In desperate need of help, Kathy makes her way to the Arches, where a fuming Phil locks her in, fearing that Ben Mitchell or Ian Beale might catch sight of the mum they think is dead.
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Oh, Kathy...
Phil eventually decides to return and help Kathy out of her predicament, however, things get worse when Ben turns up. Will he spot his mum?
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Ben's unexpected arrival throws things into chaos
Previously released spoiler pictures appear to hint that Kathy will soon come face-to-face with Ian.
Watch ‘EastEnders’ tonight (Tuesday 18 August) to see Kathy’s comeback.
Who Is Kathy Beale?
1. Kathy first appeared in 'EastEnders' in 1985.(01 of08)
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Kathy and her husband Pete, along with their son Ian Beale, were one of Walford's original families and Gillian's character remained in the soap until 2000. (credit:Martin Leaver/allaction.co.uk /EMPICS Entertainment)
2. She's got history with Phil.(02 of08)
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In 1993, Kathy began an affair with Phil Mitchell, which was as rocky as you might expect. Despite their various troubles, the couple had baby Ben - yes, the one who murdered Heather - a year after their 1995 marriage. (credit:BBC Pictures)
3. Sharon isn't going to be happy. (03 of08)
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Sharon and Kathy's rivalry goes right back to 1993, when Kathy discovered that her lover Phil - who was married to Nadia at the time - was also having an affair with Sharon. How will Sharon feel about Kathy being back on the scene? Our guess is - NOT happy. Can we just take a second to look at Letitia Dean's hair in this photo, please? (credit:BBC Pictures)
4. Kathy starred in a number of key storylines(04 of08)
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Kathy's rape storyline was watched by over 19 million viewers in 1988, and the soap was praised for the way it handled the sensitive subject. Her domestic violence storyline was also well-received by viewers. (credit:BBC Pictures)
5. Gillian decided to leave in 2000.(05 of08)
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The actress said she needed a break, and wanted to try other things away from the world of Walford. (credit:BBC Pictures)
6. Kathy also had an affair with Grant.(06 of08)
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Those Mitchell brothers are just so irresistible, aren't they? (credit:BBC Pictures)
8. Kathy was presumed dead in 2006.(07 of08)
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It was announced that Kathy was being killed off, in order to allow her son Ben to return to the soap with his dad Phil Mitchell... (credit:BBC Pictures)
9. BUT NOW SHE'S BACK!(08 of08)
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...Yes! Little did we know, 'EastEnders' executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins was masterminding a return for Kathy. Phil's managed to keep her presence a secret for quite some time, but it looks like the Kat(hy) is about to be let out of the bag. (credit:BBC Pictures)