There’s been a huge Peter Beale shaped hole in our hearts since he departed our EastEnders screens almost a year ago! Sob!
Peter and a heavily pregnant Lauren Branning left Walford to start a brand new life in New Zealand, getting away from the aftermath of Lucy Beale’s murder that saw Lauren's dad, Max Branning, jailed for her murder.
The pair seemed to have settled in their new life, bringing up baby Louie together.
Well, that seemingly was the case until Lauren arrived back in Walford with Peter’s half-brother Steven Beale on her arm earlier this year.
And up until last night, we all thought things ended horribly between childhood sweethearts Peter and Lauren. Maybe they just fell out of love, or Peter struggled to come to terms with his sister’s death?
Some fans had speculated that Steven may have actually killed Peter, a rumour that was heightened when Steven got defensive everytime his name was mentioned.
However, when Jane rumbled Steven about fleecing money from the restaurant – Steven revealed that his brother is in a lot of trouble, has been drinking and partying heavily and needs money to pay debts off.
In true Steven Beale style, he’s been keeping all this a secret from Lauren, who evidently still holds a flame for her ex-boyfriend.
Upon discovering that Peter’s in a lot of trouble, Lauren is adamant that she wants to return to New Zealand to help him – resulting in Steven begging her to stay with him.
"I know you’re always going to love Peter, he was your first love.
"Do you love him more than you love me?"
According to Aaron Sidwell (Steven), Ben, who has enjoyed roles in Hollywood blockbuster X-Men since leaving EastEnders, definitely hasn’t ruled out a potential return.
He told Inside Soap back in August: “I would like to see Ben Hardy reprise his role of Peter and to see a showdown between him and Steven for Lauren.
"I think Ben is passionate about the show, and that he would probably be interested in coming back if the timing and story were right.
"Peter is always going to be a fixture in the story, considering that he and Lauren have a child together that Steven is raising."
Will Lauren get on that plane to try and help the father of her child? Or could Ben Hardy, who plays Peter Beale, return to EastEnders?
**Is all this proof that a return is on the cards? We reeeeeally hope so... **
**Would you like to see Peter Beale back in the square? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter (@CloserOnline). **
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