Huge pop star making EastEnders comeback nearly three decades after first appearance on show
In a move that will delight his fans, Jon Lee is returning to EastEnders nearly three decades after his first appearance on the show.
Jon Lee is returning to EastEnders nearly three decades after his first appearance on the show.
As part of a major farewell storyline for one of the soap’s most recognisable characters, Jon, 44 – best known as a member of pop group S Club 7 – will reprise his role as Josh Saunders in the BBC One soap, having originally appeared in 1997.
His return comes as part of the emotional exit storyline for Nigel Bates, played by Paul Bradley, whose death is set to bring together key figures from his past.
The storyline has already seen the return of Julie Bates and Clare Bates, portrayed by Karen Henthorn and Gemma Bissix, with scenes centred on Nigel’s funeral in Albert Square.
Jon told The Sun: “It was quite surreal stepping back on to Albert Square after so many years as it's so familiar to so many of us.”
He added: “It was lovely to see my on-screen family again.”
Jon first appeared in the soap as a teenager, playing the son of Julie Bates, who became Nigel’s partner before his departure in the late 1990s.
The storyline at the time intertwined with Clare Bates, Nigel’s stepdaughter, creating a complex family dynamic now being revisited for the character’s final chapter.
Gemma said: “When I returned earlier this year, we always knew Clare had to come back for Nigel's funeral.”
She added: “He meant so much to her, and it felt right to be there for the conclusion of his story as everyone came together to say their final goodbyes.”
The return marks a rare acting appearance for Jon, whose career has been more closely associated with music since joining S Club 7 at the age of 15.
The group achieved major success in the early 2000s with hits including Bring It All Back, becoming one of the defining pop acts of the era.
Recent years have seen renewed attention on the band following reunion tours and the death of fellow member Paul Cattermole, which prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and the music industry.
Jon’s early career began on stage, including a role in Oliver! at the London Palladium, before he trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School.
His brief stint on EastEnders predated his pop success, making his return a notable full-circle moment for the performer.
A source involved with the production said the decision to bring Jon back was driven by the significance of Nigel Bates’ storyline.
The insider told The Sun: “It was so important for EastEnders fans that important people in Nigel's past returned for the funeral and Josh is a part of that.”
They added: “He has already filmed his scenes and they will air soon.”
The episodes form part of a wider effort by the long-running soap to revisit legacy characters and storylines, reconnecting with audiences who remember Nigel Bates’ original run while introducing the narrative to newer viewers.
