EastEnders welcomes back Colin Russell after an absence of almost 30 years tonight, which is one heck of a blast from the past. As the soap's first gay character, Colin was part of a genuinely groundbreaking time in TV back in the show's early days, and propelled actor Michael Cashman into politics and a Lordship – he became a member of the European parliament and was co-founder of LGBT rights charity Stonewall.
Lord Cashman's return highlights how big a deal Colin was during his 3 years in Albert Square, but that was a very long time ago – so to prep you for soap's most unexpected comeback of 2016, here are 6 things you need to know about him.
1. He was EastEnders first gay character, obvs
Colin Russell arrived in Albert Square in August 1986, 18 months after EastEnders' first episode. Pipped at the post for being British soap's first openly gay regular (trailblazing Brookside had Gordon Collins come out of the closet the previous year), he was certainly the most high profile. Initially Col kept his homosexuality a secret, as producers were keen for the audience to get to know him first. Once Colin went public with toyboy lover Barry the barrow boy, it caused a sensation both on and off screen.
2. He had the first gay kiss in British soap history
A polite peck from Colin on Barry's forehead in 1987 made TV history as the first gay kiss shown on a British soap opera. It created uproar at the time with a record number of viewer complaints (yes, really) and tabloids whipped themselves up into a frenzy, furious at this "filth" being allowed on our screens.
But 'Enders didn't flinch from reflecting the more ignorant attitudes of the day, and Colin faced prejudice and bigotry from his own community when they realised he and Barry were in a relationship, with God-fearing Dot spreading rumours he had AIDS and neighbours refusing to speak to him.
But over time, and with a commendable lack of sensationalism on the show's part, the locals accepted him and kind-hearted Colin's presence on primetime ended up having a hugely positive impact on public attitudes.
3. He was a graphic designer (it's relevant)
What with all the fuss over his sexuality, it's been largely forgotten that Colin was also brought in to represent another section of society that was shaking up Walford – yuppies. The gentrification of London's old East End was a big issue at the time, with professional types moving in, opening swanky wine bars and sending house prices soaring. Colin was a graphic designer (ooh, swanky) which marked him out as bit more la-di-da than your average salt-of-the-earth E20 local.
4. He was big mates with Dot (eventually)
Despite their rocky start, Dot saw the light as she got to know Colin and they formed a touching friendship, with Mrs Cotton (as was) ending up his closest confidant on the Square. Colin was such a nice guy everyone loved him, with all that early controversy totally at odds with how gentle a character he was – sweet, well-mannered and, if we're being really honest, a bit of a goodie two-shoes.
After splitting from Barry, Colin went on a downward spiral and following a violent mugging the whole Square rallied round him (how times change). Randomly he was also pally with superbitch Cindy Beale, and was one of the few characters she didn't try to murder or sleep with.
5. He was diagnosed with MS
As if all the hoo-ha over flying the flag for gay rights in Walford weren't enough, Colin also had another hard-hitting storyline further down the line when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. As his health began to mysteriously decline Colin feared he could have AIDS, but it turned out to be early signs of MS.
By now Colin had moved on from having his heart broken by Barry and had started seeing suave businessman Guido Smith, but the MS bombshell put pressure on the relationship, with Colin fearing he was only with him out of pity.
6. He hasn't been seen for 27 years
Departing Walford in February 1989 to live with his brother in Bristol, having given Guido the heave-ho and made peace with Barry who returned for his final episode, Colin hasn't been seen (and has barely been mentioned) since until this week's surprise return – it's officially the longest absence between appearances for any EastEnders character. Quite why he's back after all this time remains a closely guarded secret, though we know it's connected to his old pal Dot. Has he still got MS? Did he ever make a go of it with Barry? Tune in to find out…
