Michelle Fowler finally revealed the real reason for her return to Walford in Thursday’s (12 January) ‘EastEnders’, admitting that she had been having an affair with a 17-year-old student.
In recent episodes, it’s been clear that Michelle was keeping something bottled up, and she finally told the truth during a heated conversation with best pal Sharon Mitchell.
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Michelle finally told the truth
BBC Pictures
It all began with a distraught Sharon attempting to process the fact Phil Mitchell is the father of Denise Fox’s baby, but the conversation soon turned to Michelle’s personal life, when she revealed that her husband, Tim, is no longer interested in having sex with her.
As Jenna Russell’s character shared her problems, tensions grew between the old friends, and Michelle ended up making some regrettable comments and storming out.
When Sharon then found her sat on Arthur’s bench, she demanded the real story, scolding her for the harsh words she’d uttered just moments before, saying: “You’ve always had a nasty streak. Tell me the truth. What have you done?”
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We're not sure everyone else in Walford would be as forgiving as Sharon...
BBC Pictures
“I fell in love, madly, like an idiot,” Michelle admitted, adding: “A whole year together, we were obssesed.
“He couldn’t keep his hands off me, but it wasn’t just about sex.”
Then came the big revelation, when she admitted they planned to run away together, concluding: “But his mum found his case and came into school… demanded my immediate resignation.”
After berating her, Sharon managed to get Michelle to admit how old her secret lover was, but despite initially seeming suitably annoyed, she appeared to forgive her friend just as the credits rolled.
The news means Sharon is now keeping two huge secrets - this, and the fact Phil is about to become a dad again - and while bosses are keeping what happens next under wraps, we can’t see them staying private for long…
Catch up on all the latest soap news and spoilers here.
Soap Stars We Want To See Back On TV
Bet Lynch, 'Coronation Street'(01 of13)
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Julie Goodyear's already returned four times since leaving the soap back in 1966. Surely one more 'Corrie' comeback wouldn't hurt? (credit:Phil Noble/PA Archive/Press Association Images)
Brenden Brady, 'Hollyoaks'(02 of13)
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Brenden was last seen being escorted to prison after confessing to multiple murders... Well, he has to come out of prison at some point, right? (credit:Ben A. Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Becky McDonald, 'Coronation Street'(03 of13)
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Becky, played by Katherine Kelly, finally got her happy ending but we'd love to see her causing problems again on 'Coronation Street'. (credit:Eamonn and James Clarke/Eamonn and James Clarke)
Mandy Dingle, 'Emmerdale'(04 of13)
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Lisa Riley's character was one of the original Dingle clan and she'd definitely shake things up significantly by arriving back in the Dales again. (credit:Michael Walter/PA Archive)
Tina McIntyre, 'Coronation Street'(05 of13)
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We know Michelle Keegan only made her 'Corrie' exit in early 2014, but it'd be great to see her back, wouldn't it?Oh and yes, her character also died, but we're sure the writers could get creative and make it happen somehow... (credit:ITV)
Kim Tate, 'Emmerdale' (06 of13)
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Kim fled the Dales halfway through her own trial in 1999 and we wish she'd come back and cause some more trouble. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Harold Bishop, 'Neighbours'(07 of13)
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The much-loved shopkeeper would always be welcome back on Ramsey Street - even though 'Neighbours' boss Susan Bower said she thinks his character should have been killed off after his dramatic cancer storyline. (credit:Anthony Devlin/PA Wire)
Justin Burton, 'Hollyoaks' (08 of13)
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Long before his 'Corrie' days, Chris Fountain starred as fans' favourite Justin in 'Hollyoaks'.Justin made his grand exit in 2009 when he left with Russ Owen. (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Janice Battersby, 'Coronation Street'(09 of13)
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Vicky Entwistle played Janice for 14 years before leaving in 2011 and the Underworld factory hasn't been the same since. (credit:Eamonn Clarke/allaction.co.uk /Eamonn and James Clarke)
Charlene Robinson, 'Neighbours'(10 of13)
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It's been a long time since Kylie last appeared on the Aussie soap (26 years to be precise) and rumour has it, she could be making a comeback for the anniversary edition of 'Neighbours'... (credit:All Action/EMPICS Entertainment)
Scott Robinson, 'Neighbours(11 of13)
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...Of course, it wouldn't be right if Kylie went back without Jason though, would it?! (credit:PA/PA Archive/Press Association Images)
Chrissie Watts, 'EastEnders' (12 of13)
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Chrissie finally killed off Dirty Den after his reappearance in the Square, after being presumed dead for years. She's now in jail for the murder, but we'd love to see the look on Sharon's face if she made her way back to Walford. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Sam Mitchell, 'EastEnders'(13 of13)
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The rest of the Mitchell clan are set for a reunion, and it just wouldn't be right without Peggy Mitchell's daughter would it? (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)