Lucy Benjamin returns to EastEnders 20 years after exit - and bringing trouble

23 May 2023 , 21:01

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Lucy Benjamin returns to EastEnders 20 years after exit - and bringing trouble

It’s been 20 years since Lisa Fowler fled Albert Square with baby Louise and headed to Portugal after being unmasked as the assailant who pulled the trigger on Phil Mitchell.

Now she’s back in EastEnders with granddaughter Peggy in tow – and it spells bad news for the tot’s father Keanu Taylor.

Viewers last saw Lisa four years ago when she returned for a short stint in Walford after Louise became ­pregnant by Keanu and Phil discovered that his daughter’s lover was also having an affair with his wife Sharon.

Lucy Benjamin, 52, who plays Lucy, told the Mirror: “I can’t wait to return as Lisa after leaving for Portugal with Louise and Peggy in 2019.

Lisa and Phil clash back in 2003

“No doubt, in true Lisa fashion, she will bring plenty of drama for many of the characters, which is why playing her is such a delight.”

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

In 2019 Lisa again helped her daughter to flee Albert Square for Portugal after Louise became convinced she was responsible for Keanu’s “murder”.

But in fact it was Phil (Steve McFadden) who tried to have him bumped off for getting both his wife and daughter pregnant.

Lisa and daughter Louise in 2019 (BBC / Kieron McCarron)

Lisa and Louise have since been bringing up Peggy, now four, in the sunshine. Louise remains unaware that Keanu is actually alive.

Hitman Martin Fowler let him escape and instead faked the death.

But Keanu (Danny Walters) will get a shock this summer when Lisa appears out of the blue – although it is unclear why and it is not known whether Louise (Tilly Keeper) will follow her to Walford.

Cindy and Ian Beale (BBC)

EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Lisa back for a short while as she and Peggy cause trouble between the happy couple, Sharon and Keanu.”

Lisa is the latest old favourite to return after Kathy Beale, Mel Owen and Kat Moon. Michelle Collins is set to return from the dead as Cindy Beale along with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).

Nicola Methven