Sources have confirmed actor Alex McSweeney will return to BBC 's EastEnders as Graham Foster this series.

The villain was last on screen in January 2005, being visited in prison by Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).

The 38-year-old's character was sent to jail after the rape of bartender Maureen "Little Mo" Mitchell, played by Kacey Ainsworth.

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The Queen Vic's Little Mo then went on to birth Foster's child, known in the TV soap as Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier).

Speaking on his return to the screen, Alex told The Mirror: “I’m grateful to be asked to reprise the role of Graham as I thought it was important for Freddie to be given some answers about his dad.

“I thoroughly enjoyed working with the talented Bobby Brazier.”

Sources have confirmed that Freddie will discover the truth about his real father, being under the impression that Billy is his father.

The programme's shocking assault storyline occurred eighteen years ago, but Graham was only imprisoned for eight years, meaning the character has presumably been out of the clink for ten years.

Whilst being visited by Billy in prison, Graham teased the other character about the paternity, and marked a return to Albert Square.

Billy and Mo's marriage suffered, after Little Mo refused to terminate the pregnancy, instead dedicating herself to motherhood.

The couple ultimately broke up, with Kacey's character leaving Walford with baby in arms in 2006.

Mother and son returned to TV screens last year, after Freddie began a quest to unveil his true father.

EastEnders fans previously worried that 'sweet' Freddie Slater would find himself the victim of grooming, in a shock storyline twist.

Viewers saw a close relationship between the 18-year-old character and "creepy" teacher, Mr Hawthorne, acted by William Ellis.

The pair were often seen on screen, even found drinking at the pub together, but the relationship did not end up progressing into anything more inappropriate.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm

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