Exclusive: Ex-EastEnders star Navin Chowdhry to return to soap after 8 years

Navin to reprise role of Raffaello Spiteri following much fan demand

The actor had previously appeared in the soap from 2014 to 2016

Former EastEnders star Navin Chowdhry is preparing to return to the BBC soap after eight years, The Sun Online can exclusively reveal.

The actor, 53, will reprise his role as Raffaello Spiteri, father of fan favourite characters Gianluca and Violet.

A source close to the star revealed that he had been in talks with the soap's bosses about a return for some time, and that the deal was finally done last month.

"Navin is really excited to be coming back to EastEnders," the source said.

"He's loved playing Raffaello in the past, and he's really looking forward to getting stuck into some new storylines."

Raffaello first arrived in Albert Square in 2014, and quickly became a popular character with viewers.

He was known for his larger-than-life personality and his love for his children.

He left the soap in 2016, but his character has been mentioned on several occasions since then.

It is not yet known when Raffaello will return to EastEnders, but it is thought that he will be back on screens later this year.

A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on the reports.