The personality of the character has earned her the nickname "Mad May" and "Psycho Doctor" from the media.[14] Drew has described the role as "a gift of a role for any actor because of her complexity."[15] Of her return to EastEnders, she has stated: "I'm so excited to be playing her again. It'd be a shame to give too much away, but she has changed in many ways."[15] Executive producer Diederick Santer has said: "It's great to have Amanda back. May is a hugely popular character. I'm sure viewers will be keen to see what she gets up to and how she's changed."[15]
In May 2007, it was decided that the ending of a current storyline featuring characters of May, Dawn and Rob would be substantially rewritten due to the disappearance of toddler Madeleine McCann. The storyline would have seen May ran off with Dawn and Rob's baby shortly after it had been born.[16] The move attracted some criticism as to how it relates directly to the disappearance of the toddler; the BBC said that "In the current circumstances it was felt any storyline that included a child abduction would be inappropriate and could cause distress to our viewers."[16] May holds Dawn hostage, intending to steal her baby by performing a caesarean section. May is arrested and Drew left the series.
Trailers for Drew's return to EastEnders, had been shown in the weeks running up to her return on BBC channels; on 6 June 2008. She reprised her role as May, under the assumed name of "Jenny". She was seen smoking a cigarette and drinking alcohol, two new activities for the character. May was killed-off on 18 June 2008 when she causes a gas explosion at the Miller house.[17][18]
^ abPaddock, Terri (10 September 2007). "20 Questions with ... Amanda Drew". whatsonstage.com. Archived from the original on 3 December 2007. Retrieved 10 June 2008. Date & place of birth Born 21 December 1969 in Boston, Lincolnshire.