EastEnders legend Shane Richie to return to Albert Square after two years

EASTENDERS legend Shane Richie is returning to Albert Square after more than two years, we can reveal.

The star, 54, who plays loveable rogue Alfie Moon, will begin filming within weeks.

On-screen wife Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace, will return to the BBC1 soap for the first time tonight.

A source said: “With Kat’s comeback the writers knew viewers would ask when Alfie would be back too, so they’ve managed to convince Shane to return.

“It won’t be long-term but he’ll play a role in a number of storylines in the coming months.”

Shane and Jessie, 46, were last on screen together in ’Enders spin-off Redwater, set in a fictional Irish village.

It ended with Kat seemingly drowning and Alfie being resuscitated — prompting viewers to speculate if their characters had been killed off.

Earlier this week, Shane told ITV’s Lorraine Kelly he had “no plans” to return to ’Enders.