Fan favourite bad boy and ladies' man Ryan Malloy is making a shock return to EastEnders.

Played by Neil McDermott, the character was last seen in Albert Square seven years ago.

Malloy was always close to the drama since he first joined in 2009 and was married and later divorced to Janine Butcher played by Charlie Brooks.

The ladies’ man was revealed to have been the father of Lily and later went on to have an affair with her mother, Stacey Slater played by Lacey Turner.

However, after killing Rob Grayson (Jody Latham) Malloy was sent to prison.

EastEnders shocking storytime to see the return of bad boy Ryan Malloy

But, Walford’s resident bad boy is making his grand return after learning the news that his 12-year-old daughter, Lily (Lillia Turner) is pregnant.

As a soap insider told the Mirror: “It’s safe to say that his return to the Square is far from smooth sailing. There’s going to be a lot of drama.”

Speaking of his return to EastEnders, McDermott said: “When I heard what the story was I was really pleased that the stars aligned and I was able to revisit Ryan and set foot back on the Square.

“It was so lovely to see so many old friends and to work with Shona and Lacey again, as well as to meet and work with Ryan’s daughter, played beautifully by Lillia.”

The dad of two has appeared on a range of TV shows including The Royal, Inspector George Gently, and Causality and starred in stage shows including Pretty Woman.