The return of Chrissie Watts to EastEnders has sparked a wave of reactions from the show's fanbase, with opinions split on her impact on the current storyline. Once a notorious villain during the early 2000s, Chrissie made a surprising reappearance in the latest episode after being involved in a previous Christmas storyline where she was revealed as Zoe Slater's tormentor. Fans familiar with the character's historical context in the show are either thrilled to see her back or view her return as a pointless addition to an already complex narrative.

Chrissie's character is linked to significant plot points, including her ties to the infamous Witches of Walford and her connection to prominent characters like Kat and Zoe Slater. In her latest appearance, the storyline thickens as she links back to the ongoing murder case involving Anthony Trueman, which casts a shadow over Zoe, who is currently incarcerated. Viewers are questioning the direction of the show, debating whether the introduction of such a legendary character adds value or detracts from the overall story arc.

The divisive nature of the return underscores the challenges that long-running soaps like EastEnders face in maintaining viewer interest while evolving their storylines. As more audiences engage with the iconic characters they grew up with, producers must decide whether to lean into nostalgia or to create space for new narratives. The reaction to Chrissie's return reflects broader sentiments regarding character reintroductions and the impact on long-term story progression in serial dramas.