EastEnders bring back the Jacksons
Monday, 26th October 2009.
Natalie Cassidy and Dean Gaffney are returning to EastEnders as the soap welcomes back one of its most loved families - the Jacksons.
Natalie and Dean will return to Walford as siblings Sonia Fowler and Robbie Jackson.
Sonia left Albert Square for Manchester in 2007 with husband Martin Fowler (James Alexandrou) and their daughter Rebecca, whilst Robbie was last seen attending his sister's wedding in 2004.
Also returning is the pair's mum Carol (Lindsey Coulson) who left in 1999 and Carol's youngest son Billie who is yet to be casted.
EastEnders Bosses are really looking forward to welcoming them all back. Executive Producer Diederick Santer said: "I'm so excited to see Lindsey back at EastEnders, and the fact that we've got Natalie and Dean as well makes it extra special.
"This family were the original EastEnders Jackson Five, and I can't wait to see how they've grown and changed."
Successful career
Natalie Cassidy has had by far the most successful career out of the Jackson clan since leaving the soap, with a top-selling fitness DVD and a presenting job on BBC3.
She's also featuring in the current run of Strictly Come Dancing, but admits the EastEnders return is what she's really been hoping for: "To be invited back to EastEnders is such an honour," she said. "I am very very excited that Sonia is coming back.
"For me, to be reunited with the original Jacksons is a dream come true and I think it will be a fantastic storyline."
Dean Gaffney last hit headlines two years ago when he appeared in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
His jungle antics had viewers in hysterics as he screamed like a girl when being covered in an array of creepy crawlies during one of the tasks in the Australian outback.
Relishing Robbie's return
After two years off the telly he's relishing the return of Robbie: "I was thrilled when Diederick called me personally to ask for Robbie to return once more and working alongside Lindsey, Natalie and Patsy (Palmer) again makes it all the more special.
"I'm sure with the family being reunited it will mean that there must be a lot of drama in store," he said.
Filming of the Jacksons' return is taking place in the next few weeks and you'll see them on screen in early 2010.
Photo: Pacific Coast News
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