<P> 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 . 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 '' . Outhwaite billed Mel as `` a strong independent woman '' upon her return and believed there are `` lots more stories to tell '' with the character . She commented , `` EastEnders is in my DNA and I always knew deep down that someday I would revisit Mel . '' 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 '' . 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 '' . 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 . Mel returned on - screen in the closing moments of the episode broadcast on 9 January 2018 . </P>
<P> 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 . 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 '' . Outhwaite billed Mel as `` a strong independent woman '' upon her return and believed there are `` lots more stories to tell '' with the character . She commented , `` EastEnders is in my DNA and I always knew deep down that someday I would revisit Mel . '' 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 '' . 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 '' . 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 . Mel returned on - screen in the closing moments of the episode broadcast on 9 January 2018 . </P>
who did mel in eastenders have a baby with
who did mel in eastenders have a baby with
Steve
Steve