EastEnders has announced that Neil McDermott will reprise his role as Ryan Malloy for a "short stint" in Albert Square in February.
The BBC soap said: "Ryan's character remains connected to Walford having first landed on our screens in 2009 as Whitney Dean's half-brother.
"Over his two years in Albert Square, Ryan was never far away from drama having married and divorced Janine (Charlie Brooks) once it was revealed he fathered baby Lily with Stacey (Lacey Turner), which resulted in their subsequent affair.
"He also served a short sentence in prison for accidentally killing Rob Grayson (Jody Latham) whilst defending the protection of half-sister Whitney.
"Having briefly reprised his role in 2016, Ryan is heading back to the Square following news that his 12-year-old daughter, Lily, is pregnant. It's safe to say that his return to the Square is far from smooth-sailing, but viewers will have to wait and see the drama unfold onscreen."
It's been almost seven years since he last stepped foot in Albert Square but Ryan Malloy is on his way back as Neil McDermott is set to reprise his role for a short stint this February.
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) January 29, 2023
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"When I heard what the story was, I was really pleased that the stars aligned and I was able to revisit Ryan and set foot back on the Square," said actor McDermott.
"It was so lovely to see so many old friends and to work with Shona (McGarty - Whitney) and Lacey (Turner - Stacey) again, as well as to meet and work with Ryan's daughter, played beautifully by Lillia (Turner)."
Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders' Executive Producer, added: "It's wonderful to welcome Neil back to the role of Ryan Malloy.
"Although we haven't seen Ryan for some years, his character is still intertwined in the history of two of the show's major characters, Stacey and Whitney.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to have him back for a short while as he's thrust into the heart of the drama."
EastEnders airs on RTÉ One and BBC One Monday to Thursday.
