EastEnders airs unannounced return for classic character in early BBC iPlayer release

As a long-time devotee of soap operas, I must admit that seeing Joe Swash reprise his role as Mickey Miller in EastEnders is a delightful surprise! My memories of him as a market trader back in 2003 are still vivid, and it’s fascinating to see how the character has evolved over the years.

heads up: episode of EastEnders on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, airing Monday 9th December may reveal plot details

EastEnders has aired the surprise appearance of Joe Swash as Mickey Miller in Monday’s episode.

In the new episode of BBC One’s soap opera, Mickey didn’t make an appearance announcement prior to its release on BBC iPlayer. Instead, we find him reappearing in a light-hearted, humorous storyline involving the charity calendar, which aims to rescue the Bridge Street market.

Initially, Swash played the part of market vendor Mickey back in 2003, appearing first as a guest character. As Mickey’s popularity grew due to his deal-making antics, he was upgraded to a regular cast member and then the larger Miller family was introduced on the scene, which happened in 2004.

In 2008, the character, along with his onscreen stepfather Keith Miller (portrayed by David Spinx), was written out of the show. This came after the departures of his mother Rosie Miller (played by Gerry Cowper) and sister Demi Miller (Joe’s real-life sister Shana Swash).

Mickey’s half-brother Darren Miller (played by Charlie G Hawkins) and his sister Dawn Swann (portrayed by Kara Tointon) stayed on the soap opera until 2011 and 2009 respectively.

Back in 2011, I had the pleasure of making a special appearance on screen, portraying Mickey. This wasn’t just any role; it was Swash’s guest spot during Darren’s farewell storyline and his wedding to Jodie Gold, played by Kylie Babbington. What an unforgettable moment in television history!

Last year, the actor became more than an outsider to the EastEnders clan, as he hosted a spin-off series that followed the soap’s narrative of The Six.

Furthermore, it was hinted last year that Swash might come back to the soap; now, his desire has been fulfilled!

On Monday’s broadcast, we catch a glimpse of someone in formal attire exiting a vehicle and strolling through the Square in a short-lived enigma. Later in the same episode, Mickey surprises his old acquaintance Mo Harris (Laila Morse) and other familiar faces from Walford, including Martin Fowler (James Bye) and Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

Mickey discloses that he’s currently the owner of a thriving bed and breakfast chain in the picturesque Cotswolds, known as ‘Miller’s Villas’. This venture sprang from his previous career working in a hotel.

Moreover, he shared that the business is a family affair, with mom Rosie handling all the laundry duties, reminiscent of the iconic laundrette matriarch Pauline Fowler (played by Wendy Richards). Sister Dawn takes care of the front desk, while dad Keith moves about, providing assistance wherever needed.

Apart from disclosing that he’s recently tied the knot, Mr. Miller shares an unfortunate history of romantic misfortune in Walford, where he has three children. Playfully, Stacey quips about letting a potential prince pass her by.

I asked Mickey why he came back, and he explained that he wanted to contribute to the fund to save the market. However, he ended up taking on the role of photographer for the charity calendar during the fundraising event.

In the subsequent scenes, Mickey can be found capturing photographs of Shrimpy (Ben Champniss) for the upcoming calendar, and he even manages to get Martin involved in the project.

Meanwhile, Mo and Kim Fox express their disappointment over not having a Mr. December in the calendar. In a playful manner, Mo suggests that she might persuade Mickey to step up and fill that role too.

Swash is simply the most recent iconic character to reappear ahead of the 2025 soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations, following in the footsteps of characters like Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), Jake Moon (Joel Beckett), David Wicks (Michael French), and Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) who have recently made a comeback.

Read More

2024-12-09 11:03