EASTENDERS has aired another shock return after 18 years leaving fans stunned.

The BBC soap surprised viewers with today’s episode on iPlayer with the unexpected comeback of Jake Moon.

Actor Joel Beckett reprised his role alongside Chrissie Watts’ star Tracy-Ann Oberman as she was released from prison.

Viewers last saw Jake in 2006 when he was forced to flee Walford when gangster Johnny Allen’s final words misconstrued.

The gangster made one final phone call, thinking he was talking to Jake and asking him to kill Sean Slater.

However he was actually talking to someone else who thought he wanted Jake dead.

Read more on EastEnders
His final appearance saw him face down a hired gunman but now it’s clear he survived and has been waiting for Chrissie for all this time.

The pair were seen driving into Walford after Chrissie was released from prison after Sharon opted not to make a complaint to the governor.

As she stepped out of the sports car they were in, Chrissie looked at the Vic and said: “Just had to see her one last time. Fancy a swift half?”

Jake told her: “Nineteen years I’ve waited to get my hands on you again, a cheeky half in the Vic is not what I had in mind. Now get in that car.”

“You smell that?” replied Chrissie. “Smells like freedom.”

EastEnders fans slam ‘most unrealistic scene ever’ as Sharon and Chrissie face off in prison

They drove off together for a new life away from Walford – just missing out on Jake seeing Alfie Moon leaving the pub.

However Chrissie’s return did leave a lasting impact on Sharon – after she let slip a long hidden secret.

She told Sharon she was sorry to hear of her son Denny’s death, revealing that she had been cellmates with Johnny Allen’s daughter Ruby a few years ago.

And she casually revealed that Ruby was pregnant and went on to give birth to Martin Fowler’s baby after leaving.

EastEnders facts and

THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.

Will Sharon tell Martin? Or will she track down Ruby herself?

Actress Louisa Lytton is making a return for an “extended stint” in the coming weeks and it seems certain she will have Martin’s baby with her.