EastEnders viewers are in for a surprise as Josh Saunders makes an unexpected return to Albert Square, prompting many fans to ask: 'Is that the guy from S Club 7?' The answer is yes. Josh is portrayed by Jon Lee, one seventh of the hugely successful pop group S Club 7, and his return to the BBC soap marks a full-circle moment nearly 30 years after his first appearance in Walford.
A Blast from the Past
Jon originally played Josh Saunders in 1997, appearing in around 20 episodes before leaving the show. Now, decades later, he is reprising the role as part of Nigel Bates' emotional farewell storyline. Josh is the son of Julie Bates, Nigel's wife, and returns alongside other familiar faces connected to Nigel as the soap bids farewell to one of its most beloved characters. Fans have already seen Julie, played by Karen Henthorn, and Clare Bates, played by Gemma Bissix, make their comebacks to Albert Square as part of Nigel's storyline.
Nostalgia and Family Dynamics
The storyline has stirred plenty of nostalgia among long-time viewers, especially with Jon Lee stepping back into the role after such a long break from acting in the soap world. Speaking about his return, Jon said: 'It was quite surreal stepping back on to Albert Square after so many years, as it's so familiar to so many of us. It was lovely to see my onscreen family again.' For viewers who may not remember Josh's original storyline, the character was closely linked to Nigel Bates during the late 1990s. Nigel fell for Julie before eventually leaving Walford with her in 1998. In a soap-style twist, Julie had become Josh's mother while Josh himself had previously dated Clare, Nigel's stepdaughter, creating one of the more awkward family dynamics in classic EastEnders history.
Emotional Farewell
The family's return now comes as characters gather to mourn Nigel following his death earlier this week. Gemma Bissix, who reprises her role as Clare, explained why it felt important to come back for the emotional episodes. 'When I returned earlier this year, we always knew Clare had to come back for Nigel's funeral,' she said. 'He meant so much to her, and it felt right to be there for the conclusion of his story, as everyone came together to say their final goodbyes.'
From Pop Star to Soap Star
While younger viewers may recognise Jon Lee mainly from S Club 7, his acting career actually began long before his chart success. Before becoming a pop star, Jon appeared in theatre productions and TV roles, with EastEnders being one of his earliest screen credits. He shot to fame in 1999 when S Club 7 was formed. Alongside Tina Barrett, Paul Cattermole, Hannah Spearritt, Jo O'Meara, Rachel Stevens and Bradley McIntosh, Jon became part of one of Britain's biggest pop groups of the early 2000s. The band sold millions of records worldwide and became known for upbeat hits including Bring It All Back, Don't Stop Movin', Reach and Never Had a Dream Come True. They also starred in several hit CBBC television series, including Miami 7 and LA 7, which helped turn the group into household names.
Life After S Club 7
After S Club 7 split in 2003, Jon continued performing, particularly in musical theatre. Over the years he has appeared in productions including Les Misérables, Jersey Boys and Sweeney Todd, earning praise for his stage work. More recently, Jon reunited with his S Club bandmates for reunion tours, with the group continuing to perform for fans across the UK following the heartbreaking death of bandmate Paul Cattermole in 2023.
Excitement Among Fans
Now, his return to EastEnders has sparked excitement among both soap fans and pop music lovers alike, with many delighted to see the singer back on screen where part of his career first began. Judging by the reaction online already, viewers definitely haven't forgotten him. The return of Josh Saunders is a poignant moment in the soap's history, bridging the gap between past and present, and reminding audiences of the enduring appeal of both the character and the actor who plays him.
