Mick Carter Finally Comes Home! Danny Dyer Confirms He’s Open to EastEnders Return
After months of speculation, EastEnders legend Danny Dyer has finally addressed the question on every fan’s mind — could Mick Carter return to Albert Square? And the answer, it seems, is yes.
“I Would Have Gone Back If They’d Asked Me”
Speaking candidly on The Late Late Show, Dyer revealed that he was more than ready to return for EastEnders’ 40th anniversary, which has already seen major comebacks from icons like Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).
“I do get a lot of people asking if I’d go back,” he said. “And I’ll be honest — I would have gone back if they’d have asked me. But they didn’t ask me. I think they’ve got the hump with me now, I don’t know why!”
Despite the light-hearted dig, Dyer’s tone made one thing clear — his affection for the show remains as strong as ever.
Mick’s Dramatic Exit — and the Door Left Open
Mick’s final scenes aired on Christmas Day 2022 in a heart-stopping sequence that saw him dive into the freezing sea after Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) during a high-speed car chase.
Having rescued Janine, Mick went back into the water to save Linda — unaware that she had already made it safely to shore. He was never seen again.
Presumed dead, Mick’s body was never recovered — a deliberate choice by producers that left fans clinging to hope. Could the beloved landlord of The Queen Vic still be out there somewhere?
Danny Dyer on Why He Left — and Why He Might Return
Reflecting on his decision to step away, Dyer admitted it was the right time to take risks in his career.
“I just felt like I wanted to try and do some other stuff. I wanted to roll the dice,” he explained. “They put me with Janine, and when you end up with Janine, you’ve got to get out. You know she’s going to murder you eventually!”
Since leaving EastEnders, Dyer has stayed busy with hit projects like Sky Max comedy Mr Bigstuff, the ITV series Rivals, and his new film Marching Powder, which premieres this month.
Still, he isn’t closing the door on Walford.
“Who knows? Maybe I will go back. If the appetite’s still there for it, then maybe bring Mick back.”
A Return Worth Waiting For
Dyer recently admitted to tuning in for EastEnders’ recent live episode, praising the cast and reminiscing about his own time in the 2015 Who Killed Lucy Beale? live week.
“It reminded me of when we did the lives last time,” he said. “I’ve got to say, they pulled it out of the bag.”
With the BBC soap marking 40 years of drama, deceit, and unforgettable moments, a Mick Carter comeback would be the ultimate gift to fans.
Whether he returns behind the bar of The Vic or walks back into Walford a changed man, one thing is certain — EastEnders wouldn’t be EastEnders without Mick Carter’s heart, humour, and pint-pulling charm.