Mick Carter (played by Danny Dyer) was presumed dead on Christmas Day after being lost at sea, but his body was never found.

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Fans think the cockney Queen Vic landlord is about to make a return to Walford after spotting clues.

This comes after Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) rapist Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) made a shock return to Albert Square in Monday’s Halloween episode.

In the episode, Linda was determined to keep her Halloween tradition going in honour of former husband Mick, and decorated the pub with the help of mum Elaine and her partner George.

The family threw a party in the pub, with numerous residents dressing up for the event.

But as they celebrated inside, a shadowy figure arrived on the Square in a taxi, before creeping down the side of the pub and into the property.

Linda was then seen heading into the kitchen upstairs to make a drink, when the door closed behind her, prompting her to turn around.

But she got more of a scare than she could have ever expected on Halloween when she saw Dean standing in front of her.

Before she had chance to say anything he warned her twice: “Don’t scream”.

Dean raped Linda after becoming obsessed with her in 2014.

After Mick found out, he beat Dean to the ground until his mum Shirley intervened and revealed Dean was his brother.

Will Dean’s return pave the way for Mick’s return?

Taking to X, formally known as Twitter, one fan said: Hmmmm they never found Mick’s body you knowwwww – feels like they’re leaving the door open for a come back #EastEnders.”

Another wrote: “At this point, I’m convinced Mick is coming back too!!”

A third penned: Oh what I’d do to have Mick and Linda Carter back together to bring down Dean Wicks once and for all. #eastenders.”

A fourth added: “There’s been SO much speculation that Mick’s coming back.

“I really hope it’s true – he’ll be Linda’s ‘night in shining armour’ & hopefully protect her from Dean’s return #EastEnders.”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.