Rob Kazinsky returning to EastEnders as Sean Slater

But what brings him back and why is he sticking around?

EastEnders has revealed that Rob Kazinsky will be returning to Albert Square later this year to reprise his legendary role of Sean Slater.

Although his character has previously made appearances in 2019, 2021 and 2022, it’s been 17 years since Sean permanently lived in Albert Square. A lot has changed since he left the Square back in 2009, but Sean will return for his family, and reasons that are set to become clear.

Sean Slater, brother to Stacey, and son to Jean, has a checkered history of drama in the Square. He was once married to Roxy Mitchell, but their marriage ended in disaster when it was revealed that Jack Branning was the biological father of their baby, Amy Mitchell, on Christmas Day in 2008.

Sean has crossed paths with many of those in Walford, both good and bad, and his actions have led to the destruction of more than one familial relationship on the Square.

Sean returns later this year, and if his previous stints are anything to go by, it’s only a matter of time before Sean will find himself embroiled in drama…

On returning to EastEnders, Rob Kazinsky said "I left EastEnders in 2008 as a 23-year-old boy and was lucky to spend the next 19 years of my life working around the world, always championing EastEnders and stating the fact that one day I wanted to walk in Sean’s Shoes again, but this time as a man to see who Sean the man might also be."

"I wanted to do it for Sean, I wanted to do it for the fans that have supported me in every role since I left the Square but, mostly, I wanted to do it for me. I’m home, and I can’t wait to bring a new level of heartfelt chaos to Albert Square in the way only Sean Slater can."

To which Executive Producer Ben Wadey added "I’m delighted to welcome Rob Kazinsky back to EastEnders as he reprises the role of Sean Slater later this year. Sean Slater was a big part of the Slater family and as viewers will already know, where Sean goes, drama is not far behind."

EastEnders continues Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One with first look episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer