Now it looks like Charlie (played by Declan Bennett) is set to stay – if this photo is anything to go by.
In scenes set to air tomorrow, the returnee catches up with his grandmother Dot Branning (June Brown).
Although it remains unclear why Charlie has decided to return now and what exactly has drawn him back to the East End.
As Matthew’s only surviving biological parent, could Charlie be plotting to take his son away from Jack Branning (Scott Maslen)?
Charlie departed Walford in 2015, after being chased out by his ex-wife and mother of his son Matthew, Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack).
However, since Ronnie met her maker on New Year’s Eve, Matthew has been under the sole charge of the Mitchell sister’s grieving widower, Jack.
During the latest instalment of the soap, Matthew ran away from Jack, who was later told by Max Branning (Jake Wood) that he was safe at Dot’s house.
Unfortunately for Jack, as he ran over to the house he was met by the shocking sight of Charlie at the door, who was holding on to Matthew.
Before the famous duff-duffs rang, Charlie snapped: “I think we need to have a chat about my son, don’t you?”
EastEnders continues tomorrow night at 8pm on BBC One.