BBC Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 16 Feb 2026, 07:02 By Claire Crick 16 Feb 2026, 07:02 Finally! Two forgotten characters make an unexpected return to Walford in early iPlayer release Two familiar faces make their comeback after months away... Big Mo Slater Howie Danes Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 16 Feb 2026, 07:02 By Claire Crick 16 Feb 2026, 07:02 WARNING: This article is full of spoilers for today’s episode of EastEnders, which is streaming on BBC iPlayer now, but has not yet aired on BBC One – which sees two forgotten characters return to Walford. Fans are in for a double Walford return in today’s EastEnders when not one, but two long-forgotten characters make their comeback to Albert Square. Not only does Big Mo appear at The Vic with little explanation as to why she is back, but Howie also returns to Walford for Anthony’s funeral. Double comeback for forgotten EastEnders characters As Kat tries to get her head around Chrissie’s claims that Jasmine killed Anthony, Mo turns up at The Vic. There to support Kat as she fights to get Zoe out of jail, Mo also reunites with Jake Moon and Chrissie. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers While there is no love lost between Chrissie and Mo, it is clear that Jake is fond of Mo and they have a heart-to-heart about why he is with Chrissie. Across the Square, Yolande is leading a prayer ahead of Anthony’s funeral when Howie arrives. Everyone seems surprised to see him, but Kim is glad he’s made the effort, and they exchange pleasantries. But is it only Anthony’s funeral that has brought Howie back? Howie comes back for Anthony’s funeral (Credit: BBC) Where has Big Mo been in EastEnders? Big Mo hasn’t been seen on screen since last year, when she went to stay with Lynne Slater. She was last mentioned on screen when Kat video-called Jean, who is also staying with Lynne as she recovers from a breakdown following Anthony’s murder. Mo first appeared on our screens in 2000 as the no-nonsense matriarch of the Slater family. She left in 2021 to go on a cruise with her on/off love interest turned fiancé, Fat Elvis. Since then, Mo has made various appearances on the soap, most recently coming back in the Spring of 2004 when she returned with her great-grandson, Freddie Slater. Howie hasn’t been seen since December (Credit: BBC) Where has Howie been in EastEnders? Howie has been keeping a low profile ever since his blackmail and lies were exposed by Anthony. In December last year, Howie admitted to stealing Penny’s ring and blackmailing the Brannings, leaving Kim and Patrick heartbroken. As Howie agreed to leave, all eyes then turned to Anthony. Patrick demanded to know how long he’d known about Howie… and all hell broke loose. Viewers will remember the pair had a bitter feud where they both threatened to expose each other’s lies. The truth was finally revealed at Howie and Kim’s engagement party. Shortly afterwards, Kim called time on their relationship, and he hasn’t been seen since. EastEnders forgotten characters: Are Howie and Big Mo staying in Walford? While both characters are back, it remains to be seen how long they will be sticking around. There has been no official statement from EastEnders. Big Mo could be the shoulder Kat needs as she fights to get Jasmine to pay for Anthony’s murder. Especially as Alfie is currently on the other side of the world with Spencer. Meanwhile, whether Kim and Howie are set for a reunion is also unconfirmed. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Add as a preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 16 Feb 2026, 07:02 By Claire Crick 16 Feb 2026, 07:02 Next Story
