Content warning: Discussion of rape

EastEnders villian Graham Foster is returning to Albert Square after 18 years. 

Foster - who is played by actor Alex McSweeney - is set to reunite with his son Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) after leaving Walford in 2005. 

Fans of the BBC soap will remember that Freddie was conceived after Graham's rape of Little Mo Slater (Kacey Ainsworth).

Echo: Alex McSweeney left the BBC soap in 2005. ( BBC/PA)Alex McSweeney left the BBC soap in 2005. ( BBC/PA) (Image: BBC/PA)

EastEnders actor Alex McSweeney to return as baddie Graham Foster

The horrifying event led to the breakdown of Mo's marriage to Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).

Mo was determined to keep the baby, despite his objections.

Speaking about returning to EastEnders, Alex McSweeney, 56, told the Mirror newspaper: “I'm grateful to be asked to reprise the role of Graham as I thought it was important for Freddie to be given some answers about his dad.

“I thoroughly enjoyed working with the talented Bobby Brazier.”

The news comes after it was revealed that Patsy Kensit impressed BBC bosses so much in her brief role as Emma Harding - the long-lost mother of Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) - that she has been asked to return.

A source told the Mirror: “Patsy has been back in Albert Square filming on multiple occasions this month – so it seems fans have not seen the last of Emma.”

The 55-year-old actor previously gushed about how she had an “awesome experience” while filming the show with her on-screen daughter as she thanked everyone for “being kind and loving” to her while she was on set.

Writing on social media, Patsy said: “Cannot thank my amazing cast members [enough] for being so kind and loving to me.

"Big thank you to the BBC, the producers, writers, crew and the EastEnders family…Jamie and Danielle for making me laugh my a*** off everyday. I love you both… Emma Barton … so so many people.”