EASTENDERS tonight shared a heartbreaking update on an absent character – 22 years after their show exit.
Despite not being seen on the BBC One soap since 2004, Lynne Slater, portrayed by Elaine Lordan, was talked about on this evening’s episode.
The older sister of Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) left Albert Square in 2004 after the tragic loss of her unborn baby.
But tonight she got a mention, giving fans fresh hope you might return to Walford.
However, it came with heartbreak, as Kat was seen telling sister Zoe (Michelle Ryan) on tonight’s EastEnders’ that Lynne’s dog had died.
Kat was on a FaceTime call her children for Mother’s Day from Lynne’s home, which she has been visiting.
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Her son Bert then asked his mum: “Has auntie Lynne’s dog died yet?”
Kat then sadly replied: “Not yet darling but it’s on it’s last legs and Lynne won’t stop crying.”
Lynne first made her appearance with the Slaters in 2000.
During her time on the Square she was known for her rocky relationship with her husband and mechanic Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves).
She was employed at Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) café and was a enemy to Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks).
Lynne was last in Albert Square when she attended her father’s funeral off-screen in 2016.
Meanwhile, actress Elaine hasn’t had the easiest time after she was axed from the EastEnders in the noughties.
She was convicted of drink-driving and banned for a year after downing vodka in 2004, and subsequently being given the boot from the soap.
A source said at the time: “It was decided to make the changes after she had a few problems with drinking.
“It has been done to help her rather than to punish her.”
Not long after leaving the soap, Elaine tragically lost her one-year-old son James.
He suffered from breathing difficulties caused by a condition called
diaphragmatic hernia, and died three days after Elaine married his dad, ex-BBC technician Peter Manuel.
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Thee soap star then appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2005 — but had to be airlifted out after twice fainting on the first day.
However, last year the actress was seen looking happy and healthier as she reunited with her former EastEnders co-star Lucy Benjamin.
