BACK TO WALFORD Pop star makes surprise return to EastEnders 30 years after their little-known first stint on the soap

S CLUB 7 star Jon Lee is returning to EastEnders, some three decades after his little-known first stint.

The pop star played the role of Josh Saunders for 20 episodes in 1997 but will be back in the role as part of the goodbye storyline for beloved Nigel Bates.

Josh is the son of Julie Bates – Nigel’s ex-wife – and Jon Lee was thrilled to return to the EastEnders fold to take part in the sad plot.

He said: “It was quite surreal stepping back on to Albert Square after so many years as it’s so familiar to so many of us. It was lovely to see my onscreen family again”.

Nigel fell in love with Julie, played by Karen Henthorn, as part of his exit from the soap in 1998.

They met because Nigel’s stepdaughter Clare was taught by Julie, but in a plot twist, she separately became mother to Josh – who was dating Clare.

Viewers have already seen Julie and Clare, played by Gemma Bissex back on Albert Square.

The family have reunited to say goodbye to Nigel at his funeral following his passing on Wednesday night.

Gemma said: “When I returned earlier this year, we always knew Clare had to come back for Nigel’s funeral.

“He meant so much to her, and it felt right to be there for the conclusion of his story, as everyone came together to say their final goodbyes”.

A source said: “It was so important for EastEnders fans that important people in Nigel’s past returned for the funeral and Josh is a part of that.

“He has already filmed his scenes and they will air soon.”

Jon was 15 when he joined S Club 7 – just after he’d appeared on EastEnders.

But he landed his first acting gig at a young age, playing Oliver in a musical production at the London Palladium.

He then attended the famous Sylvia Young Theatre School.