EastEnders fans went wild on Monday night as Ritchie Scott made an explosive return to Albert Square.

The character, who is played by Sian Webber, first made their debut back in 2005 as Phil Mitchell’s lawyer and was last seen in Walford on 5 September 2024.

Now, just over a year later, Ritchie was back in Albert Square on Monday night in a bid to help Zoe Slater.

During the latest episode, the Slaters were still in shock from the previous evening’s ordeal while Jean Slater slammed Kat Slater for the danger Zoe put the family in.

After overhearing the confrontation, Zoe tried to defend herself to Kat, Alfie and Stacey but it was clear the family were suspicious as Zoe continues to avoid sharing the truth over her past.

Later, things took a dramatic turn when DS Spencer arrived and revealed that Greg has been charged with her shooting but Zoe will need to come in for questioning about his past assault.

A furious Zoe was quick to proclaim her innocence but the police took her in for questioning as everyone, including Sharon Watts who made her explosive return, watched on.

Fearing for her daughter’s future, Kat headed straight to see ex-husband Phil as she begged for his personal lawyer, Ritchie, and for him to pay for her services.

Despite initially being reluctant to call Ritchie and pay for her services, Phil soon had a change of heart when Kat threatened him.

Later, while Zoe faced a tough grilling at the police station, Ritchie arrived at the eleventh hour as she put the police in their place while Zoe was later released without charge.

Soap watchers were quick to go wild over Ritchie’s return and her new look as she debuted a completely different hairdo.

Taking to Twitter, now X, one person said: “The return of Ritchie Scott and her gorge new hairdo x #EastEnders.”

A different account put: “Ritchie looks incredible. #EastEnders” while another viewer commented: “#EastEnders Is me or has Ritchie cut her hair short?”

Elsewhere, a different confused soap watcher asked: “Has Ritchie been recast?? #Eastenders” to which a different viewer responded: “New hair!”