about her marriage. As George’s secret affair with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) continues to haunt the couple, Elaine starts to suspect that George may be hiding more than just his past with Cindy. Things spiral further when Junior Knight, George’s son, reveals that George kissed his mother, Sabrina, on Christmas Day, making Elaine question everything about her marriage.EastEnders line up shock return for Elaine - a year after star's dramatic  soap exit | The Irish Sun

Elaine’s already strained marriage with George has been tested further by the shocking revelation of his infidelity with Cindy. After George helped Cindy relaunch The Albert pub, tensions mounted, but this new revelation about his kiss with Sabrina is the final straw. As Elaine struggles to come to terms with her suspicions, the return of Drew adds fuel to the fire. What’s more, Drew’s return comes right after the explosive events surrounding The Albert pub, which was rocked by a devastating explosion that forced the Knight family to temporarily move out. This event, along with the ongoing family drama, adds a layer of tension that will undoubtedly have long-lasting effects on the Knight family.

The return of Drew also brings back memories of Elaine’s troubled past, and with her growing doubts about George, it seems that she’s at a crossroads. Will Drew’s return spark old feelings, or will it deepen the cracks in her relationship with George even further? With EastEnders’ penchant for drama and shocking plot twists, viewers are in for an emotional ride.

In addition to Drew’s return, fans are buzzing with anticipation about the potential shift in ownership of The Queen Vic. After the pub’s explosion and subsequent renovations, there have been hints that the beloved Walford pub could soon have new landlords, possibly opening the door to even more drama in the coming weeks.

With Drew’s return, Elaine’s marriage in crisis, and the looming question of who will own The Queen Vic, the stage is set for more explosive episodes in EastEnders. Will Elaine make peace with her past, or will it pull her under? Will George’s secrets destroy everything he’s built with Elaine, or will they find a way to rebuild their relationship? One thing is for sure—Walford’s finest are in for another rollercoaster ride, and viewers won’t want to miss a minute of the drama.

Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling storyline as EastEnders continues to deliver shocking twists and emotional moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Related articles

John Palmer Alone — Is He Coping Without Irene? | Home & Away Spoilers (Airs 8 Oct 2025)

Home & Away spoilers for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, reveal a deeply emotional turn as John Palmer is forced to face life in Summer Bay without his longtime…

😱Home and Away SPOILERS — BREE STABBED! Shocking Hospital Attack (Oct 10, 2025)

 Home and Away SPOILERS — BREE STABBED! Shocking Hospital Attack (Oct 10, 2025) Home and Away fans are bracing for one of the most shocking and heartbreaking episodes…

Home and Away Star Matt Evans Reveals the Exit He Originally Wanted for Theo Poulos

A Tragic Farewell in Summer Bay It’s been an emotional week for Home and Away fans as Theo Poulos met a heartbreaking end in scenes that stunned Australian viewers….

TRAGIC HERO! Theo’s Final Act in Home and Away Stuns Summer Bay

From Troubled Teen to Beloved Hero Theo Poulos’s time in Home and Away has been a journey filled with heartbreak, redemption, and courage. Introduced as Leah’s reckless nephew, Theo’s…

HOT NEWS!! Emmerdale fans ‘work out’ when John Sugden wiII finaIIy be exposed and it’s soon

Emmerdale Fans Convinced John Sugden’s Dark Secrets Will Be Exposed — And the Clock Is Ticking When it comes to shocking storylines, Emmerdale has never shied away from pushing…

HOT NEWS!! Charity’s abortion decision confirmed in Emmerdale as Sarah heads for crushing heartbreak

Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) gets the catastrophic news she feared – that the baby she’s carrying is Ross Barton’s (Michael Parr) and she decides on extreme measures…