Joe Swash's shocking return to EastEnders after 13 years sparks mixed reactions

Joe Swash made a highly anticipated return to EastEnders, reprising his role as Mickey Miller on Monday, December 9, 2024, after being away from the show for 13 years. Mickey was a character who joined the series in 2003 as a member of the Miller family, which included his mother Rosie, stepfather Keith, and siblings Demi and Darren. Joe Swash portrayed Mickey throughout his time on the series until 2008 when he was written out alongside most of his family. While Joe had hoped to continue in the role, the decision to write him off was made by the show’s producers. Since his departure from EastEnders, Joe Swash has achieved considerable success in his career and remains a beloved figure among fans. He became known for his appearances on shows like I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, where he gained further popularity and even returned for a special edition of the show. Additionally, Joe has found personal happiness; he is now married to television presenter Stacey Solomon, and together they have three children, with Joe also being a stepfather to Stacey's two sons from her previous relationships. Although his recent return is a temporary engagement with the show, it's unclear if Mickey’s comeback is intended to lead to a permanent role. Fans are excited about the character's return and are hoping that this will lead to more appearances in the future. The nostalgia and curiosity surrounding his character’s journey after more than a decade away from Walford have generated a lot of discussions among audiences, creating a buzz on social media and in entertainment news. As the storyline unfolds, viewers are eager to see how Mickey Miller reintegrates into the lives of the inhabitants of Albert Square and what storyline arcs will develop from his return. Fans remember Mickey Miller as a character with a funny yet relatable disposition, and the possibilities of how he will interact with the current cast of characters excite long-time viewers of the show.