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For all you Heath fans out there, there is good news and bad news.
The good news is that he will indeed be back on The Walking Dead at some point – and maybe to resolve the mystery with that 'PPP' keycard Tara had found on the ground.
The bad news is that his return probably wouldn't happen this coming season.
Related: The Walking Dead season 8 – everything you need to know
The Walking Dead showrunner Scott Gimple told Entertainment Weekly that the writers haven't forgotten about Corey Hawkins's character, but a comeback may not fit into season eight's All Out War narrative.
"Not a huge chance [of seeing Heath in season eight]," he said. "But we definitely have not seen the last of Heath, period. I will say that.
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"I don't mean to disappoint the Heathies. He will be on the show. He will be within The Walking Dead again."
At least we can assume that he remains alive.
Related: See how The Walking Dead's zombies have gradually decayed over seven seasons
Heath was last seen in season seven episode 'Swear', as a two-week supply run with Tara went wrong.
The pair got separated as they were ambushed by a group of walkers – which led to Tara discovering the all-female Oceanside community – but when Tara returned to the bridge to find Heath, he and the van were both long-gone, with only that mysterious keycard left behind.
The Walking Dead returns to AMC on Sunday, October 22 in the US, and premieres on FOX and NOW TV on Monday, October 23 in the UK.
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