EASTENDERS viewers think two show legends could be returning for the 40th anniversary.

The BBC soap’s upcoming celebrations have already seen several classic characters reappear.

Fans now think two more could be on the way after spotting an “obvious clue.”

A scene in Monday’s (November 18) episode showed Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) contemplating making a phone call to Martin Fowler (James Bye).

Eagle-eyed viewers saw Sharon’s contact list and noticed two very recognisable names.

One is Louise Mitchell, her former stepdaughter and daughter to Phil (Steve McFadden).

First appearing in 2001, the character (then played by Tilly Keeper) left Walford behind in 2020.

The other name was Michelle Fowler – who still has a link to the Square through brother Martin and cousin Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).

Fans last saw Michelle (with Jenna Russell taking over from Susan Tully) in 2018.

Since then, she was last known to be residing in Australia.

Taking to Reddit, passionate viewers were left convinced that Louise and Michelle will be returning for the 40th anniversary.

One wrote: “In last night’s EE episode Sharon could have just had Martin’s contact details up ready to call him but these characters’ names were also deliberately showed.

“Do you think this is a clue to 40th anniversary appearances?

Another commented: “I saw someone else mention OG Michelle is rumoured to be making an appearance. I can’t believe it myself – but who knows!”

A third penned: “Maybe Martin and Ruby’s kid needs some sort of transplant and Michelle just so happens to be a match or something.”

While a fourth simply said: “Hopefully.”

Characters including David Wicks (Michael French), Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) and Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) have made on-screen comebacks this year.

Meanwhile, viewers were treated to surprise cameos from Jake Moon (Joel Beckett) and Joe Wicks (Paul Nicholls).

Will Michelle and Louise follow in their footsteps?

EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.