Keanu is back – but why? (Picture: BBC)
Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) left EastEnders almost three years ago, after a huge tragedy led to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) ordering him away.
The mechanic, as viewers will recall, had a passionate affair with Sharon, which ended in heartbreak when Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) found out the truth, with the hard-man intent on exacting revenge.
The plan didn’t exactly pan out, with Keanu managing to evade his grasp, faking his own death in the process, but when he returned, things became even more complicated as Phil set out to murder his love rival once and for all.
The ensuing scenes saw a fight take place between the two on a boat, but the commotion led to Dennis Rickman (Bleu Landau) losing his life in tragic scenes.
Sharon, despite having given birth to his son Albi, ordered Keanu to leave at once, as she attempted to process the loss of her beloved boy.
Keanu did as she requested and left – never to be seen again. That is, until now. Tuesday’s (December 13) edition of the BBC One soap saw the popular character waltz back into the Square after almost three years away.
Keanu made a surprise return to the Square (Picture: BBC)
Fans were rendered speechless by the development, with no indication prior to the episode’s airing that Keanu would stage a comeback. But stage a comeback he most certainly has.
But why?
‘When I got the call from Chris [Clenshaw, EastEnders boss], he told me about some of the storylines,’ actor Danny Walters said, discussing how his return came about.
‘Even Chris was teasing some – I don’t think he’s told me everything yet! But Chris’ vision is incredible and I like what he’s done with it and the writers involved and the directors and everything.
‘So when I heard what he wants Keanu to do, I couldn’t help but want to come back. I’m very privileged to be coming back in such an iconic episode.’
Keanu returned during the send-off for EastEnders icon Dot Branning (June Brown).
Keanu and Sharon’s affair captivated viewers – though it ended in tragedy (Picture: BBC)
‘The way I’m playing him now, there’s a new type of character that you’ll see from Keanu, a very different side to him,’ continued the actor, describing what viewers can expect.
Sharon, of course, will play a role in his long-awaited return, given that she and Keanu loved each other once – and share a son.
‘Sharon was always the reason that Keanu had a bit of purpose, really, and a bit of drive,’ said Danny. ‘There was a deep, deep attraction to Sharon that I guess even Keanu couldn’t explain.
‘There is something that he’s drawn to and I think it’s reciprocated because Sharon has someone, not just because he’s younger, but someone who appreciates Sharon for who she is, and that’s why that relationship works so well.
‘Keanu has come back to the Square with the intention to create a relationship with his son and to have an impression in his son’s life, but also to rekindle that relationship with Sharon. That is maybe a motive.
‘Keanu has always been the man of the house in the Taylor household. He’s not had a father figure in his life and the way I’ve always played it is to be the dad that his dad wasn’t.
‘He goes into those old habits where he sees himself becoming like his father so he tries to change those habits. I think while he was in Portugal and away from the Square he’s had time to think about things, to grow up.
More: Soaps
‘Then it got to the stage where he realised he had to take the future into his own hands. There was only one way, which was to come back to the Square and face the music.’
But just what can we expect when he crosses paths with Phil?
‘It’s not long before Phil’s back and we can expect fireworks,’ teased Danny.
Consider us enthralled already.
EastEnders continues Thursday December 15 at 7:30pm on BBC One.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
MORE : EastEnders spoilers: Mick Carter’s shocking Christmas Day exit revealed – as he dies?
Keanu has a purpose and a motive in coming back to the square, and actor Danny reveals all.
