All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026

There’s changes afoot! (Picture: BBC/Shutterstock) We’re over halfway through 2026 now, and we’ve already seen plenty of cast changes in EastEnders, and there’s still more to come! So far, we’ve witnessed the returns of twisted incel Joel Marshall (Max Murray) and the Queen of Walford, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) while we anticipate the comeback of EastEnders’ biggest ever bitch Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) and classic bad boy, Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky). We’ve also seen the debut of Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan), the twin brother of Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) and hotly anticipate the arrival of both Nicola Mitchell’s (Laura Doddington), family and Denise Fox’s (Diane Parish) half brother and niece. With the debuts and returns, we’ve also had to say heart-breaking goodbyes to loveable Nigel (Paul Bradley) and his wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn), alongside creepy Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona). We’ll also be saying goodbye to the beloved Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and her son, Johnny (Charlie Suff), tortured bad boy Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) and a large portion of the Slater-Moon clan; while Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) will be departing permanently imminently, Kat and Alfie Moon (Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie) will both be taking temporary breaks. With things constantly fluctuating in Walford, here’s what we currently know about who is returning, arriving and leaving in EastEnders… EastEnders cast returns Janine Butcher The bitch is back! (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) As reported by The Sun, Janine, the ultimate Queen of mean, is set to return to our screens for a short stint, with a source teasing: ‘Janine’s appearance is going to blow the roof off Albert Square.’ ‘The bosses have several huge stories planned for this autumn, which will all start building towards Christmas,’ the insider added. ‘Although Charlie is only reprising her role as Janine for a couple of episodes this time around, her involvement is bound to cause plenty of drama.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. When is Janine Butcher returning to EastEnders? Currently, the date of Janine’s return is unknown. Sean Slater Sean will no doubt be causing trouble upon his return (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes) Bad boy Sean will be returning to his old stomping ground of Albert Square this year, with actor Robert Kazinsky reprising the role full time for the first time in 17 years. ‘I left EastEnders in 2008 as a 23-year-old boy and was lucky to spend the next 19 years of my life working around the world, always championing EastEnders and stating the fact that one day I wanted to walk in Sean’s shoes again, but this time as a man to see who Sean the man might also be. ‘I wanted to do it for Sean, I wanted to do it for the fans that have supported me in every role since I left the Square but, mostly, I wanted to do it for me. I’m home, and I can’t wait to bring a new level of heartfelt chaos to Albert Square in the way only Sean Slater can.’ When is Sean Slater returning to EastEnders? Later this year. Stacey Slater Stacey will be back (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron) Our Stace’ left Walford for a new life in Brazil after realising that she’d never escape the ghost of ex-husband and true love, Martin Fowler (James Bye) while remaining in Albert Square. Though hearts across the nation broke when Stacey Slater departed, actress Lacey Turner was quick to reassure viewers that they wouldn’t have to miss her for too long and that she’d definitely be back. In a behind-the-scenes video shared to EastEnders official YouTube, Lacey said: ‘I am coming back, I won’t be long’. When is Stacey Slater returning to EastEnders? Currently, the date of Stacey’s return is unknown. EastEnders cast arrivals Gemma Hawkins Gemma is here to cause chaos for Nicola (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) Nicola’s never-seen sister, Gemma, has arrived and has already begun to ruffle some feathers in Walford. Patricia Potter, who is portraying her, said: ‘I am so delighted to be joining this iconic show as part of a new family. What a joy and a privilege to be working with such talented actors and wonderful people. I couldn’t be more excited and grateful!’ Ned Hawkins Gemma’s husband, Ned, also has joined the cast (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) Gemma’s husband, Ned, has been right by his wife’s side since they crash-landed in Albert Square. ‘When 12-year-old me rushed home from school in 1985 to catch the very first episode of EastEnders, I could never have dreamed that one day I’d be walking onto the iconic Albert Square as a character myself,’ said Jamie Bamber, the actor behind the character. ‘It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly, and I’m thrilled to be making my mark on this crown jewel of my beloved BBC’. Ryder Hawkins Ryder came along with his mum and dad (Picture: BBC/Calum McCarron) Alongside Gemma and Ned is their son, Ryder, played by Felix Uff. ‘EastEnders is a staple of British culture and it’s a real privilege to join the cast,’ he said. ‘I can’t wait for everyone to see the Hawkins family shaking things up!’. Rose Hawkins There’s lots of bad blood between Nicola and her mum, Rose (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) The mother of Nicola, Gemma and Jodie has also come along with the rest of the family. Marian McLoughlin, who’s playing her said of her new role: ‘I feel so lucky to be joining such a brilliant cast and I can’t wait for the viewers to meet the Hawkins family. ‘Now in my 70s, this is an opportunity I never expected, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a cherished drama’. Jodie Hawkins Baby sister Jodie completes the clan (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) The baby sister of Gemma and Nicola is played by actress Anna Constable ‘Growing up watching EastEnders I never thought a disabled actress like me could ever land a role like this,’ she said of her casting. ‘But here I am loud and proud and taking no prisoners in mine or Jodie’s wake’ When did the Hawkins family arrive in EastEnders? The Hawkins family arrived at the end of August. Darnell Larson Jr Darnell could be Denise’s last lifeline (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) As Denise’s battle with AML rages on and doctors informed her that her best hope of survival is a stem cell transplant, her sister, Kim Fox (Tameka Empson), discovered she has an unknown half-brother, Darnell, and both she and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) tracked him down. ‘I am thrilled to be finally moving to Walford after all these years, and the welcome I’ve received has been phenomenal,’ said actor Christopher Colquhoun, who’ll be playing Darnell. ‘Hearing I’d got the role was an absolute doof doof moment for me… hopefully there’ll be plenty more of those to come!’ When did Darnell Larson Jr arrive in EastEnders? At the end of August. Grace Larson Darnell isjoined by his daughter, Grace (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) The discovery of a new branch of the Fox-Trueman family didn’t only bring Darnell into the lives of Denise and the crew, but his daughter, Grace, too, who’s played by Krysstina Frempong. ‘I am extremely excited to be joining EastEnders!’ she said upon her casting. ‘I have watched the show for as long as I can remember and have such vivid memories of gathering around the TV with my family, especially at Christmas, to watch all the drama unfolding on the Square, so it feels pretty surreal to now be a part of the action! ‘I’m really looking forward to working with, and learning from my new colleagues, whom I’ve long admired, and hope audiences enjoy getting to know Grace and all the complexities she’ll bring to their screens!’ When did Grace Larson arrive in EastEnders? At the end of August. EastEnders cast departures Zoe Slater Zoe Slater’s final episode will air tonight (Picture: BBC) Zoe Slater is the latest Walford resident heading for the exit, with Michelle Ryan’s comeback coming to a devastating end as Zoe dies in tonight’s EastEnders (10th September). Despite only returning to the soap last year after two decades away, it was previously confirmed that Michelle would be departing, with a BBC spokesperson saying: ‘We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future.’ Zoe’s final scenes see her condition deteriorate after she fell and hit her head on bricks earlier this week, having refused to seek medical attention despite bleeding and being in pain. It’s rumoured that she ultimately collapses on her bed and dies, bringing her latest stint in Walford to a tragic conclusion. However, her death won’t be the end of the story, as upcoming episodes see a devastated Kat discover her daughter’s body before the results of Zoe’s postmortem raise new questions about exactly what happened to her. When is Zoe Slater leaving EastEnders? Zoe will die in tonight’s EastEnders. Johnny Carter Johnny will be following his mum out of the Square (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) After The Sun first reported Johnny’s depature to coincide with his on-screen mum’s exit, an EastEnders spokesperson told Metro: ‘We can confirm Charlie Suff will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.’ According to reports, actor Charlie understood that once his co-star Kellie decided to leave, that he’d be going too. ‘Johnny and his mum Linda have an unbreakable bond so there was no way he would stay in Albert Square without her,’ said the Sun. When is Johnny Carter leaving EastEnders? Later this year. Linda Carter Linda is bowing out after 13 years (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron) Former landlady of the Queen Vic and matriarch to one of Walford’s most adored families, Linda will be bidding adieu to Albert Square as Kellie Bright leaves her role this year. ‘EastEnders has been my home for thirteen years and I have absolutely loved being part of the show, but I have decided that it is now the right time for me to say goodbye,’ said Kellie, discussing her decision to leave. ‘I made the tough decision over a year ago, and after discussing this with Kate Oates and Ben Wadey, they asked me to stay on to be part of an exciting storyline they had planned, and I happily agreed to extend my stay. I will miss my friends and colleagues hugely, but I am looking forward to my next chapter and spending more time with my wonderful boys.’ When is Linda Carter leaving EastEnders? Linda’s current leaving date is unknown. Ravi Gulati Ravi is saying goodbye after four years (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Ravi Gulati star Aaron Thiara is reportedly set to leave EastEnders after four years. ‘Aaron has been at the centre of the some of the soap’s biggest storylines since his arrival as bad-boy Ravi back in 2022,’ a source told The Sun. ‘He’s an incredibly popular member of the cast and the fans love him. He’s decided to focus on new projects, but will stay on set until the end of the year to see out some juicy storylines his character has in store.’ When is Ravi Gulati leaving EastEnders? Ravi’s current leaving date is unknown but it is thought that he will be staying on the show until at least the end of this year. Kat Slater Jessie Wallace is doing panto (Picture: BBC) Jessie Wallace will briefly depart the show, as she’s been cast as Captain Hook at the New Wimbledon Theatre’s panto production of Peter Pan, with a source telling The Sun: ‘Jessie will be taking a short break from the soap to appear in panto. ‘Bosses agreed to the short break because it’s over Christmas and won’t hugely affect filming. ‘It’s a huge bonus for Jessie. She’s one of the show’s biggest names and can command huge fees for panto appearances’. When is Kat Slater leaving EastEnders? Currently, the date of Kat leaving is unknown. Alfie Moon Shane is also departing (Picture: BBC) Much like his on-screen wife, Shane will also be taking a break to perform in panto. Shane has joined the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion theatre in Southend-on-Sea. When is Alfie leaving EastEnders? Currently, the date of Alfie leaving is unknown. Who is in the EastEnders 2026 cast? The present cast of EastEnders is made up of: Regular cast Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale Alice Haig as Vicki Fowler Michelle Collins as Cindy Beale Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell Thomas Law as Peter Beale Perry Fenwick as Billy Mitchell Jessie Wallace as Kat Slater Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater Laila Morse as Mo Slater Rudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman Shane Richie as Alfie Moon Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman Gillian Wright as Jean Slater Emma Barton as Honey Mitchell Zaraah Abrahams as Chelsea Fox Diane Parish as Denise Fox Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning Scott Maslen as Jack Branning Pierre Counihan-Moullier as Oscar Branning Kitty Castledine as Penny Branning Ellie Dadd as Amy Mitchell Tameka Empson as Kim Fox Lillia Turner as Lily Slater Sonny Kendall as Tommy Moon Kellie Bright as Linda Carter Charlie Suff as Johnny Carter Harriet Thorpe as Elaine Peacock Stephen Aaron-Sipple as Mark Fowler Jr Tony Clay as Callum Highway Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar James Farrar as Zack Hudson Ross Boatman as Harvey Monroe Delroy Atkinson as Howie Danes Heather Peace as Eve Unwin Aaron Thiara as Ravi Gulati Jaden Ladega as Denzel Danes Juhaim Rasul Choudhury as Davinder ‘Nugget’ Gulati Colin Salmon as George Knight Francesca Henry as Gina Knight Sophie Khan Levy as Priya Nandra-Hart Aaliyah James as Avani Nandra-Hart Elijah Holloway as Harry Mitchell Lewis Bridgeman as Barney Mitchell Dayo Koleosho as Kojo Asare Laura Doddington as Nicola Mitchell Alex Walkinshaw as Ross Marshall Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness as Jasmine Fisher Joshua Vaughan as Josh Goodwin Recurring cast Jane Slaughter as Tracey Ulric Browne as Winston Liz Sweet as Marie Evans Grace as Janet Mitchell Freddie Phillips as Will Mitchell Frankie Day as Ricky Branning Isabella Brown as Lexi Pierce Ben Champniss as Shrimpy Elliot and Cody Briffett as Bert and Ernie Moon Arayah Harris-Buckle as Pearl Fox Jake McNally as Louie Beale Harry Farr as Ollie Carter Rocco Brenner as Arthur Fowler Michael Jose Pomares Calixte as Raymond Dawkins Isabelle Smith as Hope Fowler Maylo Miller as Mica Fox Arthur Gentleman as Albie Watts Aaria Sharma as Ria Virdi Matthew James Bailey as Craig Ingram This article was first published on November 3, 2024 and has been updated. 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