theres no question of the producers not considering it, as they have A- recast Martin Fowler (which should never of happened IMO) B- they brought back Daniella Westbrook as Sam (another f**k up as her character had huge development with Kim Metcalf)

It seems inconceivable that Peter would not return after Kathy comes back to the square for good. so surely the writers will need him back, but obviously Ben Hardy has now found some success in Hollywood, would Thomas Law come back ? i always thought he was the better Peter to be honest. not to mention a better actor.

I really hoped Ben Hardy would be great but I never was impressed by him

It would really go against continuity but I wish they'd hire a real East end lad for the role. He's a Beale. He's meant to be working class.

So I wouldnt have Thomas Law back either.

I wpuld like eother to return. I definatly think peter should be brought back with Lauren
But only if either actor returns and not a completly new one.

They didn't have much choice with the Martin recast as James Alexandrou wasn't interested in returning (he gave his endorsement of James Bye on Twitter). Plus the constant references to Martin by Sonia in the script painted them into a corner. Her marital problems were given a running commentary for months so would've been nonsensical to never have him appear. Alternatively they would've had Martin and Sonia separate off screen.

Re Peter they should keep the door open for Thomas Law if he's up for a return. The actor turnover would be pretty high if they were to recast the role again.

I believe they'd go for another beefcake if they were to recast Peter so unless Thomas Law has bulked up, I can't see him having any chance at all.

Recasts are rubbish anyway. The casting department should shape up and cast actors they are confident won't have their head turned at their first opportunity. I don't know why I should be expected to suspend my disbelief further *cough Kathy cough* by going along with the fact Lauren/Peter/Martin have new faces. If the actor portraying an old character refuses to return, tough shit. Go back to the drawing board.

I just hope they cast a good actor. Thomas Law and Ben Hardy were both awful in the role of Peter Beale. A third recast wouldn't surprise me but it all depends how soon they want him back.

The Martin recast is one of the best ever imo. I genuinely forget that he was ever played by anyone else.

pretty sure there was photos of Thomas and he looks hunky now and he was a far superior actor to Ben

my god no the guy was a wet blanket

or am i offending wet blankets with my comment jesus

I would prefer a return for Steven over Peter.

How is that even possible?, of course they aren't going to hire someone who will want to leave after a few months but they don't sign actors automatically down to 5 year contracts. They cannot stop actors wanting to leave, Ben Hardy did nearly two years, which wasn't that long but during that time was involved in one of the biggest stories the Beale family and Eastenders will do. Personally another recast is too soon so unless Ben wants to return I doubt we will see Peter Beale for a few years.

It's not an exact science but even in interviews for entry-level jobs, there's an element of the employer getting to know your personality. I just feel seasoned casting directors would be able to get a feel for whether a prospective member of the cast would be tempted to leave for even a risky project, or whether they're more likely to want to settle down in EE for the foreseeable future. If you have a family, you'd probably enjoy the regular work that EE provides so would fall into the latter category. The younger actors with generally less responsibility might be keen to try new things elsewhere.

With that in mind, perhaps with the younger actors, you should take a less long-term approach to planning stories for them. I assume the character of Peter wouldn't have left the show had Ben Hardy not asked to leave; he would have stayed on the Square being a thorn in the rest of the Beales' side. However, Ben Hardy did leave and the writers have to deal with that. Deciding to replace him in the role of Peter with a new face just because "OMGZ, imagine if Peter and Lauren returns to save Max!!!!", I don't think is on. There's a skill to dealing with the cards that are dealt to you and in contrast, replacing actors Doctor-Who style and resurrecting characters to do what you originally planned is lazy.

Thought for a minute you guys were talking about Pete Beale Senior

With his catchphrase e'llo treacle

Peter was a huge part in the Lucy storyline which is still ongoing. I don't think a recast would happen until the story has been over for a few years

I've always thought Thomas Law was the better Peter, I really started to like Ben Hardy as Peter during EastEnders 30th week though. He did brilliantly, so it was a shame he left just after. I definitely wouldn't say no to a Thomas Law return as Peter!