Kathy Beale's' EastEnders' Return: Gillian Taylforth Character Makes A Surprise Live Week Comeback, Twitter Explodes (PICS)

'EastEnders' Kathy Returns, Twitter Breaks Down
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Kathy Beale, played by Gillian Taylforth, made a surprise ‘EastEnders’ return on Thursday night, causing everyone to, well, start screaming at their TVs.

Thousands of fans took to Twitter when Ian Beale’s mum appeared in the show during a scene with Phil Mitchell, and the show have now confirmed that Kathy’s back for good.

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No, you didn't imagine it, she's back!

Ian’s mum - and Phil’s ex - was last seen in 2000, before returning to South Africa, where a car accident left fans presuming she was dead.

And we thought the murder revelation was going to be a shocker. Wow.

A statement released by Gillian explains: “When Dominic [Treadwell-Collins, executive producer] approached me with his plan, I was so shocked I got into my car and burst into tears!

“Kathy has always been so close to my heart and it’s absolutely wonderful to be returning to the show and reprising the role.”

Naturally, fans took to Twitter to discuss the surprise, and it’s fair to say that everyone was more than a little stunned…

We need a lay down.

'EastEnders': The Women Of Albert Square
Pat Evans (Pam St. Clement, 1986-2012)(01 of12)
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Not a day goes by where we don't miss Pat and her wonderful, wonderful earrings. (credit:BBC )
Bianca Butcher (Patsy Palmer, 1993-99, 2002, 2008-14)(02 of12)
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"RICCCCCCKKKKKKAAAAAAAAAY!" (credit:BBC )
Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor, 1994-2015)(03 of12)
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Living legend Barbara Windsor has made numerous visits to Albert Square since officially leaving. She'll be back for live week, and fingers crossed there'll be a chance for the Queen Vic's most memorable landlady to yell that line again: "Get outta ma pub!" (credit:BBC )
Chrissie Watts (Tracey Ann Oberman, 2004-05)(04 of12)
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After years of bullying Angie, Den Watts finally met his match in Chrissie, who gave as good as she got. Until murdering him, obviously. Sadly, she coudn't plan a good enough getaway, and was stopped by police as she prepared to board a flight. (credit:BBC )
Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks, 1999-2014)(05 of12)
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Janine terrorised everyone from Billy Mitchell and Ian Beale, to Alice Branning, during her time in Walford. After inheriting millions, Janine became even more infuriatingly smug, but karma hit back and when she finally fell for Michael Moon, things didn't end well. (credit:BBC )
Linda Carter (Kellie Bright, 2014-Present)(06 of12)
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She may be the newest of the bunch, but Kellie's character hasn't had it easy since moving into The Vic. While Linda has done her best to hold together the Carters, she's had a rough time, suffering a horrific assault at the hands of her brother-in-law, and acting as peacekeeper during the family's many feuds. Can she hold things together? (credit:BBC )
Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard, 1985-2006)(07 of12)
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Pauline was the original 'EastEnders' matriach, and there wasn't a problem she couldn't fix. Sadly, actress Wendy died in 2009, following a battle with breast cancer. (credit:BBC )
Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell, 2011-Present)(08 of12)
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Cora's dry sense of humour and witty putdowns manage to inspire giggles during even the most torturous scenes. As mother to Tanya and Rainie, she certainly has more than her fair shares of problems. (credit:BBC )
Dot Cotton (June Brown, 1985-93, 1997-Present)(09 of12)
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Where would we be without Dot's wise words? The laundrette worker has been on hand to offer advice to anyone who needs it, since the show first aired in 1985. (credit:BBC )
Shirley Carter (Linda Henry, 2006-Present)(10 of12)
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If she's good enough for ummm, Phil Mitchell, then she's good enough for us. (credit:BBC )
Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace, 2000-04, 2005, 2010-Present)(11 of12)
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Kat's the only Slater sister who's stuck around following the family's 2000 arrival. (credit:BBC )
Tracey (Jane Slaughter, 1985-Present)(12 of12)
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Jane is the longest-serving member of the cast, y'know. Bravo to Tracey for managing not to chip in during all those rows... (credit:BBC )