EastEnders returns have been coming in thick and fast over the past few months,

but could we be set to see another after a recent throwaway scene?

Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) was left with a big decision to make in recent scenes

when one of Dean Wicks’ (Matt Di Angelo) associates, Fraser, offered her a deal: Drop her statement against Dean in relation to Keanu Taylor’s (Danny Walters) murder, and he’ll confess to raping her.

After much deliberation, Linda decided to take the deal – much to Johnny Carter’s (Charlie Suff) horror.

Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) were equally as horrified, knowing that this could backfire on them and the rest of The Six.

In a bid to try and change Linda’s mind, Sharon headed round to see her, assuring her that if she thought taking the deal was in her best interests then she would support her, but that she didn’t think it would help her in any way.

However, Linda was sure about what she wanted, and even threats from Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) couldn’t sway her.

Later, Linda contacted Fraser and arranged to meet him at Peggy’s where she laid down her terms for their agreement.

Fraser holds a bottle of wine as he visits Linda in EastEnders
Linda had a big decision to make (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
When she headed to the bar to get him a drink, Fraser picked up a phone call, which sparked suspicions that another character may be set to return.

He was quick to tell the caller that Linda was ‘eating out of the palm of his hand’, before assuring them that he would be home soon. He also called them ‘hen’, suggesting that he was talking to a woman – but who?

While some fans speculated iconic EastEnders villain Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), and others wondered if it may be Keanu’s sister Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris), we have our own theory.

It seemed as though the caller was well-versed in the deal and Dean’s case, which has left us wondering if it could have been Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) on the other end of the phone.

We know that Shirley spent a lot of time with Dean after leaving Albert Square over a year ago, and Dean previously insisted to Linda that Shirley believed him over her about her rape.

Could Shirley be set to return as Dean prepares to face trial for Keanu’s murder?

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Recently, actor Matt Di Angelo teased more character returns ahead of the show’s 40th anniversary.

‘I know quite a lot and I can’t tell you who exactly – but when I found out, I was very surprised that they would come back,’ he told The Mirror.

Could he be referring to Shirley Carter actress Linda Henry?