Jon Lee is returning to EastEnders as Josh Saunders for a funeral storyline, marking his first on-screen appearance in almost 30 years. The comeback was reported in late April/early May 2026 and coincides with Nigel Bates’ funeral arc, with Gemma Bissix also reprising her role as Clare Bates for the episodes.
Key details
- Role: Josh Saunders (son of Julie, Nigel Bates’ ex-wife)
- Connection: Nigel Bates’ funeral storyline
- Co-star: Gemma Bissix returns as Clare Bates
- Timeline: Filming began around May 1, 2026; broadcasts began shortly after with the funeral plot
- Context: This is one of EastEnders’ high-profile nostalgia moments designed to boost engagement and pay off a long-running dementia storyline for Nigel Bates
Where to watch
- The episodes featuring the return aired in late May 2026, within EastEnders’ regular Monday–Friday schedule on BBC One in the UK. If you’re outside the UK, check your local BBC or streaming options for availability.
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Sources
The singer will be back as the BBC soap says an emotional goodbye to one of its oldest characters
www.independent.co.ukS 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.ieS 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 starred in the BBC soap in the 90s before his music career took off
www.gbnews.comThe singer and actor, 44, will be joined by actress Gemma Bissix as the two reunite for a short stint on the soap.
www.anglocelt.ieThe singer will be back as the BBC soap says an emotional goodbye to one of its oldest characters
www.inkl.comJonathan "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.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.ukA familiar face is returning to Walford after 28 years.
www.radiotimes.com