EastEnders heartthrob Neil McDermott to make shock comeback as bad boy Ryan Malloy

EASTENDERS is about to welcome back one of its most cherished bad boys as Ryan Malloy is set to make a shock return to Albert Square this September, according to a report.

07:58, Wed, Jul 20, 2016 | UPDATED: 08:13, Wed, Jul 20, 2016

Ryan Malloy BBC

Ryan Malloy to make a shock return to EastEnders this September

Actor Neil McDermott is thought to be reviving the rugged heartthrob this Autumn and has reportedly already begun filming his top secret scenes at the BBC's Elstree studios.

Ryan is currently banged up behind bars, but is expected to make an emotional reunion with his younger sister Whitney Dean in the coming months.

"Ryan is never far from Whitney’s mind and she has always stayed in touch as much as possible," a source told The Sun.

"Although Ryan will only be appearing in a couple of episodes it’s fair to say that when he’s around drama usually follows."

Ryan Malloy returning to EastEnders

Ryan Malloy BBC

Ryan made a brief return to Albert Square earlier this year

Whitney Dean BBC

Ryan's return comes as Whitney Dean learns she's pregnant and carrying chlamydia

Whitney BBC

Lee Carter cheated on Whitney with Abi Branning earlier this year

Ryan made a brief return to Walford last year in an attempt to swipe Lily Branning, the daughter he shares with Stacey Fowler.

As Stacey's mental health continued to spiral out of control over the festive months, Whitney turned to her brother to come and save the day.

Express.co.uk has contacted an EastEnders spokesperson for comment.

EastEnders continues tomorrow at 7.30pm on BBC One.