Yes, I read that the bit where she came back was filmed live and on location so that no one would see her at the studios beforehand. Fabulous when so much in the soaps is available as a spoiler weeks in advance.
It has to be something like witness protection, I can't think of any other reason why her sons would be told that she was dead. It'll be interesting to see Ian's reaction! Especially when he sees that his 'dead' mother looks younger than he does now
Looks amazing, so yes far too young to be Ian's mum 
