'EastEnders' bosses are planning to offer Gillian Taylforth a €300,000-a-year deal to return to Albert Square.
Newspaper reports claim BBC executives want the 'EastEnders' veteran to return as Kathy Beale in a bid to push the ailing soap back up the ratings.
The deal would make Taylforth one of the highest paid stars in the show, which is currently struggling to keep up with the current success enjoyed by its ITV rival, 'Coronation Street'.
Taylforth, who played the mother of hapless businessman Ian Beale, quit the show in 1997 and has since appeared in 'The Knock' and 'Footballers' Wives' for ITV.
Kathy made a brief return in 2002 as her grandson Steven left for New Zealand, but producers now apparently want her back for good.
According to newspaper reports bosses are also searching for a new actor to play grandson Steven.
Amid rumours of her return, Taylforth is reported as saying: "I've always wanted to go back because I love 'EastEnders' - I have great friends in the cast."
