EastEnders: Julie Bates and Max Branning Return

Karen Henthorn is making a permanent return to EastEnders as Julie Bates, nearly thirty years after her character last appeared. Julie returns amid her husband Nigel Bates' struggle with dementia, leading to emotional confrontations with Phil Mitchell, who has been caring for Nigel and withheld his location from Julie. Henthorn emphasized Julie's determination to support Nigel despite resistance from Phil. Viewers were surprised to recognize Henthorn from her other British TV roles, such as Coronation Street and Doctors. Separately, Jake Wood will also return as Max Branning, promising more dramatic storylines. Both comebacks are set to deliver major drama in future episodes of the BBC soap.