Sharon to make EastEnders return

Sharon last bowed out in 2006 when her husband Dennis Rickman was killed

EastEnders character Sharon is to return to Albert Square after an absence of six years.

It will be actress Letitia Dean's third comeback to Walford since the show began in 1985.

The 44-year-old, one of the soap's original characters, was last seen on the square in 2006, when her husband Dennis Rickman died.

A key character in the BBC One show, she is best known for her relationships with the Mitchell brothers.

The former Queen Victoria landlady was married to Grant Mitchell, but later had an affair with Phil, which prompted her first departure from the series in 1994.

'Thrilled'

In 2001 she returned for three years, during which time she took over the pub from her adoptive parents, Angie and Den Watts.

The character's last return was in 2005, but she bowed out after Dennis was stabbed to death.

The storyline surrounding Sharon's return has not not been announced, but Dean said she was "looking forward to being part of the EastEnders team again".

She added: "It has always been very close to my heart. I cannot wait to work with my old colleagues and see what is in store for Sharon."

It has also been announced that Terry Duckworth is set to return to Coronation Street

Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said: "I'm thrilled that Letitia is coming back home to Albert Square where she belongs.

"Sharon is a real favourite amongst EastEnders' fans and I for one can't wait until she arrives back in the summer."

Meanwhile a familiar face is set to return to rival soap Coronation Street.

Terry Duckworth, played by Nigel Pivaro, is to make his Weatherfield comeback in the spring for a month.

It will be his first appearance in the ITV show since 2008, when he attended the funeral of his mother.

The actor, who made his debut on the famous cobbled street in 1983, has admitted it will be "sad" to return without co-stars Liz Dawn and Bill Tarmey, who played his parents, Jack and Vera.

Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson has promised the character will be involved in a gripping storyline, which will affect every resident on the road.