An EastEnders star is set to return 20 years since her debut on the BBC soap, according to reports.
It is believed that Belinda Owusu will return to the soap as Libby Fox for a short period before the end of 2026.
Libby Fox is thought to be returning for "dramatic" episodes to be released around New Year’s Day next year and could return while her mum Denise battles blood cancer.
A source told The Sun: “It’s hugely exciting to have Belinda back filming.
“Libby’s been much missed and adds a real emotional throwback to Denise’s story.”
Owusu first joined the soap in 2006 but left four years later when her character went to study at the University of Oxford.
She returned for a short stint in 2014 and left for a year, returning again in 2015.
In 2017, she left the show, but she was last spotted in July this year in scenes about her mother’s health condition.
Before that, she appeared in the soap’s flash-forward episode back in January.
This episode aired on New Year’s Day in 2026 and looked ahead to January 1 in 2027.
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Owusu also starred in Holby City as Nicky McKendrick and appeared in Doctor Who.
The BBC declined to comment.
Kelly Bright on leaving EastEnders after 13 years
The news comes as Kelly Bright, who played Linda Carter for 13 years, is due to leave the show soon.
The actress first arrived in Albert Square with on-screen husband Danny Dyer in 2013 to take over the Queen Vic.
Despite Dyer leaving three years ago, Kellie stayed to continue Linda's story, but is now set to bow out after more than a decade on the BBC soap.
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Speaking to Radio Times at the National Television Awards 2026, she opened up about her decision to leave.
Ms Bright said: "It was a very natural decision, is what I would say.
"It took a long time.
"It wasn't a decision I made overnight.
"I'm very, very grateful to have been part of the show for as long as I have.
"I feel really blessed to have been able to play Linda Carter for all these years, and I am just ready and looking forward to new exciting adventures."
Linda’s current storyline sees her rekindling a romance with Max Branning, the man she previously cheated on her husband Mick Carter with.
Are you excited to see Belinda Owusu potentially returning? Let us know in the comments.
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