EastEnders Janine's lover Steve 'exposed' as fans 'work out' return of iconic character

EastEnders fans think they may have worked out who the identity of Janine Butcher’s mystery man Steve might be, after Shirley Carter overheard her talking to him

As Shirley Carter appears prepared to reveal the name of Janine Butcher’s “secret boyfriend,” Steve, EastEnders viewers have speculated that a beloved character could make a comeback to Albert Square.

A few days before Janine is scheduled to marry Shirley’s son Mick, Shirley overheard her on the phone chatting to a mystery man named Steve.

Following the nearly fatal vehicle accident that saw Mick’s ex-wife Linda almost go to jail despite Janine’s fault, Scarlett told Janine that she was concerned that Mick would learn about her mother’s lies.

Could Shirley, who is desperate to expose Janine’s lies, uncover the truth about the collision and maybe make Janine and Steve’s relationship public in the process?

Fans have predicted that a beloved character may make a comeback if Steve’s name is revealed, with some viewers speculating that Janine’s mystery lover might be Steve Owen.

Between 1998 and 2002, Martin Kemp, a legendary member of the Spandau Ballet, portrayed Steve Owen, the owner of the E20 nightclub who wed Tamzin Outhwaite’s Mel Healey.

However, he became involved in the Who Shot Phil Mitchell plot when Steve attempted to depart Albert Square with Louise, the daughter of Steve and Lisa Shaw, after Lisa was revealed to be responsible for Phil’s shooting.

Steve’s plan, however, was unsuccessful because he got involved in a car pursuit, which exposed him and allegedly killed him; his funeral was shown on television later that year.

Though anything may happen in a soap opera, could Steve make a stunning comeback to Albert Square if he did survive the crash?

Viewers appear to agree, as many have flocked to a fan forum to speculate that he might be Janine’s unidentified amour.

“Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet?” said one fan, while a second added: “To Cut A Long Story Short he’s Steve Owen, Hunter’s dad and Mel’s husband.”

A third gave a tongue-in-cheek agreement by quoting a famous Spandau Ballet song, saying: “That much is true.”

Meanwhile, a fourth suggested: “Steve Owen or Steve McDonald,” in a nod to the Children In Need First Dates special where Janine met Coronation Street’s Steve McDonald.

Fans also predicted that another iconic character could return to the square – Steven Beale.

“Maybe Steven Beale? I believe he traveled to New Zealand “a fifth viewer opined.

Steven was allegedly killed on-screen by Max Branning, so if he turned out to be Janine’s lover, it would be a shocking narrative twist to see him return to the square.

Many viewers are finding it difficult to figure out who Steve is, as seen by the fans’ influx on social media in the wake of subsequent episodes to post their inquiries.

While some think he might be Janine’s wedding planner, others have said they cannot work out who he is, which will make the truth even more interesting when it is exposed.

One fan said: “Lol Steve is their wedding planner,” while a second agreed, adding: “I think Steve is Janine’s wedding dress designer.”

“Steve has to be the designer of Janine’s wedding dress,” added a third.

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Actually excited to see who Janine’s Steve is. I can’t predict who it is at all. It’s so good but I’m scared.”