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

The changes continue! (Picture: BBC/Metro) 2026 has seen plenty of cast changes in EastEnders, and there’s still more to come before the year ends. 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), classic bad boy, Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) and his beloved sister, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner). We’ve also seen the debut of Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan), the twin brother of Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness), Nicola Mitchell’s (Laura Doddington) wider family and Denise Fox’s (Diane Parish) half brother and niece. With the debuts and returns, we’ve also had to say goodbyes to Nigel (Paul Bradley) and his wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn), alongside Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona), Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) and Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy). We’ll also be bidding permanent farewells to the entire Carter clan: Linda (Kellie Bright), Johnny (Charlie Suff), Nancy (Maddy Hill) and Lee (Danny Hatchard), tortured bad boy Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) and the truly electric Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier). Both Kat and Alfie Moon (Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie) will also be leaving as the actors star in panto, but both will be back. With things constantly fluctuating in Walford, here’s what we currently know about who is returning, arriving and leaving in EastEnders… EastEnders cast returns 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 departed, actress Lacey was quick to reassure viewers that they wouldn’t have to miss her for too long and that she’d definitely be back. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. 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? Reportedly, around New Year. Janine Butcher The bitch is back! (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) New teasers have been revealed following the news Janine Butcher is returning to the show. At the moment, it’s a little bit mysterious why Janine is back at this point, but there are a few puzzle pieces and loose ends we can consider, and Mick Carter’s (Danny Dyer) disappearance at sea is definitely one of them. ‘I don’t know if anyone wants to see a reformed Janine ever,’ Charlie Brooks said. ‘So we can rest assured that we are leaning into the true nature of who Janine is. As always, it’s about survival for her. When did Janine return to EastEnders? Her returning scenes aired November 5, 2026. Sean Slater Sean has now returned to Walford (Picture: BBC) Rob Kazinsky has now returned to EastEnders as Sean Slater. The character arrived in Walford to help Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) track down Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), who had been taken by creepy cop Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey). When did Sean Slater return to EastEnders? His returning scenes aired on October 29, 2026. EastEnders cast departures Craig Ingram Matthew has left the role (Picture: BBC/Metro) Craig Ingram, played by Matthew James Bailey, was killed by Amy in the episode broadcasted November 4, 2026. The copper was introduced to us earlier this year, and groomed Amy into thinking that he was the only one who cared about her. As the wool was pulled from Amy’s eyes, she tried to defend herself from Craig by hitting him with a candlestick holder, but this resulted in him meeting his end. 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 leaving date is currently unknown. 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 departure 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? Johnny’s leaving date is currently unknown. Nancy Carter Nancy will be exiting alongside the rest of her family (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) While EastEnders fans have been ecstatic to see a big Carter reunion, Nancy’s return is only to coincide with on-screen mum Linda’s departure. While talking about Kellie’s exit, boss Ben Wadey said: ‘We will be welcoming Lee and Nancy back for a period in a story where I guarantee your jaws will drop when you see it.’ Maddy herself said: ‘I am SO excited to be returning to Enders for a short stint and stepping back into Nancy’s shoes (or basketball shorts!)’ When is Nancy Carter leaving EastEnders? Nancy’s leaving date is currently unknown. Lee Carter Lee’s return is finite (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) As with Nancy, Lee will be departing when Linda leaves the Square. Speaking on his return coinciding with Kellie’s exit, Danny said: ‘She’s been such an important part of my journey, not only as an actor and in Lee’s story, but also as a person. ‘I really adore having her in my life, I’m so glad the Carter children have reunited for the wider farewell of such an iconic character, Linda and Kellie deserve that.’ When is Lee Carter leaving EastEnders? Lee’s leaving date is currently 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 leaving date is currently unknown, but it is thought that he will be staying on the show until at least the end of this year. Kat Moon 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 Moon leaving EastEnders? Kat’s leaving date is currently 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 Moon leaving EastEnders? Alfie’s leaving date is currently unknown. Oscar Branning Oscar will be bidding goodbye (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) The Sun reported that Pierre, who’s played Oscar for just over a year will be bowing out of the show imminently. ‘The fans love Pierre, so this is a huge blow to the show,’ said a source. ‘Viewers are still reeling from the news they are losing Kellie and Aaron, two incredibly popular staples.’ When is Oscar Branning leaving EastEnders? Oscar’s leaving date is currently 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 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 Maddy Hill as Nancy Carter Danny Hatchard as Lee Carter Harriet Thorpe as Elaine Peacock Stephen Aaron-Sipple as Mark Fowler Jr Tony Clay as Callum Highway Sakira Vel as Ash Panesar 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 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 Matthew James Bailey as Craig Ingram Patricia Potter as Gemma Hawkins Anna Constable as Jodie Hawkins Marian McLoughlin as Rose Hawkins Christopher Colquhoun as Darnell Larson Jr Krysstina Frempong as Grace Larson Felix Huff as Ryder Hawkins Jamie Bamber as Ned Hawkins 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 Deals of the Day Cold mornings are coming and this is the dressing gown I want to live in We're adding this discounted NEOM gift set straight to basket Want an LED face mask for less? This Black Friday deal could save you hundreds This teeth whitening sale could save you up to 64% before Black Friday These Simba Black Friday deals are too good for tired shoppers to ignore This article was first published on November 3, 2024 and has been updated. Arrow MORE: Are you a true fan? Take Metro’s biggest ever Soaps quiz! Arrow MORE: ‘Proud’ EastEnders star Matthew James Bailey reveals most powerful aspect of Craig’s exit Arrow MORE: Amy’s fate after dead Craig twist as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.