EASTENDERS fans pleaded with bosses to bring back an iconic character for the soap’s upcoming 40th anniversary.

There has been much speculation about some big returns for the BBC soap’s anniversary in February 2025.

With big names like Chrissie Watts and David Wicks already returned this year, there are some even bigger names in the works for next year.

Now fans are begging soap bosses to bring back Lisa Fowler – played by Lucy Benjamin.

Lisa is the daughter of Johnathan and Eleanor Shaw, but most notably the wife of Mark Fowler and mother of Louise Mitchell.

She first appeared as a trainee market inspector in 1998.

Her first big storyline involved her married boss starting an affair with her.

Since then, she has rekindled a romance with Phil, left her husband Mark and took her daughter from Phil.

Her last appearance in 2020 saw Lisa help Louise flee to Portugal after Louise believed she had killed Keanu.

Lisa’s returned to Albert Square in 2023 where she became Peggy’s legal guardian after Louise went off the rails.

Could she make another comeback?

Taking to Reddit, one fan said: “I am expecting a cameo from Lisa at some point. She has done several short stint returns that it would seem odd if she didn’t make an appearance.”

Another added: “Lisa was a character that I wanted to shake and tell her to get her act together.”

A third penned: “Every time she’s returned for a stint, I think oh jeez this will be heavy-going.”

This comes after the sun exclusively revealed that Ross Kemp is returning for the soap’s 40th anniversary.

The star, 60, who played hardman Grant Mitchell, will present a special one-off BBC1 documentary about the long-running show.

A source said: “Ross is joining in celebrations by hosting his own EastEnders documentary.

“He will interview stars past and present about why it is so good and how important it is. EastEnders will always have a special place in his heart and he’s really excited.”

Asked about a return to EastEnders last week on This Morning, he said: “I can tell you nothing.”

The star, whose shows include Ross Kemp on Gangs, added: “I wouldn’t have had a career, good or bad, without it.”

Other rumored returns include Matt Di Angelo as Dean Wicks and Louisa Lytton as Ruby Allen.

EastEnders have also announced an epic live episode as part of their 40th anniversary.

The BBC soap will air a completely live instalment from their Walford set as they mark the milestone.

And in a show first for EastEnders, viewers will have the power to control the outcome of a love story.

During the special – which will air in February – fans will take part in a vote during the show.

The cast and crew will then be able to adapt to the outcome chosen by Beeb viewers.

Speaking about the live special, EastEnders’ executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “The 40^th anniversary is a milestone event for EastEnders, and we have been planning this week for a long time to ensure that it’s a week full of drama and surprises.

“In fact, as our regular audience will know, we have already seen the return of familiar faces and have many more nods to our history to come which will all build up to our momentous anniversary week.

“This time, as well as going live, we are adding an extra twist and for the very first time in the history of the show and as a gift to the viewers, we are giving the audience the power to have their say in choosing the outcome of one of our storylines.

“Whilst we’re still keeping the finite details of the 40^th close to our chest, I can promise that it will be an unmissable week full of shocking twists that will change Albert Square, and the lives of those who live in it, forever.”