2025 was one hell of a busy year in Walford, with the big 40th Anniversary celebrations sparking plenty of comings and goings in EastEnders.

In September, we welcomed back Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) to Walford after a 20 year absence, and her recent scenes have been nothing if not explosive!

This came months after high-profile returns such as Ross Kemp’s Grant Mitchell and a shock cameo from Anita Dobson as original Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts.

We’ve also lost some of our most beloved Albert Square residents along the way. In the second half of they year, we’ve said goodbye to Felix Baker (Matthew James Morrison), Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris), Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford).

As any EastEnders viewer knows, Walford is prone to frequent shake ups, and, to keep abreast of any changes, here’s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving and arriving in EastEnders…

EastEnders cast arrivals

Bea

Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) is set for a high school reunion when she encounters old school friend, Bea, at a reunion.

While Bea’s full back-story is currently unknown, it’s been confirmed that she’s a ‘force to be reckoned with’ and that she ‘leaves a lasting impression on all those who cross her path.’

Multi-award actress and comedian Ronni Ancona will be playing her: ‘I am honoured to have been invited to join the iconic institution that is EastEnders, and to go on this whirlwind of a journey with such an unpredictable, nuanced and complex character as Bea,’ she said amid the announcement of her casting.

‘I hope audiences have as much fun watching her as I have had bringing her to life.’

When will Bea debut in EastEnders? 2026

EastEnders cast returns

Max Branning

It was reported in May that love rat Max Branning (Jake Wood) would be heading back to Albert Square after four years, with EastEnders officially confirming his return earlier this month.

The last time we saw him, Max decided to call time on his life in Walford to join daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and grandson Louie in New Zealand.

It later transpired that Linda – who he had an affair with the previous year – was pregnant with their daughter Annie.

A few weeks ago, Max briefly returned for Lauren’s wedding to Peter Beale (Thomas Law).

The scenes also saw Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) discover that Max was involved with Zoe, as she witnessed them kissing outside the pub.

Max departed after clashing with a number of Walford residents, but is expected to return permanently.

When is Max Branning returning to EastEnders? Later this month.

Stacey Slater

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 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 unknown.

EastEnders cast departures

Teddy Mitchell

After only 18 months in the role of Teddy Mitchell, Roland Manookian will be bowing out before the end of the year.

An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed to Metro: ‘We can confirm Roland will be leaving EastEnders this year, and we wish him all the best for the future’

When is Teddy Mitchell leaving EastEnders? Later in 2025.

Sam Mitchell

The return of the Mitchell Princess, Sam (Kim Medcalf) will, unfortunately be brief one, as she’ll be leaving upon the conclusion of her cancer storyline.

Fans have plenty to look forward to, though, as they’ll see scheming Sam reunite with frenemy, Zoe Slater, after 20 years apart, while also seeing her family and loved ones surround her as she faces her breast cancer diagnosis, that will see her undergo a successful lumpectomy in early 2026.

When is Sam Mitchell leaving EastEnders? Early 2026.

Nigel Bates

There was a huge surprise for 90s EastEnders fans back in December when Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) made an unexpected comeback, 26 years after his last appearance.

Since his return, he has supported old school friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) through his mental health crisis, while also dealing with the fact he has been diagnosed with young-onset dementia himself. 

While Nigel has been a welcome addition to the Square, actor Paul is only back temporarily – although it is not yet known how long his stint is set to last for. 

When is Nigel Bates leaving EastEnders? Currently unknown.

Joel Marshall

Star Max Murray is leaving his role as Joel Marshall.

The actor, 18, is currently at the centre of a storyline that draws comparison to Netflix’s Adolescence.

Following months of misogynistic behaviour, Joel lashed out recently and brutally attacked his dad Ross’ (Alex Walkinshaw) girlfriend Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig).

The episode was followed by a special BBC Three documentary that explored the worrying ‘Manosphere’, and the influence that figures such as Andrew Tate are having on teenage boys.

As with all soap villains, the end of the road and their comeuppance has to come eventually – but that doesn’t mean the story can’t be revisited in the future.

A source exclusively told Metro: ‘Max is leaving EastEnders following an incredible year. There’s still lots to come in the weeks ahead that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

‘Following his spellbinding performance, there’s no doubt that producers will be keen to snap him up – and Max is already on the lookout for his next role.’

When is Joel Marshall leaving EastEnders? Currently unknown.

This article was first published on November 3, 2024.

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