Shane Richie won’t be reprising his role as Alfie Moon on ‘EastEnders’ anytime soon.
The 53-year-old actor – who recently confirmed he’s returning as cheeky entertainer Sammy Valentino in ITV’s ‘Benidorm’ – has dashed hopes of him returning to Albert Square to be reunited with his on-screen wife Kat Moon [Jessie Wallace], after revealing he snubbed the BBC soap to give himself a break from "showbiz".
He told The Sun newspaper: "I’m in a fortunate position where I can pick and choose what I want to do and EastEnders at the moment I said no to it.
"I just need to take a break from television and a little break away from showbiz.
"Trust me, it’s not because I’ve got loads of money because that is far from the truth. But I just need to pick and choose."
Shane’s loveable alter ego was last seen on an operating table on spin-off show ‘Redwater’ with viewers unsure whether he would survive, and while the programme has since been axed, Jessie has been in talks to be coming back to Walford.
An ‘EastEnders’ source previously revealed: "The aim is to establish the Slaters once again as a force of strong women to be reckoned with.
"Alfie’s comeback is some way off but it was always the plan to reunite them. Who could resist a bit more Kat and Alfie?"
As well as Jessie, Laila Morse has confirmed she is making a comeback as Slater family matriarch Big Mo Harris, a part she first played in 2000.
She will head back to Walford next spring alongside Jean Slater, who is played by Gillian Wright.
Laila said: "I’m really excited to be coming back.
"It’s the one question I’m constantly asked. I can’t wait to see everyone and get stuck back into life in Walford."
Jean – who plays Lacey Turner’s character Stacey Slater’s mother – said: "I am delighted the Slater women are to be reunited once more.
"I have always adored working alongside Lacey, Jessie and Laila and I am looking forward to being reacquainted with everyone at ‘EastEnders’ again."
Jessie also admitted she is delighted to be "coming home".
She said: "I am thrilled to be returning to ‘EastEnders’ next year and knowing what John Yorke has in store for the Slaters is incredibly exciting.
"I love Kat and Walford dearly and I cannot wait to get started – watch out Walford, Kat’s coming home."
Shane Richie turned down EastEnders return
