EastEnders star Shane Richies return as Alfie saved Jessie Wallace from axe

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Shane Richie's epic return to EastEnders as Alfie Moon has saved his co-star Jessie Wallace from being axed, a TV insider has claimed.

The EastEnders icon has been confirmed to return to the BBC soap three years after Alfie fled Albert Square, having gotten on the wrong side of Phil Mitchell.

Shane's Alfie can reasonably expect a tense reunion with his former lover Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace.

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Jessie was slapped with a warning by BBC bosses after the actress was involved in a drunken bust-up with a police officer outside of a nightclub in Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk.

She accepted a caution from officers and expressed her "deep regret" after the drunken arrest.

Now, an alleged TV insider has claimed Shane's return to the soap has saved Jessie from being axed as it confirms her future on the soap.

They told The Sun: "Albert Square devotees will be thrilled that Alfie Moon is returning — he’s one of the most-loved characters in the soap’s history.

“It also secures the future of Jessie as Kat, because together they deliver one of EastEnders most captivating love stories.

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“Having them on the cast is seen as a dynamite combination that might get more diehard fans tuning in again.

“Losing Jessie would have been a disaster for producers who are pinning a lot on new storylines they’re going to be at the centre off."

The last time fans saw Alfie, he had been revealed as the father of Kat's cousin Hayley Slater's baby after a brief affair.

Alfie desperately tried to win Kat back, but he ended up having to leave Walford altogether as he stole money from Phil Mitchell, a man you shouldn't mess with.

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The circumstances surrounding his comeback have not yet been revealed, but it's clear his ex Kat and her new partner Phil won't be happy to see him.

Kat moved on with her old friend Phil after she got divorced from Alfie.

Speaking about his return, Shane said: "It's an absolute honour and privilege to be asked back to my TV home of Albert Square.

"I’m looking forward to catching up with some old cast mates and meeting some new ones.

"The new exec producer Chris Clenshaw has been instrumental in wanting to bring Alfie Moon back with some wonderful storylines… and who am I to say no?! I can't wait."