EastEnders confirms Sean Slater's return plot in desperate search for Amy

EastEnders’ Sean Slater’s hotly-anticipated return to Walford doesn’t disappoint next week – as he joins forces with sworn enemy Jack Branning to find missing Amy Mitchell!

After Sean unexpectedly turns up in Albert Square, the former rivals put their differences aside as they recognise that Amy is in serious danger from vile Craig – and finding her is their priority.

Related: Best streaming services

Meanwhile, Amy begins to realise her Mr Perfect is no such thing and, as the situation escalates, it’s down to Sean and Jack to save the day…

"Sean has never stopped thinking of Amy as his child," explains Rob Kazinsky, who plays the returning Walford icon. "He will protect and love her as only a father ever could. He swore to her mum Roxy that he would do so, and nothing stops him from keeping promises to Roxy..."

After a frustrating night of searching, Amy’s loved ones have no idea where she is. The peace brokered between Jack and Sean is shaky, and a row breaks out when they discover that Max gave Amy early access to her inheritance.

"The speed with which two men who have a fight can become friends is almost ridiculous, and Sean and Jack have one thing that binds them together – they both love Amy," explains Rob.

"I actually think that this relationship is the most storied for Sean; with him and Jack going from enemies to grudging acceptance. But does that mean they become friends, or will Jack resent her first father coming back into her life?"

Related: Exclusive - EastEnders actor reveals sweet former co-star connection

Sean is so consumed by Amy’s plight that he totally fails to say hello to his own family. Lily is furious when she realises her uncle is in town but hasn’t come to The Vic.

However, later it’s Lily who provides a key piece of evidence when she discovers that Amy opened a secret bank account using Charli’s tablet.

The next day, Sean suggests tugging at Amy’s heartstrings by having poorly Denise to record a plea video. What will he do if his plan doesn’t work and Craig hurts Amy?

Related: EastEnders star Lacey Turner shares show return update in Natalie Cassidy chat

"Sean held her in his arms as his daughter, and finding out she wasn’t his was the hardest thing that ever happened to him," shares Rob. "We quickly see how important family is to Sean and the lengths he will go to protect it."

Meanwhile, Amy’s situation becomes more precarious, and when Craig realises the bank account has been frozen, he lashes out in violence.

The horror unfolding at the bedsit they are hiding in is a world away from her cosy family home. Back on the Square, Sean hits on the idea of getting Denise to record a plea for Amy to come home. Will his plan work?

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.

Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage

Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.

The new edition of Legends, a 100-page celebration of the world of K-pop, is here. Buy K-Pop in newsagents or online.