Iconic EastEnders character “Big Mo” Harris (Laila Morse) is set for a “permanent” return on the BBC soap.

The 78-year-old actress arrived in Walford back in 2000 but left in 2021 – she has since made occasional appearances over the last few years.

"Big Mo" is mostly known for portraying the “dodgy and fiery matriarch” of the Slater family who originally left to go on a cruise ship with her love interest Fat Elvis (Shenton Dixon).

This time, “Big Mo” is back alongside her great-grandson Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier), who is the son of Graham Foster (Alex McSweeney) and Maureen “Little Mo” Slater (Kacey Ainsworth), after he briefly left the square last year.

Laila commented: “I’m delighted to be coming home to Walford to bring Mo back to life.

“EastEnders holds such a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to be reunited with my on-screen family, who are like my family, as well as old and new faces.”

What happened to 'Big Mo' on BBC EastEnders?

“Big Mo” was last seen on EastEnders back in 2022, when she attended Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Kat Slater’s (Jessie Wallace) attempted first wedding.

Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders executive producer, said the show was “absolutely delighted” to have Laila back.

“Although her time away from the Square has been short-lived, the Slater family has endured a huge amount of drama since she last appeared on screen and Mo’s return will be no different,” he added.

“We’re delighted to welcome Laila back permanently as she is thrust into the heart of the drama alongside great-grandson Freddie.”

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When is ‘Big Mo’ returning to BBC EastEnders?

Filming is under way and she will be shown on screen in spring this year.

A first-look will air on the EastEnders TikTok channel of “Big Mo” and Freddie in her caravan, where she has been living since leaving Walford.

A renowned schemer, her previous storylines involve her long-standing feud with Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement), helping Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) give birth to Rebecca “Bex” Fowler on Dot Branning’s (June Brown) sofa, and in one of her many efforts to make money through questionable means, pretending that Kat had died.