Jon Lee is returning to EastEnders for a short stint, reprising his 1997-era role as Josh Saunders to feature in Nigel Bates’ funeral storyline. The news has been confirmed by multiple outlets with filming reportedly underway and emphasis on a nostalgic, farewell moment for Nigel’s dementia arc.
Key details
- Return format: guest appearance, tied to Nigel Bates’ funeral storyline.
- Co-star: Gemma Bissix is also returning for the episodes.
- Timing: filming started around late April 2026, with broadcast around May 2026.
Context
- Josh Saunders was Nigel Bates’ stepson in the late 1990s; his return marks a rare reunion of the square’s older characters. This move is framed as a ratings and nostalgia play for the long-running soap.
- Coverage cites the press and industry outlets describing the appearance as a significant but brief comeback for Lee, who has since pursued various TV projects.
If you’d like, I can gather more detail from current articles and provide a concise timeline of episodes and air dates as they’re announced.
Sources
The singer will be back as the BBC soap says an emotional goodbye to one of its oldest characters
www.inkl.comS Club star Jon Lee has said it was "surreal" to step back onto Albert Square and reunite with his "onscreen family", as he returns to EastEnders after almost 30 years.
www.rte.ieThe singer starred in the BBC soap in the 90s before his music career took off
www.gbnews.comThe singer will be back as the BBC soap says an emotional goodbye to one of its oldest characters
www.independent.co.ukS Club’s Jon Lee reprises his role as Josh Saunders in EastEnders after 29 years, appearing in a storyline centered on Nigel Bates’ funeral.
azat.tvThe singer and actor, 44, will be joined by actress Gemma Bissix as the two reunite for a short stint on the soap.
www.carlow-nationalist.ieJonathan "Jon" Lee (born 26 April 1982 in Devon) appeared on EastEnders between November 1997 and April 1998 as Josh Saunders. At the age of 13, Lee played the leading role in the West End production of Oliver! At the London Palladium Theatre alongside Jonathan Pryce's and George Layton's Fagin. The group rose to fame by starring in their own BBC television series, Miami 7, in 1999 and have been widely referred to as inspiring a new generation of teenage TV musicals including High School...
eastenders.fandom.comA familiar face is returning to Walford after 28 years.
www.radiotimes.comThe singer and actor, 44, will be joined by actress Gemma Bissix as the two reunite for a short stint on the soap.
www.standard.co.uk