EastEnders star Shane Richie promises big Alfie change in return plot

EastEnders star Shane Richie has promised that the show is taking his character Alfie Moon back to his roots.

Alfie returns to Walford later this month, nearly three years after bowing out from Albert Square.

Alfie's most recent stint explored a less likeable side of the popular character, as he was caught up in a web of lies over being the secret father of Hayley Slater's baby daughter Cherry.

Speaking to Digital Spy and other media at a recent EastEnders press event, Shane promised a major shift back to lighter storylines for Alfie.

BBC

What to Read Next

Recalling how EastEnders' new executive producer Chris Clenshaw invited him back, Shane explained: "I was on tour playing a drag queen at the time and I got the phone call from Chris.

"He said, 'Listen, I've got this idea of bringing Alfie back' and I thought, 'Oh really?' But then he sold it to me. He said, 'Listen, we want the old Alfie. Because over the years there's been all very different Alfies and my favourite Alfie is from 2002 to 2005'. And that's the Alfie we've got back.

"I asked what I was going to wear and he said, 'I want the flowery shirts and everything'. I was like, 'Shut up, I'm a bloke in my 50s now!' But then I met up with Tony Jordan, who created the Mitchells, the Moons and the Slaters back in the day.

"Tony turned up in a flowery shirt and leather jacket and boots on, so I was like, 'Oh okay, it's alright for a bloke in his 50s, I'll wear it!'"

BBC

Sharing more details, Shane continued: "Chris was so instrumental in telling me the long-term storyline with Alfie, and it's the old Alfie.

"You know, the guy who looked after his Nana Moon and wore his heart on his sleeve and tries to make light of everything. Through his own innocence and naivety, he still gets it wrong.

"The drama only works on a show like this when you get the light and the shade and I'm happy to come in and bring the lightness. If we can get Alfie getting up to his old tricks and his scams – if you get that right, then the drama is so much more dramatic.

"I'm happy to come and play the joker because that means the drama is so much greater."

Check out Digital Spy's full coverage from EastEnders' autumn press event:

- EastEnders confirms Dot Branning death storyline as soap pays tribute to June Brown

- EastEnders breaks silence on Sid Owen's return as Ricky Butcher

- EastEnders casts Navin Chowdhry as newcomer Nish Panesar

- EastEnders' new boss Chris Clenshaw shares vision for show's future

- EastEnders boss promises shock DI Keeble revelation in Mitchell flashback episode

- EastEnders to introduce a face from Sam Mitchell's past

- EastEnders boss teases ending of Mick and Janine story

- EastEnders teases Mitchell flashback twists with new images and spoilers

- EastEnders boss reveals dramatic arrival for Freddie Slater as Bobby Brazier takes on role

- EastEnders newcomer Bobby Brazier reveals emotional scenes for Freddie Slater