EastEnders reveals Roxy Mitchell promise as Sean returns to save Amy

EastEnders ended on a massive cliffhanger last week with the return of Rob Kazinsky as Sean Slater, 17 years after he was last a permanent Albert Square resident.

Sean is back as Jack Branning is frantically searching for his daughter Amy Mitchell, who has gone off with disgraced detective Craig Ingram.

Related: Best streaming services

Longtime fans will know that Sean was previously married to Amy's late mother Roxy Mitchell and believed Amy was his daughter for the first few months of her life.

Speaking about Sean's return and him aiding Jack in the search for Amy, Rob revealed: "Sean never stopped thinking of Amy as his child, he held her in his arms as his daughter and finding out she wasn’t his was the hardest thing that ever happened to him.

"He will protect her and love her as only a father ever could. He swore to Roxy that he would do so and nothing stops him keeping promises to Roxy Mitchell."

Related: EastEnders shuts down Kojo and Jodie romance in surprise change

Rob also touched on Sean's tempestuous relationship with Jack, saying: "I actually think that this relationship is the most storied for Sean; enemies to grudging acceptance.

"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. Will that mean they become friends or will Jack resent her first father coming back into her life?"

The actor spoke about how it was stepping into Sean's shoes once again, saying the character was the one he was "most protective of".

Related: EastEnders' Lacey Turner reveals why on-screen death led to soap exit decision

"Perhaps because of his tragedy or his ability to conquer his demons if he loves someone enough, but I find him deeply human," Rob added. "I’ve never lost my connection with him and putting Sean’s shoes and coat on again felt wholly right."

As for what's ahead for Sean now he's back in Walford, he teased: "42-year-old Sean Slater is much more interesting than 21-year-old Sean Slater, be prepared for something old and something new."

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.