Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor)
2016 was certainly the year of best comebacks on EastEnders! And it was mainly one family which dominated the screen - the Mitchells. In May, viewers were left heartbroken when they said goodbye to Walford stalwart Peggy Mitchell, played by Barbara Windsor, aged 79. The beloved character returned to Albert Square to live out her final days after a secret battle with cancer. Speaking to The Sun about Peggy's final moments, Barbara revealed: "I couldn't say anything [afterwards]. I knew if I opened my mouth I would sob. I couldn't do that because this is my choice and it's the right thing for me. But I will miss Peggy and everyone at EastEnders."
Pat Butcher (Pam St. Clement)
Icon Pat Butcher made a surprise return to Walford - albeit in ghost form - four years after she was killed off. During the final few hours of Peggy's life, she saw her best friend (Pam St. Clement) during a hallucination. The characters became leading matriarchs of Albert Square, and their rocky friendship led to some explosive moments - including their infamous row over Frank Butcher (played by the late Mike Reid).
Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp)
Grant Mitchell's return earlier this year was certainly dramatic! The Mitchell clan were reunited thanks to Peggy's brief comeback. Not only did he come face-to-face with his ex-wife Sharon Mitchell - who is now married to brother Phil - the Portugal-based hardman was also confronted by former flames Jane and Kathy Beale. Bringing his university student daughter Courtney along with him, he also found out he fathered Michelle's child, Mark Fowler.
Sam Mitchell (Danniella Westbrook)
No Mitchell family reunion would seem right without younger sister Sam. Originally played by Danniella Westbrook, the actress returned to the square for Peggy's funeral - where she introduced her young son Ricky to her family (the son she shares with Jack Branning). At the time, former executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: "It is only right that all of Peggy Mitchell's children would be at her funeral. Danniella is the final piece of the Mitchell jigsaw puzzle, so it will be great for viewers to see Phil, Grant and Sam all back on screen."
Colin Russell (Michael Cashman)
Last seen in Walford nearly three decades ago, Colin Russell returned to the scene for a short stint - he was seen asking old friend Dot Branning to attend this wedding. The character hit headlines after being involved in the first gay kiss in a British soap. Actor Michael Cashman left his role in 1989, shortly afterwards he founded LGBT campaign group Stonewall. Since then, he has made a move into politics, becoming a Labour MEP and then the Labour spokesperson for Human Rights in the European Parliament. "To be amongst so many friends again, and to be back in the place where 30 years ago I started an amazing journey," he recently said. "An amazing journey which incredibly helped to change the country, and certainly its attitude to lesbian gay and bisexual people."
Ryan Malloy (Neil McDermott)
Bad boy Ryan Malloy - aka Whitney Dean's older brother - made various brief appearances throughout the year. He first made his surprise return in January to look after his daughter Lily when her mother Stacey was sectioned in hospital. In 2011, he went on the run after he murdered pimp Rob Grayson, who was exploiting his sister at the time. Earlier this month, after leaving prison, Ryan made sure he was there to give his sister away at her wedding to Lee Carter.
Max Branning (Jake Wood)
The Walford womaniser is expected to make a return to the square at the end of the year. After being released from jail, Max Branning is no doubt preparing to get his revenge on the Beale's this year. This comes after the Beale's tried to frame him for the murder of Lucy Beale. But it seems Max will be left unimpressed when he finds out his eldest daughter Lauren is now in a relationship with Steven Branning. "I went up and saw them [show bosses] and said I was knackered and wanted a bit of time out," actor Jake Wood previously revealed during his break, he added: "I needed a good break. I’ve done nine years without a break."