Gary Lucy as Danny Pennant
Gary Lucy thinks it would have been "a shame" if he hadn't been asked back to 'EastEnders'.
The 31-year-old actor will reprise his role as Danny Pennant in the BBC One soap later this month after a brief appearance last year, and he can't wait to return to Albert Square because he thinks there is "loads to explore" with his alter-ego.
He said: "When I left last year, nothing was confirmed regarding a return. It had been talked about, though, so I was really hoping it would happen.
"Personally, I thought there was still loads to explore with Danny's character, and it would have been a shame if we hadn't been able to - so now I'm quite looking forward to that.
"Everything we've done so far has been really interesting, and based on the discussions we've had, I reckon we're in for good stuff."
The former 'Footballers' Wives' actor has hinted Danny might find love again when he returns to Walford, and Gary is hoping his character meets plenty of new people on his return because he is keen to work closely with the majority of the cast.
He added to Inside Soap magazine: "There might be a new romance on the cards for Danny. But whether it's down to romance or just for personal gain, we'll have to wait and see.
"I'd love to see him fit in around Walford, but I don't think he'll ever really settle down.
"There are loads of the cast I'd like to work with, too, so I'm hoping Danny's going to cross paths with everyone - it'd be good to spread myself out a bit."
Danny's return to Walford could see him get friendly with The Mitchells, The Slaters or The Butchers - the three most popular 'EastEnders' families, according to memorabilia sales on eBay.co.uk.
What's more, Gary's re-introduction to the soap also comes at a time when sales of 'EastEnders' DVD specials have risen by 80 per cent on the online marketplace compared to this time last year.
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