BBC EastEnders exit ‘sealed’ as fans predict love rival ‘returns from the d.e.a.d’
EastEnders has aired worrying scenes for one Walford resident as viewers are convinced another character is going to return despite being k.i.l.l.e.d off
Times are tough for kind-hearted Howie Danes, who’s seen his hours slashed at the Post Office, leaving him struggling for money.
In the latest EastEnders episode (July 31), Howie (played by) faced a series of hurdles, and viewers reckon it hints at his departure and a potential breakup.
Trying to earn some quick cash, the former children’s entertainer went off for an interview with Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) for a bouncer role at Harry’s Barn, but was dismissed with laughter. Nicola informed Howie that he lacked the physical qualities she was seeking as embarrassment flushed across his face.
As if that wasn’t enough disappointment for Howie, he later overheard his partner Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) expressing her relationship woes to her sister, leaving him wondering about his future.
“I love him, of course I do,” Kim started. “It’s just sometimes I wish I had someone I could rely on, you know? Even Patrick is footing the bill for Yolande’s Bridezilla antics,” she continued, oblivious to the fact that Howie was right outside the door.
She then compared him to her ex Vincent Hubbard (Richard Blackwood), saying: “It’s just sometimes I miss how it was with Vincent… the fancy dinners, him telling me, ‘yeah take my credit card babe!'”, reports the Mirror.
Later in the episode, a disheartened Howie was heard telling Patrick (Rudolph Walker) he would place a bet on the horses for him, after being banned by his fiancé Yolande (Angela Wynter). Fans are now convinced Howie’s troubles are signalling an exit for the character.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan questioned: “Is this leading to a Howie exit?”, while another wrote: “Any writer with a brain should be able to see that axing Howie and putting Kim and Junior together is the move. She’s describing Vincent but Junior is very similar.”
Some viewers are worried that Kim and Howie might be breaking up, while other predict Vincent could ‘return from the d.e.a.d’. After all, he was m.u.r.d.e.r.e.d off-screen.
Vincent met his end when he was gunned down by Aidan Maguire’s (Patrick Bergin) associates back in 2018, with his demise being confirmed three years on.
“So great to have Howie back getting more screen time although after tonight’s episode I get the feeling that a breakup might be on the cards for Kim and Howie which is a shame because I really like them together as a couple. Howie deserved more screen time,” one penned.
Another speculated: “Howie is going to bet all of his savings on the horse and then win and then something happens so he has to complete a dodgy job and the person he’s working for is Vincent.”
“The Vincent mentioned in tonight’s EastEnders,” scribbled another viewer. Can we bring him back from the d.e.a.d please thank you!”, exclaimed one viewer.
While another pointed out: “It wouldn’t mark the first occasion EastEnders has resurrected characters presumed deceased”.
Earlier this year, Tameka Empson hinted at a comeback for Richard Blackwood, who portrayed Vincent, during a conversation with the Mirror.
When quizzed about Vincent and a potential comeback, she revealed: “Well, where is he? And if he turns up he’s got to turn up with something in his hands, cos it’s been a long while now. We’ve cared for the children, out of house and everything. Watch this space people.”
Can Howie and Kim’s romance weather the storm – and will Vincent ever make his way back?
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
