MONTHS after her manic episode pushed her into hospital, Jean Slater’s life is back on track.
The cleaner played by Gillian Wright returns to the Square next week in EastEnders but seeing Harvey Monroe fills her with dread.
Jean Slater is back in Albert Square next week for the first time in months
But her homecoming doesn’t go smoothly
Seeing her former fiancé Harvey Monroe fills her with dread
It took Stacey Slater (portrayed by Lacey Turner) some convincing before her mother agreed to come back to Walford.
But with her fear of coming home behind her, another one will creep up on Jean and it involves her former fiancé Harvey (Ross Boatman).
Coming up, Jean’s friends and family welcome her home but things get awkward when Arthur cowers away from his grandmother due to their last chat about Kush Kazemi at Walford East, among other ordeals.
Jean then tells Stacey that she will go to the Carnival party but when she steps outside, she spots Harvey with his daughter Dana (Barbara Smith) and immediately turns heel.
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The local cabbie feels bad and, in turn, also decides not to go to the party, giving his daughter his credit card for university supplies.
But neither him nor Jean seem ready to make the first step to clear the air.
In later scenes, Dana can tell her father has been drinking and when she suggests that he go and sees Jean, he quickly shuts her down.
Meanwhile, Jean is encouraged by Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol) to face her fear.
When Bobby Beale, Rocky Cotton and Harvey plan a surprise leaving party for Dana, they discuss whether they should invite Jean but Harvey categorically refuses.
Billy Mitchell hears the exchange and realises Jean has also overheard, prompting him to tell Eve Unwin what happened.
The former convict and wife of Stacey Slater puts Harvey back in his place, urging him to be more sensitive.
Feeling guilty, Harvey contemplates if he should visit Jean.
Months before Jean was hospitalised, she formed a romantic bond with the cabbie after their first date went sour due to Aaron Monroe spiking his father.
With time, the pair grew closer – and Jean eventually popped the question.
But it soon dawned on Harvey that she was only going through a manic episode and the couple have been kept apart ever since she almost drowned in Southend.
As mentioned above, Jean was reluctant to come back to Albert Square and preferred to stay in the caravan park where Stacey found her (again).
Could a reunion with Harvey help her find her mark again at home?
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.
Jean was reluctant to come home but convinced by Stacey Slater to make the move
Will she have a reunion with Harvey?
