Earlier today, show chiefs announced that Dean has signed up to reprise her role as Walford favourite Sharon Watts, who will be back on screen in the summer.
Some tabloid articles this morning suggested that EastEnders producers brought back Sharon to "fill the gap" left behind by Wallace's character Kat Moon. Wallace is reportedly on a three-month break from the programme.
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However, an EastEnders spokesperson today told Digital Spy: "There is no link between Letitia's return to EastEnders and Jessie not being around at the moment. We have been working on plans to bring Sharon back for quite some time."
An EastEnders insider added: "Jessie and Letitia are two fantastic actresses and their characters are firm favourites with fans. Viewers can look forward to seeing them back on screen together later this year."
Storyline details for Sharon's return are currently being kept under wraps, but Dean has said that she "cannot wait to work with old colleagues and see what is in store for Sharon".
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Watch Kat's EastEnders character trail below:
