THE BIG COMEBACK
When are Lofty and Mary the Punk back in EastEnders and when did they leave Albert Square?
The two legendary characters are making a big comeback and here's the lowdown
AFTER three decades, EastEnders' Lofty and Mary the Punk are making a return to the soap.
But, when will they be back and when did they leave? Here's all you need to know.
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When are Lofty and Mary the Punk back in Eastenders?
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The fictional east London borough will welcome Lofty and Mary the Punk years after their departure from the show.
They will come back to attend Dr. Harold Legg's funeral.
The Sun's Bizarre column exclusively revealed the news on December 11.
A soap source said: “Lofty and Mary The Punk are two of the most memorable characters of the original set of stars.
“It’s staggering to think it’s been more than 30 years since they were last on the Square but soap fans will be delighted to hear of their comeback.
“Regular viewers will know Dr Legg’s health is bad and it’s thought his death will play out in February next year, and these two will be back around the time of his funeral.”
Mary and Lofty were two of the show’s 26 characters when it launched in 1985 — first appearing in episodes three and five respectively.
But neither have been seen in Walford since their final appearances in 1988.
Tom, 62, and Linda, 54, have now returned to the set at the show’s Elstree Studios, in Hertfordshire - posing with June Brown, who has played Dot in the soap since 1985.
A soap source previously told The Sun: "Lofty and Mary The Punk are two of the most memorable characters of the original set of stars.
"It’s staggering to think it’s been more than 30 years since they were last on the Square but soap fans will be delighted to hear of their comeback.
"Regular viewers will know Dr Legg’s health is bad and it’s thought his death will play out in February next year, and these two will be back around the time of his funeral."
MORE EASTENDERS
When did they leave Albert Square?
The beloved characters left Albert Square 30 years ago.
Both were a part of the soap's original 26 characters following EastEnders' launch in February 1985.
Tom Watt, now 62, and Linda Davidson, 54, had carried the characters.
They both left in 1988 - Lofty after his relationship with Michelle Fowler broke down.
What have they done since leaving the show?
Actress Linda, who was born in Canada, dated co-star Nejdet Salih, who played cafe owner and minicab driver Ali Osman.
She later gave up acting to work in web design and now runs a social media agency.
And George 'Lofty' Holloway — the barman at The Queen Vic pub — was hopelessly in love with Michelle Fowler, who also returned last year played by Jenna Russell rather than original actress Susan Tully.
Lofty left the soap after their relationship broke down to become a social worker.
In real life, aside from a few small roles, actor Tom moved into sports journalism and regularly appears on radio.
He also ghostwrote David Beckham’s autobiography.
He recently praised his time on the soap and his character, saying: "I had really good working relationships with people like Leslie Grantham (Den Watts), Anita Dobson (Angie Watts) and Sue Tully.
"Lofty was a really rewarding character to play — a beautiful mix of comedy and proper drama."
EastEnders' Lofty hits Michelle in classic Soap scene
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