BAFTA award winner Danny Dyer will team up with former soap mother Linda Henry for Mr Bigstuff, who is set to play a “straight-talking, hands-on mechanic”.
Dyer, who played Mick Carter in EastEnders worked alongside fan favourite Henry, who played Shirley Carter until 2022.
Initially introduced as Shirley’s brother, Mick was shocked to find out that Phil Mitchell’s ex-lover was actually his mother in 2014.
Linda Henry as Shirley in EastEnders. (Image: BBC)
Through the years Mick and Shirley’s relationship gradually strengthened as they adjusted to their mother-son dynamic.
Following the news of the pair reuniting for Mr Bigstuff, soap fans couldn’t wait to share their joy on social media.
“She’s back,” one commented on X (formerly Twitter) after Henry announced she was taking an “extended break” from EastEnders three years ago.
Another said: “Mick and our Shirl back together – can’t wait!”
While another said: “It will be brilliant to see them both back.”
Danny Dyer wins the Male Performance in a Comedy BAFTA at the #BAFTATVAwards for Mr Bigstuff 👏 pic.twitter.com/OpzolhzUGC
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) May 11, 2025
Others were quick to infer a potential EastEnders reunion too.
“Wouldn’t it be great to see Linda back playing a mechanic at The Arches too,” one person added.
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Dyer’s character Mick left the soap a similar time as Shirley, when he vanished into the sea on Christmas Day in 2022. Their characters have not been seen since. He had first arrived in the soap in 2013.
Mr Bigstuff, which premiered last year, revolves around two diametrically opposed brothers who have been estranged for several years.
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Henry is set to take on the role of Pam in Mr Brightstuff who is at the helm of the family’s haulage business.
What did Danny Dyer win a BAFTA for?
The EastEnders icon scooped the award for his role as Lee in Mr Bigstuff at the awards ceremony held at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London last night (May 11).
While a toned-down version of Dyer’s speech aired on BBC One, an un-censored version of it was reserved for those in the audience.
Mr Bigstuff will return to Sky and NOW in July 2025.