Exclusive: Mrs Manju Patel - an 'EastEnders' legend?

I'm not exactly sure how, but Mrs Manju Patel has become an EastEnders cult icon simply by appearing in a handful of scenes and her name being mentioned in the scripts by other characters.

Mrs Patel - played by Leena Dhingra - initially cropped up during the Mad May storyline. It was actually Mrs Patel's medication that Dr May Wright (Amanda Drew) was taking to calm herself down. This also led to the demise of Naomi Julien - Dr May's surgery nurse - and ultimately the exit of Petra Letang from the Walford soap.

I've literally received hoards of e-mails over the past week asking the same questions - mainly 'Is Mrs Patel ever going to return to EastEnders?'

Well, I can reveal that Mrs P WILL be making a comeback later this year. I can't give anything away, but we'll definitely be seeing her again.

Secondly, Jean Slater - played by the fantastic Gillian Wright. She's been another hot topic of questioning regarding whether she has become a full-time character since she now has her own official cast shot.

My sources tell me that she's still only a semi-regular just like Heather (Cheryl Fergison). However, I'd imagine Jean will become a familiar face on the Square come November. There's a Slater-Branning wedding on the horizon, don't forget. Four days before Bonfire Night if I'm not mistaken.

Finally, Paul Nicholls - who appeared as EastEnders bad boy Joe Wicks between 1996-97. I'm led to believe some glossy magazines are reporting that he's making a return. 'Fraid not.

And for all you Manju Patel fans/addicts/obsessives (delete as appropriate) out there, re-live the Mrs Patel moment right here. If, however, you don't know who the hell she is, click play to see what all the hype's about...

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