It’ll come as no surprise to EastEnders fans that the legendary Linda Henry isn’t returning to the BBC soap.

The actress, 65, played Shirley Carter in the BBC One soap from 2006, exiting the role in 2022 following the presumed death of son Mick (Danny Dyer).

She’s been at the top of everyone’s wish list for a return – with several opportunities for her to do so – to no avail.

This is despite then-Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw exclusively telling Metro that Shirl’s departure was merely for an extended break.

10 months after her initial exit, he said: ‘Linda Henry is currently taking a break from the show but I think it’s safe to say it’s not the last we’ve seen of her.

‘When she walked out of Walford last year with Lady Di, that won’t be the last you’ll see.’

Of course, as time goes on, it seemed incredible unlikely.

Linda has even signed up for a guest role in the second series of Sky’s Mr Bigstuff. The comedy show, which first aired last year, follows two polar-opposite brothers that have been estranged for a number of years.

Danny plays one of the leads, meaning that the one-time mother and son will be reunited, albeit in a different capacity.

Following a bombshell that their father isn’t dead, the new instalments will see the pair navigate the news in their own, very different ways, while Glen’s wife Kirsty (Harriet Webb) is blackmailed after sharing a kiss with someone other than her husband.

Linda will play Pam, a ‘no-nonsense, hands-on mechanic’ at the family haulage firm.

Now, ahead of her big screen return, The Sun is reporting that her Albert Square exit almost three years ago was always intended to be permanent.

A source told the publication: ‘Linda quit EastEnders in 2022.’

‘The door was left open for a return for Shirley in the future because she was such a fan favourite but it was a final exit.

‘Linda is very private and not one of the actors who wants to be a celebrity and didn’t want a big fuss so a lowkey exit made sense at the time.’