[Callum]

EastEnders reintroduces Lucy Beale to Albert Square next week as she returns home for Pat's funeral.

Lucy, now played by Hetti Bywater, has been tipped to wreak more havoc in Walford in upcoming episodes as she settles back in after more than a year living away in Devon.




Pictured: Hetti Bywater as Lucy Beale.

With preparations for Pat's send-off well under way in next week's episodes, Ian (Adam Woodyatt) tells some white lies to girlfriend Mandy (Nicola Stapleton) - claiming that Lucy and Peter are both too busy to attend.

In fact, Ian hasn't been in contact with either of the twins to tell them about the funeral - and they don't know anything about Mandy either!

Unfortunately for Ian, Lucy manages to find out about Walford's planned farewell to Pat - and he's in for a shock when the troublesome teen arrives back unexpectedly, demanding to know the reason for the secrecy.

As Lucy comes face-to-face with Mandy, she also demands to know who this stranger is.




Pictured: Lucy wants answers as she arrives back on the Square.

Far from impressed over her father's choice of partner, it looks like Lucy will be going head-to-head with Mandy - leaving Ian caught in the middle. But who will come out on top in their battle of wits?

It also doesn't take long for Lucy to get up to more mischief as she ends up taking alcopops to Pat's funeral - which delights Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa).

When Bywater's casting as Lucy was announced in November, she commented: "I'm really excited to be joining such an iconic show as EastEnders, especially becoming part of the Beale household. I'm looking forward to finding out what's in store for Lucy and seeing what she's going to get up to when she returns to Walford."





Lucy was last seen in Walford in August 2010, when she left the area to live with her grandmother.

EastEnders airs the character's return scenes on Thursday, January 12 at 7.30pm on BBC One.

She looks... interesting

Looking forward to her return.