Hollyoaks favourite returns to Channel 4 soap after controversial exit sparked backlash

Charlie Dean is making his return to , striking excitement amongst fans just months after rumours suggested that actor Charlie Behan had left the soap.

Behan, who's been part of the show since 2011 and stepped into the shoes of Becca Dean and Justin Burton's son originally played by Joshua McConville, was noticeably missing from the screen after the soap's one-year leap in narrative time in September.

This absence was felt especially given his family's central role in a major storyline involving Frankie Osborne (portrayed by Isabelle Smith) courageously disclosing her twin JJ Osbourne's (Ryan Mulvey) sexual abuse against her.

Yet, upcoming spoilers have revealed that on Wednesday's (November 20) episode, "Frankie is delighted by Charlie's visit home. He's shocked when Lucas reveals the news about Dillon and Leah."

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Long-time viewers will be aware that Leah Barnes (played by Ela-May Demircan) unexpectedly found herself pregnant during the year that fast-forwarded past viewers, amidst theories circling that Charlie might be the father. Plot twists later confirmed that Dillon Ray (characterised by Nathanial Dass) is in fact the child's father.

Adding intrigue upon intrigue, Dillon became embroiled in scandal after cheating on Leah's brother Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis) during a stint in a young offenders institution for attacking JJ, driven by what he learned about JJ's actions towards Frankie. Now with Charlie returning to the fold, watchers are left wondering: what next for this Hollyoaks family?, reports .

Charlie's comeback is set to send shockwaves among fans, who were initially outraged by his departure. One fan expressed their disappointment at the time, saying: "NO! ! ! ! ! Why? Charlie has always been such a great character and well acted."

Another fan questioned the show's decision, writing: "I'm actually really confused about #Hollyoaks. Why bring back old characters that people were over but get rid of perfectly good (loyal) characters who people still love. It's not the characters that are stale they just need new stories written for them, plenty of life left yet!"

Meanwhile, Jack Osbourne (Jimmy McKenna) urges Nancy Osborne (Jessica Fox) to stay strong as she struggles with Darren's disappearance. Nancy is determined to keep the truth from Frankie, insisting that Darren is staying with his sister.

Robbie Roscoe (Charie Wernham) suspects a connection between Darren's disappearance and his own dark past, specifically the murder of Dave Williams (Dominic Power).

Tensions rise at the garage as Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) witnesses an argument between Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) and Robbie, leading him to suspect that Rex may have killed James Nightingale. At school, Nancy returns to work, weighed down by her secrets.

She confides in John Paul McQueen (James Sutton), expressing her doubts about Darren's return. Will Charlie's return to the village be the catalyst for Darren's comeback, or will he remain in hiding?

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am