Natalie Cassidy and the rest of the fictional Jackson family are returning to 'EastEnders'.

The 'Strictly Come Dancing' star - who rose to fame as Sonia Jackson on the BBC soap - will be joined by Dean Gaffney, who played her brother Robbie, and Lindsey Coulson, who starred as her mother Carol, when they return to the show in the new year.

It is thought a new actor will be cast to play Sonia's teenage half-brother, Billy, last played by Bluey Robinson in 2004.

Natalie said: "To be reunited with the original Jacksons is a dream come true."

The actress has also been meeting up with Dean to discuss their forthcoming return to the soap, prompting rumours they were secretly dating - despite Natalie being in a relationship with Adam Cottrell.

A source told Now Magazine: "Before we knew they met up, Natalie was always texting and speaking to Dean on the phone. She told her best friend that she's always had a soft spot for him."

The family will join Bianca Jackson, who returned to the soap in 2008. They will be involved in a high profile storyline to mark the soap's 25 year anniversary, after which Natalie and Dean will leave, while Lindsey will remain as a full time cast member. It is unknown how long Billy's contract will be.