Derek Martin is to make his EastEnders return as Charlie Slater next year.
The actor will reprise the role of the former cab driver after being axed from the BBC One soap back in 2011, and admits he's looking forward to getting back with his "family".
Speaking to the Daily Star he said: "In December and January, I am going back to make a couple of episodes. I don't know what the storyline is but I am booked.
"Charlie is living with one of his daughters in Manchester and I think I have gone on holiday somewhere, Lanzarote or something.
"I was in full-time between 2000 to 2011 and it becomes like a family. When you leave or get written out it is like a loss."
Derek hints that he may be coming back because his family are in dire needs of some help.
"They need the head of the family don't they?" he added.
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