Journalist Emma Brankin Reveals TV’s Most Impressive Celebrity Comebacks

Article by Emma Brankin

Some comebacks are well deserved (Craig David), a real long shot (Friends cast), unexpectedly fab (The Big Reunion) and just plain baffling (er, the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice…) but there’s no doubt that television has facilitated some impressive returns to favour for top talent over the years. In fact with Blind Date, The Crystal Maze, The Price Is Right and more all revamped and back on our screens, it’s clear the British public enjoy some nostalgic recycling just as much as innovative new programming.

Showbiz writer Emma Brankin looks back at the last eight years to find some of the most impressive TV comebacks out there.

WINONA RYDER

It was over 10 years ago that the Hollywood starlet’s startling fall from grace occurred when the multi-millionairess was caught shoplifting at a posh department store. The leading lady movie roles dried up and her occasional cameo appearance in hits such as Black Swan always jolted the audience into unexpected Edward Scissorhands flashbacks. But last year she was back with a bang as distressed parent Joyce Byers on the hunt from her missing son in spooky sensation Stranger Things. The huge recent success of the second season has only cemented the fact that Winona is back and ready to stay.

DANNY DYER

He swore he’d never, but when Danny Dyer strolled onto the iconic EastEnders’ lot on Christmas Day 2013 it just made sense. The hard man actor has been the sometimes-struggling soap’s saviour since his arrival as landlord and family man: Mick Carter. Here’s hoping he stays on Albert Square for many years to come.

ED BALLS

Strictly Come Dancing has revitalised the careers of Alesha Dixon, Kara Tointon, Tom Chambers and many more plus secured one more year of panto bookings for the rest. But in recent years no one has used the ballroom dancing spectacular as a vehicle for rehabilitation in the public eye quite as successfully former politician Ed Balls. Last year after dousing himself in fake tan and dad dancing his way through the sequin saturated competition, viewers came to embrace the formerly cantankerous MP to near national treasure levels. Even George Osborne admitted he was rooting for his former adversary. Let’s hope he’s not a surprise Strictly signing next series…

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