Emma Barton hopes Billy Mitchell will ask her character Honey Mitchell to marry him on her return to 'EastEnders'.

Honey and Billy get romantic in EastEnders

Honey and Billy get romantic in EastEnders

The actress' alter ego will be seen back in Walford this week and she hopes her ex-husband will want Honey back for good to reunite their family, which includes children William and Janet.

Asked if Honey and Billy should re-marry, she said: "I think it would be really sweet. Honey and Billy are very different to a lot of the couples on the Square. And I'd like to show that a young family can work through their issues. I think that's really important."

The 38-year-old star - who left the BBC One soap in 2008 after a three-year-stint - will be back in Albert Square with their son William from Canada to visit their Aunt Caroline, but things soon take a romantic turn between them.

Emma told RadioTimes.com: "There's always been a little spark between them. In some scenes last year, you saw that extra look being shared. And I think she always sees the best of him and knows he's always trying. She's always loved him - it's just that caring nature that Honey has. She'll always have that soft spot for him."

Emma admits it has been brilliant to be back acting opposite Perry Fenwick - who plays Billy - again and says the close working relationship they developed when presented with the past storyline that their daughter Janet would be diagnosed with Down's syndrome has remained.

She explained: "When we were given that opportunity to do the Down's syndrome storyline, we developed a very good working regime because we wanted to do the storyline justice. And I guess that brings you closer together as actors. You get a closer partnership."