EastEnders spoilers: Mel Owen's return brings questions – but is Ben Mitchell involved?

EASTENDERS fans saw the long awaited return of Tamzin Outhwaite on Tuesday night.

By Jack Wetherill /

The soap legend has rejoined the  this week after being confirmed for a comeback late last year.

Her return storyline was shrouded in secrecy, though it was revealed that her would be joining her.

On Tuesday night, viewers watched as the familiar face walked into The Arches and met a secretive Ben Mitchell (Harry Reid).

Ben was busy hiding the stolen goods from the New Year's Day heist while organising his getaway from Walford.

He was interrupted concealing the stash and told Mel that he couldn't help as he was busy.

EastEnders spoilers BBC

SHE'S BACK: Tamzin Outhwaite returned as Mel Owen on Tuesday night

Tamzin Outhwaite's life and career in pictures

 
Tamzin Outhwaite famous for her role in Eastenders as Melanie Owen returns to the square.
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BBC/Getty

    EastEnders spoilers BBC

    WHAT'S IN STORE?: Will viewers find out what Mel is up to?

    But in these new pictures, could there be more to the story and will viewers find out why Mel went straight to The Arches?

    Ben is unaware of who Mel is and that she has such a rich history in Albert Square so turns her away.

    It looks like viewers could get a look into why Mel is back tonight when EastEnders returns to screens.

    Speaking about Mel's return, Tamzin said: "I like [John Yorke's] view that the representation of East End London in the show works best when you have really strong women driving it."

    EastEnders spoilers BBC

    NEW FAMILY: Mel Owen is bringing along her son Hunter

    EastEnders’ hottest actresses

     
    EastEnders’ hottest actresses in pictures
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    EastEnders’ hottest actresses Getty Images
    EastEnders’ hottest actresses

      “He really wanted the female characters to drive it again, so it's going to be a lovely challenge”

      Tamzin Outhwaite

      She added to the Metro: "He really wanted the female characters to drive it again, so it's going to be a lovely challenge."

      Tamzin isn't the only strong female star making her return to the Square, as confirmed by EastEnders at the end of 2017.

      With Stacey Fowler (Lacey Turner) having a bit of a wobble over Christmas and sleeping with Max Branning (Jake Wood), her family return to sort her out.

      That means Jean (Gillian Wright), Big Mo (Laila Morse) and Kat (Jessie Wallace) will all be making their comebacks this year.

      EastEnders spoilers BBC

      STRONG WOMEN: Tamzin Outhwaite will be joined by Jessie Wallace among other iconic stars

      The most dramatic Eastenders exits

       
      With soap legend Peggy Mitchell leaving Eastenders for good, we take a look back at the most dramatic exits from the series
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      Roxy and Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders shock exit by drowning in the pool BBC
      Roxy and Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders shock exit by drowning in the pool

        Meanwhile, Ben will be bowing out, while Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) is also leaving after surviving her fall from the Queen Vic roof.

        Her sister Abi (Lorna Fitzgerald) is still in the soap on life support but is set to have her final scenes next week.

        EastEnders continues tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One.