Kat is one of the few characters I really do feel the loss of when she isn't there. She brings something different and she's missed. I'd actually really like to see Kat settle down as one of the mainstays now who becomes part of the furniture with Sharon, Ian etc. I saw Jessie Wallace on stage in Chicago a few weeks ago and it did get me thinking, "EastEnders could really do with some of that natural presence and spark." I'd feel quite excited if I read she was returning. She'd be a huge asset under the right producer.

But I'm way out of the loop on EastEnders behind the scenes. I know Kat is the one character sort of in the picture who SOC had a hand in creating and developing and she's also the greatest character he had a hand in, so I should imagine he is a fan. I think for that reason Kat would be back to her magnificent best if she did return because all she really needs is somebody invested in her. What I don't know is how realistic a return is looking at this stage, has anything been mentioned by anyone?

Hopefully zero.

I imagine it's as much up to Jessie. She never seems to be short of work.

Short and sweet.


True. I have no idea if she's given any indications of her plans one way or the other, the circumstances around her departure and the spin-off seem a little fuzzy also. I'd like to think SOC will at least try, you don't get if you don't ask.

This.

And obviously depending on the success of the spin off they may do a second series so I wouldn't bank on her being back any time soon.

It wouldn't surprise me if we don't have another short stint against like we did in January. But i am doubtful of a full time stint again.

Ah, I really am out of the loop. I thought the spin-off was just a one off mini-series type thing and with the village being all dark and evil they'd manage to escape by the skin of their teeth at the end of it. I didn't realise Redwater was written as a potential multi-series, but obviously that would make a return under SOC unlikely. Gotcha.

I hope so, I want her and Alfie back on the square where they belong and I have missed them big time this year and last. I want them back once their spin off airs.

Kat is one of Eastenders greatest ever characters, I can't see her being gone for too long.

I have a feeling Red Water is going to be an almighty flop.

Belinda needs Kat back.

I hope Kat returns but not with Alfie.

Kat without Alfie would be dreadful IMO. Just another single mum struggling to bring up her kids.

You and I are agreeing far too often lately

I loved Kat's recent return, but I'm happy for the writers to call time on the character. Kirkwood caused her significant damage, and although DTC (and Newman to be fair) went to great lengths to improve her her second stint was overall a bit of a flop. I'd much rather remember her as a great character than risk having that damaged. It's happened to far too many returned, namely Kathy and Sharon.

But given SOC's heavy involvement in Kat's creation and development, doesn't it seem more likely she'd enjoy another good run under him? I can't see him diminishing her, only continuing to build her back up.

The Kirkwood years were brutal but she's come out of all that mess still a strong character I don't really see Kat as any more damaged than any of the long serving characters who have all suffered at times, sadly. She's in a healthier place than Sharon (who I love) and Kathy (who shouldn't have been brought back).

Make the most of it

I didn't know SOC had been involved in creating Kat, that's interesting. I suppose he could have a vested interest in bringing her back then.

EE doesn't have a great track record when it comes to female returns, so I do worry that the good work to repair Kat could be undone. Although, I was absolutely blown away by her Christmas/New Year stint so who knows?

I think they will return By next year

Kat still has stories to tell but Jessie Wallace is very loyal to Shane Richie and I really don't want Alfie back.

I'm no expert on this, I'm just going on what I've seen others say who probably know a lot more than I do. But it makes sense to me as he was John Yorke's right hand and story producer at the time the Slaters were created. Articles say he storylined the Kat and Zoe drama as well as all of the Little Mo and Trevor storyline which I thought Kat played a really strong supporting role in.

I think Kat would be in extremely safe hands with SOC.

I do agree a lot of the returns have been disappointing, but I've also read SOC storylined Sharon's 2001 return so that gives me a glimmer of hope for her. These once great characters just need some understanding and investment, I think.

I also agree about Kat's last little stint. She was wonderful, and I think that was just a matter of realising what works for her, she shines brightest in family drama and when she's able to show a mix of strength and vulnerability.

But Kat was a fun, strong, feisty and popular character before Alfie ever came along. I don't see why she couldn't be. It's 2016. A woman like Kat shouldn't need a man to essentially function as a character.

I imagine she'd get her claws into Kush if Alfie wasn't around. Haha

No but she'll be saddled with a bunch of kids if she came back. She was childless when she first arrived (Zoe not included as she was meant to be her sister). Too much responsibility tends to ruin a character. I thought that with Bianca.

If they killed off Alfie I'd probably pair her with Vincent or somebody new. But the problem with killing Alfie is you'd have to put Kat in a long period of mourning because he was the love of her life. That would give Jessie Wallace good material to deliver some knock out performances, but it would also be another depressing storyline for Kat and I'm not sure that's what she needs right now. If Kat returned it would probably be best to keep Alfie alive, but let them build friendships and have stories away from each other instead of living in each others pockets.

Giving Kat new kids was the worst decision in my opinion. If I was an EP I would kill all 3 of them off. I remember Brookside killing both of Susanna's kids in a car crash and it was the best thing that ever happened to her character.