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Gay character Derek Harkinson set to return to Eastenders - Attitude
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Home Culture Culture Film & TV

5 November 2016

Gay character Derek Harkinson set to return to Eastenders

By Fabio Crispim

Eastenders

is set to bring back another gay character to our screens later this year.

Ian Lavender, who played Derek Harkinson in the BBC soap between 2001 and 2005 will make a return to the show for several episodes across the holidays.

Harkinson was never a main character but was known for having a loving friendship with Pauline Fowler and acting as a mentor to her son, Martin.

However the relationship hit a snag when Derek refused a romantic pass from Pauline because he’s gay.

Returning to the show in late November, Derek will be reunited with Martin. Speaking to Digital Spy, Derek said:

“It was a lovely surprise to be back and I had a great time. It was brilliant to work with some old friends again, especially those who I only briefly got to work with before.”

Eastenders’ first gay character, played by Lord Cashman, returned to the show earlier this year which saw Dot Branning’s homophobia resurface.

What will happen when Derek returns? Find out later this month.

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