After months of lurking in the background, and clandestine meetings with Phil Mitchell, Kathy Beale is finally back in Walford.
The ‘EastEnders’ character's return was one of the biggest live week shocks back in February, and when Kathy emerged from a car in a shady East London car park, Twitter went into overdrive.
Sadly, since then, Gillian Taylforth's character hasn't been on our screens much, but now, she's back for good - and boy is this going to shock the Square.
At present, Phil's the only person who knows Kathy is still alive, let alone in E20, but it surely won't be long before the secret's out.
Kathy was last spotted in Walford back in 2000, and in 2006, she was "killed off" off-screen, so while long-term viewers of the show and soap fact fans will need no reminding who she is, you can be forgiven for not being sure what all the fuss is about.
Thankfully, Phil and Kathy's conversations have served as a catch-up, but there's still plenty of background knowledge worth brushing up on.
Here’s everything you need to know about the legend that is Kathy Beale…
Who Is Kathy Beale?
1. Kathy first appeared in 'EastEnders' in 1985.(01 of08)
Open Image ModalKathy 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)
Open Image ModalIn 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)
Open Image ModalSharon 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)
Open Image ModalKathy'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)
Open Image ModalThe 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)
Open Image ModalThose Mitchell brothers are just so irresistible, aren't they? (credit:BBC Pictures)
8. Kathy was presumed dead in 2006.(07 of08)
Open Image ModalIt 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)
Open Image Modal...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)