Little Mo Mitchell ‘returns’ to EastEnders after 17 years – here’s what you need to know about the soap icon

Little Mo was a popular face in EastEnders (Picture: BBC)

Popular Little Mo Slater (Kacey Ainsworth) was last seen in EastEnders back in 2006, when she left Walford for Barnstaple with her son Freddie in tow.

Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) was just a toddler back then, and having rocked up in Albert Square in 2022 as an 18-year-old, he’s found out that Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) isn’t his real dad and is curious to know who is.

Now one of EastEnders’ most evil villains (and there have been quite a few) is set to turn up as Freddie meets his biological dad, Graham Foster (Alex McSweeney).

Fans will remember the horrific night when Foster raped gentle Little Mo, and the news that Freddie is to meet him sends Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) into a panic. With Freddie completely unaware of the rape, Kat is terrified about what he might find out, and the danger he may be unknowingly putting himself in.

The soap is working with Rape Crisis on the execution of the storyline.

So who is Freddie’s mum, Little Mo, and will she return too?

Here’s what we know.

Who is Little Mo?

Little Mo is a gentle, caring soul who first appeared in the Square back in 2000.

Little Mo with baby Freddie (Picture: BBC)

She is Kat Slater’s sister, and her grandmother is ‘Big Mo’ Harris (Laila Morse).

But Little Mo couldn’t be more different to Big Mo – she has a gentle, sweet, quiet nature, though both have huge hearts.

When Little Mo first arrived in the soap, she was married to abusive Trevor Morgan (Alex Ferns), and after enduring years of his physical and mental cruelty, she fought back when he tried to rape her again,, and attacked him with an iron.

Viewers were left heartbroken when she was charged with attempted murder, but the charges were dropped after Kat did a deal with Morgan.

But he continued to terrorise her, until he died in a fire while trying to kill her and his son, Sean.

She found happiness with his love rival Billy Mitchell, but it was short lived after Graham Foster befriended her and gained her trust when she worked at the Queen Vic.

Foster brutally attacked Little Mo (Picture: BBC)

After spending months propping up the bar, and bonding with Little Mo over a love of crosswrods, he invited himself in after hours.

But when she tried to coax him out, frightened for her own safety, he raped her.

Terrified and traumatised, Little Mo then discovered the rape had left her pregnant – and Billy couldn’t understand why she was so determined to keep the baby.

But she insisted that the baby should bear no blame for the actions of his father, which Billy just couldn’t handle.

Freddie Slater wants to meet his biological dad – but Little Mo has proected him from the truth (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Little Mo had her day in court and testified against Foster, with Billy’s full support, and the rapist was sent to prison for eight years.

Tragically, her relationship with Billy couldn’t take the strain of caring for Freddie and their life together fell apart, which led to her leaving Walford with the toddler to start a new life.

Who plays Little Mo?

Kacey Ainsworth plays Little Mo.

Kacey Ainsworth on ITV’sLoose Women this year (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

She is still best known for playing Little Mo from 2000-2006, and appears as a panellist on ITV’s Loose Women.

Kacey has also since has roles in Casualty, Grantchester, and Call The Midwife, in addition to her theatre work.

Is Little Mo returning to EastEnders?

Little Mo’s legions of fans have long wanted her to return to the Square.

Kacey has admitted that she is a big believer of ‘never say never’, though in most recent interviews she has denied rumours that she may be returning.

When asked about returning to EastEnders she told Loose Women in May, ‘I literally don’t have time at the moment.’

Despite this, she has continued to keep fans guessing on social media.

It wouldn’t be the first time that a face has rocked up many years later – let’s not forget Kathy Beale came back from the dead, and Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) is due to arrive back in Walford after 15 years.

We’ll have to wait and see whether Little Mo joins them.

MORE : As Freddie finds out who his dad is, here is everything you need to know about EastEnders’ Graham Foster

MORE : EastEnders spoilers: George is reeling by a blast from the past as Cindy returns to his life

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Little Mo was much-loved by fans.