Rob Kazinsky is making a full-time return to EastEnders as Sean Slater 20 years after his first appearance

Rob Kazinsky is making a full-time return to EastEnders 20 years after his first appearance.

The 42-year-old actor first played Sean Slater back in August 2006, and while he left in early 2009, he would reappear in Albert Square for guest appearances on the BBC soap in 2019, 2021 and 2022.

Now, the BBC has confirmed he will be back as a full-time cast member, with Sean returning 'for his family'.

The broadcaster teased: 'Sean Slater, brother to Stacey, and son to Jean, has a chequered history of drama in the Square.

'He was once married to Roxy Mitchell, but their marriage ended in disaster when it was revealed that Jack Branning was the biological father of their baby (Amy Mitchell) on Christmas Day in 2008.

'Sean has crossed paths with many of those in Walford, both good and bad, and his actions have led to the destruction of more than one familial relationship on the Square.

'Sean returns later this year, and if his previous stints are anything to go by, it's only a matter of time before Sean will find himself embroiled in drama…'

Rob noted he has always been open to returning to play Sean, and he's excited to be back 'home'.

He said: 'I left EastEnders in 2008 as a 23-year-old boy and was lucky to spend the next 19 years of my life working around the world, always championing EastEnders and stating the fact that one day I wanted to walk in Sean's shoes again, but this time as a man to see who Sean the man might also be.

'I wanted to do it for Sean, I wanted to do it for the fans that have supported me in every role since I left the Square but, mostly, I wanted to do it for me.

'I'm home, and I can't wait to bring a new level of heartfelt chaos to Albert Square in the way only Sean Slater can.'

Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer, has promised plenty of 'drama' when Sean reappears in Albert Square.

He added: 'I'm delighted to welcome Rob Kazinsky back to EastEnders as he reprises the role of Sean Slater later this year.

'Sean Slater was a big part of the Slater family and as viewers will already know, where Sean goes, drama is not far behind.'

Back in January, Lacey Turner reunited with her EastEnders brother Rob as she continued her extended break from the soap.

Lacey, who plays fan-favourite character Stacey Slater in the Walford-based BBC soap, was last seen on screen in October last year.

The actress, 38, has played Stacey on-and-off since 2004 and took the decision to leave the show to focus on her family and three young children.

While EastEnders fans eagerly await her return, Lacey posed with actor Rob Kazinsky who is best known for playing her brother Sean in the show.

Rob captioned the sweet reunion picture: 'Love from Brazil (seriously who's idea was that?) Like time never passes with the best of the best. @laceyturner.'

Sean made his first appearance in Albert Square in 2006 and last returned briefly in 2022.

Fans flooded the actor's post with comments, with one writing: 'Love this. One of my favourite Eastenders scenes ever was Stacey making Sean a cuppa in the kitchen when Sean first arrives. The whole scene was [clap emoji]';

'Amazing please come back to EastEnders we need Sean back';

'Lovely! I hope we see you both back again in the (not too distant) future even if it's just for an episode or too. Sean slater is still one of my TV crushes';

'Love to see you and Lacey back in EastEnders'; 'OMG I love these!!!! My two absolute favourite Slaters. Love this reunion.' 

Lacey is a mum to children, daughter Dusty Violet, six, and son Trilby Fox, four and welcomed her youngest child Gipsy Olive in January last year.