Tom Watt and Linda Davidson are to return to ‘EastEnders’.
The 62-year-old actor, who played George "Lofty" Holloway on the BBC One soap, and the 54-year-old star, who portrayed Mary Smith – known affectionately as "Mary the Punk" – will head back to Walford in 2019 for the first time since their 1988 departures.
A 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."
Lofty and Mary will be back in Walford for the funeral of legendary character Doctor Harold Legg (Leonard Fenton), who is expected to pass away in February next year.
The source added to The Sun newspaper: "Regular viewers will know Doctor 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."
Leonard reprised his role as Harold in October and the doctor is one of the soap’s original characters, appearing in the first episode on February 19 1985, while Tom made his ‘EastEnders’ debut on the third ep, and Mary rocked up in Walford a month later.
Lofty departed Walford in 1988 after his marriage to Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully) broke down, and the former Queen Vic barman embarked on a new career as a social worker.
Tom also had a change in career, becoming a sports journalist and presenting on talkSPORT and Radio 5 Live.
Mary was the original Walford wild child, a punk rocker who turned to drugs which led to difficulties bringing up her child.
Linda went on to star in ‘First of the Summer Wine’ after departing ‘EastEnders’, but she stopped performing in the late 90s and forged a career in digital media for the BBC and also Channel 4, among other organisations.
Tom Watt ‘returning to EastEnders’
