EastEnders fans got a huge surprise this week, when Sean Slater made a return to Albert Square.
On Monday night (November 01 2021), the reformed bad boy made an unexpected appearance in Walford.
But fans have been left unhappy by his reappearance – desperate for him to stay on our screens for longer than just a one off.
Read more: 5 Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders stars you forgot were in other soaps
Why did Sean Slater return to EastEnders?
Sean Slater made an unexpected appearance in scenes that aired last night on BBC One.
On Monday November 01 2021, the popular character came back to visit his mum Jean and sister Stacey.
But why?
His aim was to try and persuade Stacey’s new wife Eve to leave her alone.
Sean returned to the Square after getting a worrying call from his mum Jean.
But, when Stacey informed him that they need Eve’s help to deal with Suki, Sean realised that Eve may not be the person Jean thinks she is…
Sean changed his opinion on Eve, but by then Eve was nowhere to be found.
Is Sean Slater staying for good?
Robert Kazinsky made a one-off surprise appearance on EastEnders tonight as Sean Slater.
A BBC spokesperson told us that sadly, it was just a fleeting return.
There are no more plans for Rob to return as Sean Slater in the future.
Read more: Who is Eve in EastEnders and what else have you seen Heather Peace in?
What are fans saying about Sean’s return?
Viewers were absolutely thrilled to see Sean back in EastEnders. Swarming Twitter to comment, one wrote:
“The finest specimen of a man to ever walk the streets of Walford has returned!”
Another added: “The best surprise to start the week, my fave Sean Slater popping back for an episode.”
“Legit just choked on my sweet as I watched Sean return in EastEnders I was not expecting that and my god he is beautiful,” said a third.
However, some were left angry and upset that Sean’s return was only a one-off. Many demanded the soap sign him up for a permanent comeback.
I hate that Sean’s return was literally 3 scenes for a few scenes with Eve, Jean trying to force her out, a scene with Stacey… But not a full episode dedicated to him where he has scenes with Phil, Kat, Chelsea, Janine… Wasted opportunity
I hope he returns again #EastEnders— Amy (@amyyyy_amy) November 2, 2021
sean slater is back and it’s only a one-off…watch me become violent #EastEnders
— jaz (@anistonenders) November 1, 2021
Can Sean Slater just stay please? 😢 #EastEnders
— Sophie-Louise (@SophieLWrites) November 2, 2021
Oh Lordy Sean is back #EastEnders – then see it’s just a one off 🥺😍
— Nikki ╪ (@nikkiwba) November 2, 2021
It was such a lovely surprise to have @RobertKazinsky back on @bbceastenders. I audibly screamed with joy 😂 Please can he make a permanent return? I’d love to have Sean back on the square 🙏 #Eastenders
— Jade Evans (@enchantedbyfilm) November 2, 2021
“My work here is done” NO Sean, it’s really NOT #Eastenders ❤
— Grianne Doherty (@GrianneDoherty1) November 2, 2021
So I’ve read that Sean’s appearance was just a one-off. Like, what even was the point?? #eastenders pic.twitter.com/je73GxkWyg
— Conor (@conormckenna101) November 1, 2021
One-off? Nobody wants just a one-off Sean Slater, bring him back forever please 🙏🏻😍 #Eastenders
— Emma-Louise 🖤 (@ohanotheremma) November 1, 2021
Is Sean Slater making a permanent return?
In an interview with Metro.co.uk, actor Rob Kazinsky, who plays Sean, revealed that the scene came about when he was able to travel back to the UK from his LA home during the pandemic.
He said he contacted show boss Kate Oates with the proposal to do a scene while he was in London.
“I said to Kate, ‘I’m in London for one day, let’s write a scene and I’ll swing by in the morning and we can do it.”
He then added: “Better than that, every time I’m in the UK, if I can, let’s do it again and she rallied the troops and made it happen.”
The actor went on to say “maybe Sean will pop in every now and then in future too.”
This news is sure to thrill fans, but it looks like a long-lasting stint is off the cards.
When was Sean Slater last in Walford?
It’s been two years since Sean Slater last appeared in EastEnders.
He returned in 2019 for an explosive storyline surrounding his mental health.
Fans of EastEnders were “devastated” that Sean left Albert Square after just a few days.
After taking Roxy’s daughter Amy from school, he brought the school girl back to her dad Jack and discovered that his ex-wife had died two years ago.
After finding out the truth, it soon became apparent that Sean was struggling with suicidal thoughts.
When did Rob Kazinsky join EastEnders as Sean Slater?
Sean Slater crashed into Walford in 2006 as the big new signing with Rob at the helm.
He stayed with the show for three years – eventually bowing out in 2009.
A decade later Rob reprised his role for a series of special episodes focusing on mental health.
The storyline saw his character Sean consider taking his own life.
However his mum Jean managed to work out what he had planned and put a stop to it.
Sean then left Walford to enter a mental health facility and get the help he needs.
He has been mentioned sparingly over the last two years, most recently when Jean went to visit him in September.
Who plays Sean Slater and what has he been doing since 2019?
Actor Rob Kazinsky has played Sean Slater on and off since 2006.
Rob currently lives in Hollywood where he’s had a varied career starring in dramas like True Blood and movies like Captain Marvel.
Since his last appearance in the BBC soap, Rob has filmed upcoming film The Gray Man opposite Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling.
The movie is about a CIA operative-turned-assassin who looks to evade mysterious forces as he tries to save the lives of the daughters who don’t know he exists.
He will also portray Henry in the small budget film Big America.
EastEnders continues on Tuesday November 02 2021 at 7:30pm on BBC One.
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