EastEnders legend Shane Richie reveals Alfie’s future after devastating cancer and ‘exit’ storyline

SHANE Richie addressed Alfie Moon’s future on EastEnders as fans feared the iconic character would be killed off in a devastating cancer storyline.

The 59-year-old actor appeared on The One Show ahead of Wednesday’s emotional episode of the BBC soap.

It saw Alfie punching Phil Mitchell after learning the hardman had cheated on fiancée Kat.

He then confessed he lied about getting the all clear from his cancer tests, and begged Phil to look after Kat and Tommy because “I might not be here to do it”.

But actor Shane gave a ray of hope to EastEnders fans when he appeared on The One Show and hinted Alfie will survive, and return to the Square after a stint in Spain.

Asked by The One Show’s Alex Jones if there was a future for Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie, Shane said: “Next year something may happen. But we don’t know.”

Speaking about Alfie’s tough storyling tonight, Shane said it made him question his own health.

He said: “Two days before (I was given the storyline) I went for a health check for prostate cancer, only because I’m at that age now.

“And I’m starting to get reminded, I had a friend, very close, since I’ve known since 16, and he was diagnosed.

“I got checked out, I have a young family, thankfully I was alright.”

Viewers watched last night as Alfie discovered that Phil had cheated on Kat ahead of their wedding this week.

But after punching him, Alfie made a heartbreaking confession, begging Phil to look after Kat and his boys after he’s gone.

“I want you to promise me that you’ll keep my family safe,” he said to a confused Phil. 

“Because I hate you right now. I want you to swear on your kids’ lives that you won’t let Kat down again. 

“And you won’t let my boys down….”

Phil swore but then realised something was amiss and told Alfie: “This ain’t making sense, Alfie. Why aren’t you telling Kat?”

An emotional Alfie said: “Because I might not be around for much longer.”

Phil realised what he meant and asked him: “Alfie, did you lie to us? Have you got cancer?”

Fans are heartbroken for him.

One wrote: “Ok ok i hope im wrong. But considering Alfie has said to phil he has cancer. Is it him Eastenders are killing of at Xmas!?? You can’t kill off Alfie and Kat please. #KAT Kat Algie Tommy”

A second said: “they best not kill Alfie Moon off”