Keanu staged a surprise comeback after an almost three-year absence (Picture: BBC)

Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) has made a shocking return to EastEnders, and consider us absolutely stunned.

The mechanic, who was last seen almost three years ago, made an unannounced appearance at the end of Tuesday’s (December 13) outing of the BBC One soap, waltzing back into Walford.

During his three year stint on the serial drama, Keanu was at the centre of many storylines, with his biggest undoubtedly being his affair with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).

Sharon, who gave birth to his child Albi, was berated by Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) when the truth came out, and he kicked her out of her home on Christmas Day, before attempting to have Keanu killed for what had transpired.

Keanu, however, had faked his own death, with some assistance from Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Martin Fowler (James Bye), and he later returned to the Square, much to Phil’s horror.

Phil tried to kill his love rival once more, this time on board the party boat on the Thames, and his actions ultimately led to Dennis Rickman (Bleu Landau), Sharon’s beloved son, ending up dead.

Keanu subsequently left the Square, after Sharon ordered him out of her hospital room shortly after giving birth to baby Kayden, who was later re-named Albi.

Just what has brought Keanu back? (Picture: BBC)

But just what has brought Keanu back after all this time?

Sharon, it seems!

Seconds before he arrived back in Walford, Sharon was discussing loves lost with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), who was adamant that – one day – she will find someone to love.

Could Keanu be that person?

Keanu and Sharon’s relationship had viewers hooked (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes)

‘Sharon’s a strong force but he’s now got a child, Albie, who’s two,’ said actor Danny Walters, discussing his character’s comeback.

‘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.

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‘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.

‘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.’

EastEnders continues Thursday December 14 at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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Bet you didn’t see that coming!