Another familiar face is on his way back to EastEnders as Jake Moon star Joel Beckett reprises his role in upcoming scenes.

A mainstay of the Square between 2004 and 2006, Jake staged an unexpected return to the show in 2024 when he came back to Walford to reunite with former flame Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman).

At the time, Chrissie – who murdered Den (Leslie Grantham) two decades prior – was released from prison after serving her sentence.

Her reunion with Jake was thought to be the closing of a chapter for both characters as they left the Square – together at last.

But Chrissie’s unannounced comeback at Christmas appeared to confirm that things have gone pear shaped between her and Jake, and thus she decided to target Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).

Zoe, as viewers know, was terrified for months after series of disturbing incidents were carried out by a secret nemesis, who vowed revenge.

Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) was later confirmed to be the culprit, acting on the instructions of vengeful Chrissie. After Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey) wound up dead at Christmas, Zoe was arrested for murder – and all fingers point to Chrissie, who has vanished into thin air.

While viewers know the killer to be Jasmine, Kat (Jessie Wallace) is on a mission to locate prime suspect Chrissie in the hopes that she’ll clear Zoe’s name.

Jake, much like everyone else, is determined to get answers about what unfolded at Christmas as he arrives back in the Square for a short stint.

His family are still unaware that he’s alive, so that will be quite the surprise for them!

Jake gets more than he bargained for, however, when he learns a different version of events that leaves him questioning the woman he loves.

The question is: with his conscience weighing on him heavy and various accounts of what happened that night to contend with, will he do the right thing for not only himself but also for his family?

Decisions, decisions.

On returning to EastEnders, star Joel Beckett said: ‘It was really lovely to step back onto the Square after all this time and revisit Jake.

‘Being back working alongside familiar faces, as well as some brilliant new ones, was a real joy and it was good to know that Jake had been out there, alive and well.

‘He returns carrying plenty of unanswered questions and the storyline takes him in some unexpected directions with real twists and turns. I’m excited for people to see what he’s been up to.”

EastEnders boss Ben Wadey added: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Joel Beckett back to the role of Jake Moon and EastEnders for this storyline.

‘Jake’s return will be a shock for many, but the biggest shocks of all will surround Jake and what he discovers about Christmas…’