who did mel in eastenders have a baby with
Mel Owen On 24 October 2017, the show's producers announced that Mel would be returning to the serial in 2018. Outhwaite, who billed Mel as "a strong independent woman", returned to filming in November 2017.[30] Yorke, who was appointed executive consultant in June 2017, asked Outhwaite to reprise the role. The actress felt privileged to be invited back to the show and called playing Mel again "perfect".[30] Outhwaite billed Mel as "a strong independent woman" upon her return and believed there are "lots more stories to tell" with the character.[30] She commented, "EastEnders is in my DNA and I always knew deep down that someday I would revisit Mel."[30] Yorke said he was "thrilled and flattered" to have Outhwaite reprise the role and looked forward to exploring her absence and "who Melanie Owen is now".[30] He also promised an "incredible" storyline for Mel when she returns and said it would "awaken a lot of old ghosts, some great memories, and a whole new series of adventures too".[30] On 22 December 2017, it was announced that Charlie Winter had been cast in the role of Hunter Owen, the son of Mel and Steve. Hunter returns alongside Mel.[31] Mel returned on-screen in the closing moments of the episode broadcast on 9 January 2018.[32]