It was revealed last year that Buster, played by Karl Howman, is the father of both Dean and Mick following previous flings with Shirley.
Viewers
know that Buster has been in prison after he was arrested during his
previous visit to Walford, but he will surprise the Carters when he
reappears in upcoming episodes.
However, the happy reunion does
not last for long as Buster's presence reminds Mick of all
the lies and deceit within the family.
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| Mick visits Shirley |
Buster reveals to Shirley that he wants to move to Greece and start a new life with her, which she agrees to.
After
breaking the news to her loved ones, Shirley shares her concerns about
leaving Walford with Phil Mitchell, but he offers her some advice.
With
her increasing concerns about her family and following her conversation
with Phil, Shirley then decides to take matters into her own hands,
with dramatic consequences.
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| Shirley refuses to talk to Mick alone |
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| Shirley bumps into Phil |
Buster's return will come amid an already-difficult time for the family
as Stan's condition continues to deteriorate, adding to the growing
tension between Mick and Shirley, who are refusing to be in the same
room together.
As Mick and Tina do their best to help make
Stan's final days as comfortable as possible, a distressed Stan makes
his feelings on the family rift known and demands that Shirley and Mick
bury the hatchet immediately.
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| Mick and Shirley visit Stan |
 |
| Mick and Shirley visit Stan |
After talking to Linda, Mick finally swallows his pride and visits
Shirley in an attempt to build bridges, but he is left stunned when
Shirley shuts the door in his face.
Following some tough words
from Tina, Shirley decides to arrive for Stan's wedding at the hospice
with Buster in tow, but is soon forced to leave after Mick lashes out.
However,
as Stan's health continues to deteriorate, Mick, Shirley and Tina
attempt to put their differences to one side and manage to pull together
to support him.
 |
| Shirley and Mick make amends |
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| Shirley and Mick are there for each other again |
After Tina heads home to get some rest, Shirley and Mick finally open up
about their feelings in a heart to heart, where they admit how much
they miss each other.
Worried for her son, Shirley soon sends a
reluctant Mick home and assures him that she can cope at the hospital by
herself. In emotional scenes, Shirley then remains by Stan's bedside
and after some final words from her dad, he peacefully slips away.
