EastEnders bosses have announced that Sharon Watts will be returning to Walford later this year.
Letitia Dean has signed up to reprise her role as the fan favourite, who will be back on screen in the summer.
Sharon has not appeared on Albert Square since January 2006, when she bowed out following the death of her husband Dennis Rickman. As she made her exit, she was pregnant with Dennis's child.
Speaking of her return, Dean commented: "I am really looking forward to being part of the EastEnders team again, as 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."
EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood added: "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."
Sharon - the adopted daughter of Den and Angie Watts - was one of EastEnders' original characters when the programme launched in 1985.
Over the years, fans have seen her at the centre of an explosive love triangle with Mitchell brothers Phil and Grant, take the helm of the Queen Vic as landlady and endure the tragedy of Dennis's death.
Storyline details for Sharon's return to Walford are currently being kept under wraps.
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I do like Sharon 
shame about the OTT storylines.. 
