I just caught up on the Jake Wood news, that he's taking a break but will be back in a year and has already signed a new contract - great news, Max is a very good character played brilliantly and I would hate to lose him.

But in the press releases about Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie leaving there is nothing at all about new contracts having been signed which makes it sound as though they're not really on a break at all but have left permanently. So why they saying its a break if it isn't? And if they have signed new contracts why wouldn't they announce it like for Jake?

If Kat has gone permanently I'm more than a bit gutted. It seemed like she was edging back to greatness under DTC so I thought he rated her and was trying to restore her to former glories. She's been so awesome this past month I don't really understand what's going on especially with the twin son which I thought was a brilliant twist and along with the lottery win designed to give her a fresh new direction. I don't get why they would write in a son for her if she's not returning. Kat is such a legend - one of the few who can bring the heavy drama and laughs in equal measure and if she's gone for good I'll really miss her a lot and I'll miss Jessie Wallace's brilliant performances.

If it HAS been announced shes signed a new contract like Jake Wood but I've somehow missed it, ignore this and feel free to call me a muppet

You're NOT a muppet!

You're just confused and no wonder when things concerning Shane and Jessie seem so 'up in the air', so am i!

As far as I know there has been no mention of Jessie leaving so chances are she will be back but Shane did seem to imply that he had left but later said he'd been misquoted and it was all very vague so it could go either way.

It could be that neither actor is sure if they're returning or not and are waiting to see what DTC says, I think Jessie will return but Shane might not and if he does it might not be for long depending on Alfie's brain tumour.

I hope they both come back because they are my fave characters/couple and I miss them terribly and I too have thoroughly enjoyed their stories over the past weeks, the lottery win, Kat's suicide attempt, their 'up west' adventure, their reconciliation and subsequent and emotional exit!

Their acting imo has been outstanding the past few weeks so roll on the spin-off!

I totally agree with this

Really you need to ask a question about something that has already been revealed and that they are coming back next year after their spinoff is finished.

If not the. Atleast they have the spin off. I hope Kat does return though!

So DTC said but Shane was very cagey about the subject and it seemed as if TPTB might still be thinking about what to do with Alfie and Kat and according to the OP Jake Wood (who is taking a year out) apparently has had his contract renewed but nothing about S and J having their contracts renewed so it does seem there could be some doubt as to their return.

I read in a magazine at work that both Jessie and Shane wanted to try other projects and a return is 'doubtful'...will try and find the name of the mag.

They both have already said that they are coming back next year

Kat and Alfie doubtful. Kat back as a widow very likely.

I wouldn't mind this.

I tweeted after their exit commenting on its glory and tagging jessie to come back soon and DTC favortied it!?

I'm pretty sure they will be back, but I also think Alfie may die during the spin off or shortly after a return to Albert Square.

She needs to come back, it's just not the same without her.

I don't think anything is set in stone, it will all depend on a few factors, the spin off's success and it's ending, if Shane or Jessie get or do other projects, I think if there not back within a year then you know it's permanent, I know they said they be coming back but a lot can happen between now and than.

I'd like Kat to return but without Alfie. Kat can have a storyline with Stacey and her son plus her kids. However I agree that maybe the BBC are going to see what the ratings are like on the spin off before deciding on their return. I think Alfie has been given a tumour for a reason and I have a feeling he will be killed off

They won't be back for years now. Mark my words. DTC doesn't love them nearly as much as he makes out.

The ambiguity on this is quite interesting -it may just be the end of the double act or it may be the case they'll never be seen on the mainshow again.

I honestly don't know what to make of it.
If they're not coming back, then surely the 'spin-off' will be about Kats missing son & Alfies brain tumour?

TBH, Kat coming back without Alfie would suit me. Kill him off in Ireland if you ask me.

I'm confident Kat will be back, Alfie I think might but it'll only be for a final few episodes before he's killed off.

I think based on the fact that the BBC said Kat n Alfie were having a temporary exit to film the spin off and everyones imaginations have run away from with them on social media, the press and forums that the press team have learnt their lesson and are spelling out that he will be back.


tho why they bothered I dont know cos I have still seen comments about him not returning *insert facepalm smilie*

I want them BOTH to come back but if Alfie has to die I want him to come back to the square to die where he's near all his friends and I want a proper tear-jerker of a funeral with one of his shirts draped over the coffin and his belt-buckle on the top and A Town Called Malice by The Jam playing and Kat would do a beautiful eulogy and Ian and Billy would pay tribute too and a Julia's theme at the end!

Or Kat returns with Alfie after very expensive private medical treatment (which uses up all of tehir lottery winnings) leaves Alfie either cured or in remission

That would be great!

At least the money goes on something worthwhile that way!

Rather that than have them lose it all in some failed business venture or a scam

I think they'll come back, even if it's to film their final exit (hope not)

It would be good if the spin-off was the final days of Alfie. This would be good for ratings for the spin-off and then Kat returns to the square as a single mum.