The recent, albeit temporary, return of Bex Fowler to Walford for the tragic funeral of her father, Martin Fowler, during EastEnders’ momentous 40th-anniversary week in February, proved to be a bittersweet reunion for both the character and long-time fans of the BBC soap. Actress Jasmine Armfield reprised her role, allowing Bex to reconnect with her grieving mother, Sonia Fowler, offer much-needed support to her half-sister Lily Slater in the wake of their shared loss, and finally get to know her baby sister, Julia. Bex’s presence in the weeks following Martin’s passing was significant, offering moments of emotional connection and a familiar face amidst the sorrow.

While Bex’s return was initially for this somber occasion, her interactions with the residents of Walford resonated deeply with viewers. From her heartfelt conversations with Sonia, navigating their shared grief and the complexities of their mother-daughter relationship, to her compassionate support of a young Lily grappling with the absence of her father, Bex’s maturity and growth since her departure five years prior were evident. Even her introduction to baby Julia held a poignant sweetness, a reminder of the family bonds that endure despite time and distance.

However, Bex’s time back in Walford was fleeting. In emotional scenes, she eventually bid farewell to the Square, embarking on new adventures with Sonia and her auntie, Bianca Jackson. This departure, while perhaps signaling a positive new chapter for Bex, left many fans yearning for her permanent return. Social media platforms were flooded with messages expressing appreciation for Jasmine Armfield’s portrayal and a strong desire to see Bex back in Walford on a more regular basis.

One fan, Josh, writing on X (formerly Twitter), admitted to not being Bex’s biggest admirer during her initial stint but expressed genuine enjoyment of her recent appearance, noting her evident maturity over the past five years and hoping the role would not be recast in the future. This sentiment was echoed by the fan account “or East Enders,” who described her return as “such a welcome return this time around.” Another fan, Ryan, praised Bex’s “brilliant mini stint,” expressing hope that it wouldn’t be the last they see of her, especially with Lily still residing in Walford, suggesting a potential for future storylines. The overwhelming positive reception highlighted the impact of Jasmine Armfield’s portrayal, which spanned from 2014 to Bex’s initial departure in 2020 when she decided to go traveling.

Despite the warm welcome and the desire for her permanent return, the title of this spoiler hints at a more complex and potentially unsettling undercurrent to Bex’s reappearance. While her presence was undoubtedly a source of comfort during a difficult time, the phrase “But Her Shocking Past Still Haunts Walford!” suggests that Bex’s history in the Square is far from being a closed book. Her previous storylines were often fraught with emotional turmoil, including significant struggles with mental health, particularly following the death of her boyfriend Shakil Kazemi.

The question then arises: what aspects of Bex’s “shocking past” could still be lingering in Walford, potentially resurfacing or casting a shadow over her return, however brief? Could there be unresolved issues with former friends or acquaintances? Perhaps a past decision or action of Bex’s had unforeseen consequences that are only now coming to light. Or, more intriguingly, could her return inadvertently unearth a secret or a forgotten event from her time in Walford that has the potential to create new drama?

The spoiler’s emphasis on Bex’s return being for Martin’s funeral is crucial. Funerals often serve as catalysts for the resurfacing of old wounds and buried secrets. The gathering of family and friends can create an environment where past tensions and unresolved issues come to the forefront. While Bex was primarily focused on supporting her family during this period of grief, her presence alone might have stirred up memories or triggered events connected to her earlier life in Walford.

Could Bex’s interactions with certain individuals during her recent stay have inadvertently set in motion a chain of events linked to her past? For example, a conversation with an old friend might have inadvertently revealed a long-held secret that Bex was previously unaware of, or perhaps her presence reminded someone else of a past transgression or unresolved conflict involving her.

The phrase “EastEnders Twist” in the title further suggests that Bex’s return might not be as straightforward as a simple period of mourning and reconnection. It implies an unexpected development or revelation connected to her past that could have significant implications for her or other residents of Walford. This “twist” could be something that Bex herself is unaware of, or it could be a secret that she has been carrying and that her return threatens to expose.

Given Bex’s struggles with mental health in the past, could her return have triggered something within her own psyche, perhaps leading to the resurfacing of past trauma or anxieties? Or could someone from her past, perhaps someone who played a negative role in her earlier storylines, still be present in Walford, and their paths crossing once again could lead to conflict or the unearthing of old wounds?

Alternatively, the “shocking past” that haunts Walford might not directly involve Bex’s actions but rather something that happened to her during her time there, the repercussions of which are still being felt. Her return could serve as a reminder of a past injustice or a dark secret that the community has tried to bury.

The ambiguity of the spoiler is what makes it so intriguing. It acknowledges the positive reception to Bex’s return while simultaneously hinting at a darker undercurrent. It suggests that even though Bex has matured and perhaps found some peace since leaving Walford, the echoes of her earlier, more turbulent years are still present in the Square, waiting to be stirred.

Ultimately, while fans may be clamoring for Bex’s permanent return, this spoiler serves as a cautionary note. Her reappearance, even for a brief and sorrowful occasion, might have inadvertently opened old wounds or unearthed long-buried secrets. The “EastEnders Twist” implies that Bex’s connection to Walford is far from over, and her “shocking past” continues to be a significant part of the Square’s complex tapestry, with the potential for future storylines and dramatic revelations. Whether Bex herself will be directly involved in confronting this past remains to be seen, but its lingering presence undoubtedly adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing drama of Albert Square.