EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?

2025 saw some major exits, including the deaths of Nish Panesar and Martin Fowler, along with the departure of Stacey Slater.

Elsewhere, we experienced some major comebacks with the returns of Zoe Slater, Anthony Trueman (RIP) and Max Branning.

Radio Times is here with a handy update on which characters are leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders in the coming months.

So who's in? Who's out? And which rumours are true? Read on for all the latest details on cast changes for EastEnders.

The full current regular cast for EastEnders can be found below, in order of each character's first appearance.

• 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
• Laila Morse as Mo Harris
• Jessie Wallace as Kat Moon
• Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater
• Rudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman
• Shane Ritchie 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
• Belinda Owusu as Libby Fox
• Grace as Janet Mitchell
• Jake Wood as Max Branning
• Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Beale
• Scott Maslen as DI Jack Branning
• Freddie Phillips as Will Mitchell
• 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
• Frankie Day as Ricky Branning
• Sonny Kendall as Tommy Moon
• Isabella Brown as Lexi Pearce
• Kellie Bright as Linda Carter
• Charlie Suff as Johnny Carter
• Harriet Thorpe as Elaine Peacock
• Elliot Briffett as Bert Moon
• Cody Briffett as Ernie Moon
• Arayah Harris-Buckles as Pearl Fox
• Harry Farr as Ollie Carter
• Stephen Aaron-Sipple as Mark Fowler
• Jake McNally as Louie Beale
• Michael Jose Pomares Calixte as Raymond Fox
• Tony Clay as DC Callum Highway
• Maylo Miller as Mica Fox
• Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar
• Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar-Unwin
• Arthur Gentleman as Albie Watts
• James Farrar as Zack Hudson
• Ross Boatman as Harvey Monroe
• Lois Hawkins as Annie Carter
• Delroy Atkinson as Howie Danes
• Heather Peace as Eve Panesar-Unwin
• Jahsaiah Williams as Jordan Fox
• 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
• Max Murray as Joel Marshall
• Joshua Vaughn as Josh Goodwin
• Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness as Jasmine Fisher
• Aaria Sharma as Ria Virdi
• Matthew James-Bailey as DC 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 Uff as Ryder Hawkins
• Jamie Bamber as Ned Hawkins

And here are the changes to the cast coming soon...

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JOINING

Meghan Hawkins (TBC)

When is Meghan joining? Early 2027.

We've met a whole bunch of Nicola Mitchell's family, the Hawkins, but there is another key member set to join: Meghan, daughter of Gemma and her husband Ned.

Speaking to Radio Times and other media at a recent press event, Wadey revealed: "Meghan is out there, and we will meet her down the line - but not for a little bit."

"She's got her own storyline happening currently off screen, but in time it will very much be on screen.

"As we were constructing this family, there's stories about what gets passed down through generations. It means that we have established a character and done quite a lot of work actually already on what that's going to look like."

He added: "But I don't think [the other actors] even know all the details of it yet. That's an exciting, probably post-Christmas arrival for us."

The character was mentioned upon Gemma's introduction as her mother dealt with an apparently troublesome boyfriend.

Bosses from the BBC One soap have been revealed to be on the hunt for a new leading lady, having put out a casting call for Meghan, a character teased as "confident, gorgeous and ready to cause chaos".

The breakdown issued by BBC Studios and shared by Variety describes the character as needing a female actor aged around 30, and confirms she will take on a "senior member of the team behind a bar", strongly hinting at a key job in one of Walford's boozers - perhaps as a barmaid in the Queen Vic or bartending at her relatives' establishment Harry's Barn.

LEAVING

Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara)

When is Ravi Gulati reportedly leaving? Late 2026/early 2027.

Actor Aaron Thiara has reportedly quit EastEnders after 4 years as Ravi Gulati and will finish filming with the soap at the end of the year.

According to a source speaking to The Sun: “Aaron has been at the centre of some of the soap's biggest storylines since his arrival as bad-boy Ravi back in 2022.

"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."

The BBC declined to comment when approached by Radio Times.

How could Ravi be written out of the soap?

Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff)

When is Johnny leaving? Early 2027.

In addition to his mum Linda, Johnny Carter will be leaving Walford next year as actor Charlie Suff parts ways with the soap.

An EastEnders spokesperson told Radio Times: "We can confirm Charlie Suff will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future."

Suff is the third actor to play Johnny, who was initially portrayed by Sam Strike when the family arrived in 2013. After an exit storyline, Ted Reilly stepped into his shoes between 2016 and 2018.

Since Suff's arrival, we've seen Johnny help his mum through her alcoholism, become embroiled in the murder of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) and fall head over heels for Callum Highway (Tony Clay).

The latter storyline saw their relationship exposed in front of Callum's imprisoned husband Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden).

Does this mean Callum and Johnny's romance will end in heartache?

Linda Carter (Kellie Bright)

When is Linda Carter leaving? 2027.

The BBC and Kellie Bright have confirmed her exit as Linda Carter after 13 years in 2027, after the actress revealed plans to quit last year but stayed for a key storyline.

Speaking about her exit, Bright said: "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.

"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."

How will Linda leave the soap next year?

Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier)

When is Oscar Branning reportedly leaving? 2027.

The Sun reports that Pierre Counihan-Moullier has quit his role as Oscar Branning, a role he took on in 2025 and was met with huge acclaim upon his arrival.

The publication claims that the actor, whose comedic antics have already made Oscar a firm favourite, is yet to film his final scenes with the BBC One soap, but that the door will remain open for Counihan-Moullier.

What will this mean for the dramas on New Year's Day?

The BBC declined to comment when approached by Radio Times.

RETURNING

Dr Ash Panesar (Sakira Vel)

When is Ash returning? Autumn 2026.

Suki Panesar-Unwin's only biological daughter, Dr Ash Panesar, is returning to EastEnders soon, now played by Sakira Vel.

Actress Gurlaine Kaur Garcha originated the role and first appeared between 2019 and 2023.

Ash was at the centre of several huge storylines during her tenure. Initially introduced as Iqra Ahmed's (Priya Davdra) girlfriend, we soon learnt of her link to the now infamous Panesar clan.

On assuming the part, Vel said: “When I got the call offering me the role, I don't think I could truly believe it until I finally made it onto the Square! EastEnders is an absolute television icon, and the show was essentially the backdrop to my childhood.

Taking on the role of Ash is a real honour, and I cannot wait for the audience to see what we have in store as she dives straight into the Panesar family chaos”.

Executive producer Ben Wadey added: “We’re delighted to welcome Ash back to Walford and to have Sakira Vel join the EastEnders cast.

"With unresolved tensions still simmering between Ash and her family, her unexpected return is set to create new challenges for the Panesar family."

Sean Slater (Robert Kazinsky)

When is Sean Slater returning? Autumn 2026.

Robert Kazinsky has been confirmed to be making a full-time return to Albert Square later this year as fan-favourite Sean Slater.

The character originally appeared from 2006 to 2009 before making brief guest returns in 2019, 2021 and 2022 – so what brings him back to Walford for good? Faaaamily.

On returning to EastEnders, Kazinsky said: "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."

Executive producer Ben Wadey added: "I’m delighted to welcome Rob Kazinsky back to EastEnders as he reprises the role of Sean Slater later this year.

"Sean Slater was a big part of the Slater family, and as viewers will already know, where Sean goes, drama is not far behind."

Lee Carter (Danny Hatchard)

When is Lee returning? Autumn 2026.

Ahead of Linda and Johnny's exits from the show, Danny Hatchard will reprise his role as Lee Carter for a short stint this autumn.

Speaking about his return, Hatchard said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be returning to EastEnders as Lee Carter. Albert Square has always felt like a home away from home, so I’m proper buzzing to be back grafting with the Enders family.”

The oldest Carter sibling, Lee, was introduced in 2014 and last seen as a regular character in 2017, when he left after his marriage to Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) crumbled, but has since returned in guest appearances.

Viewers will then undoubtedly remember that Lee was last seen during a funeral dream sequence in 2024 when Linda imagined circumstances surrounding her own untimely demise.

Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill)

When is Nancy returning? Autumn 2026.

In addition to Lee, Linda's eldest daughter Nancy will also be returning for a short stint, with actress Maddy Hill reprising the role.

Nancy was a regular character from 2014 to 2016 before leaving the show with Tamwar Masood (Himesh Patel).

However, Nancy made a return in 2021 following the end of her off-screen marriage to Tamwar and made a comeback as a central cast member before departing once again the following year after the end of her romance with Zack Hudson (James Farrar).

Nancy also appeared in the same imagined sequence Lee did when Linda contemplated her untimely demise in 2024.

Speaking about her return, Hill said: "I am SO excited to be returning to Enders for a short stint and stepping back into Nancy’s shoes (or basketball shorts!). I’ve missed her!"

Executive producer Ben Wadey told the BBC: "We are absolutely thrilled to have Maddy and Danny back in Walford, bringing two much-loved pieces of the Carter family back together. And whilst Linda is delighted to have her children all together again, she’s got a lot to catch up on…"

Janine Carter (Charlie Brooks)

When is Janine reportedly returning? Autumn 2026.

Charlie Brooks is reportedly reprising her role as Janine Carter (née Butcher) for two episodes this Autumn.

The Sun reports that Brooks will reprise her role as Janine - which she first played in 1999 - following a four-year break.

The character was last seen in 2022 being arrested for her framing of Linda Carter for drink-driving and was sent down for perverting the course of justice.

In prison, Janine gave birth to a son by her presumed-dead husband Mick Carter. The child now resides with Janine's brother, Ricky Butcher, in Germany, along with Janine's daughter, Scarlett.

So, what drama could Janine bring back to Walford with her? Should Linda be worried?

The BBC declined to comment to Radio Times when approached about the report.

Libby Fox (Belinda Owusu)

When is Libby Fox leaving? Winter TBC.

We know Libby Fox just left after a short stint as part of Denise's blood cancer story

However, we know Libby will be back again in time for the New Year as she's present for whatever wedding celebrations are going on.

So, Libby's exit was more of a 'goodbye for now' than a full-blown exit!

Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner)

When is Stacey Slater reportedly returning? Late 2026/early 2027.

Lacey Turner took an extended break from the show recently, with Stacey departing for a new life in Brazil alongside her brother, Sean Slater, with her two youngest children, Arthur and Hope.

However, Turner has affirmed that she will return to the soap in the future, but no firm return date has been set.

Yet, The Sun claims that Lacey will be filming scenes for a short return in October and November.

Radio Times has approached the BBC for comment on this story.

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2026?

The following characters departed EastEnders in 2026.

• Nish Panesar (Guest)
• Dr Anthony Trueman
• Jake Moon (Guest)
• Chrissie Watts (Guest)
• Lola Pearce (Guest)
• Cora Cross (Guest)
• Dr Nina Gupta (Guest)
• Nigel Bates
• Josh Saunders (Guest)
• Clare Bates (Guest)
• Julie Bates
• Whitney Dean (Guest)
• Grant Mitchell (Guest)
• Sam Mitchell
• Eddie Knight (Guest)
• Sandra Goodwin (Guest)
• Karen Taylor (Guest, voice cameo)
• Bea Pollard
• Cleo Marshall (Guest)
• Sheila Atkins (Guest)
• Gray Atkins (Guest)
• Teddy Mitchell (Guest)
• Clive Masters (Guest)
• Zoe Slater

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2025?

The following character departed EastEnders in 2025.

• Nish Panesar
• Mr Lister (guest)
• Councillor Donald Barker (guest)
• Garry Hobbs (guest)
• Minty Peterson (guest)
• Peggy Mitchell (guest)
• Eric Mitchell (guest)
• Angie Watts (guest)
• Reiss Colwell
• Martin Fowler
• Grant Mitchell (guest)
• Brenda Collins (guest)
• Gaz (guest)
• Andy (guest)
• Ruby Allen
• Roman Allen
• Tom "Rocky" Cotton (guest)
• Terry Cant (guest)
• Bex Fowler (guest)
• Julia Fowler
• Bianca Jackson
• Sonia Fowler
• Felix Baker
• Bernadette Taylor
• Jay Brown
• Jonno Highway (Guest)
• Hope Fowler
• Arthur Fowler, Jr.
• Stacey Slater
• Stuart Highway (Guest)
• Ben Mitchell (Guest)
• Norma Unwin (Guest)
• Tobias "Okie" Okyere
• Junior Knight
• Anna Knight
• Freddie Slater
• Teddy Mitchell
• Barry Evans (Guest)
• Debbie Bates (Guest)
• Pat Evans (Guest)

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2024?

The following characters have departed EastEnders in 2024.

• Ashton (Guest)
• Harold Martin (Guest)
• Sam Mitchell
• Keanu Taylor (Guest, hallucination)
• Lucas Johnson (Guest)
• Ben Mitchell
• Gloria Knight (Guest)
• Eddie Knight (Guest)
• Keeley Wainwright (Guest)
• Britney Wainwright
• Dolly Dean-Hudson
• Whitney Dean
• Monique Knight (Guest)
• Xavier Knight (Guest)
• Karen Taylor (Guest)
• Stevie Mitchell
• Debbie Colwell (Guest)
• Ayesha Siddhu (Guest)
• Dean Wicks
• Chrissie Watts (Guest)
• Jake Moon (Guest)
• Jane Beale (Guest)
• Bobby Beale
• Pastor Gideon Clayton
• Lola Pearce-Brown (Guest)
• Joe Wicks (Guest)
• Holly (Guest)
• David Wicks (Guest)
• Micky Miller (Guest)
• Nancy Carter (Guest, fantasy)
• Lee Carter (Guest, fantasy)

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2023?

The following characters have departed EastEnders in 2023.

• DCI Samantha Keeble (Guest)
• Ricky Butcher (Guest)
• Scarlett Butcher
• Edward "Jed" Chadwick (Guest)
• Ryan Malloy (Guest)
• Dr Ash Kaur
• Vi Highway
• Shifty Shiv (Guest)
• Roxy Mitchell (Guest)
• Duncan Boyd (Guest)
• Lola Pearce-Brown
• Lauren Branning (Guest)
• Louie Beale (Guest)
• Finlay Baker
• Jo Cotton (Guest)
• Peggy Taylor (Guest)
• Lisa Fowler (Guest)
• Arthur "Fatboy" Chubb (Guest)
• Graham Foster (Guest)
• Dorian Gates (Guest)
• Nadine Keller (Guest)
• Theo Hawthorne
• Karen Taylor
• Mitch Baker
• Bailey Baker
• Mia Atkins
• Mackenzie Atkins
• Keanu Taylor
• Tom "Rocky" Cotton

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2022?

The following characters departed EastEnders in 2022.

• Iqra Ahmed
• Mila Marwa
• Kioni Marwa
• Gray Atkins
• Keegan Baker
• Tiffany Butcher
• Isaac Baptiste
• Aaron Monroe
• Nancy Carter
• Avery Baker
• Rainie Highway
• Roland Highway
• Stuart Highway
• Dana Monroe
• Frankie Lewis
• Dr Nina Gupta
• Kheerat Panesar
• Lofty Holloway (Guest)
• Mary Smith (Guest)
• Disa O'Brien (Guest)
• Ian Beale (Guest)
• Colin Russell (Guest)
• Barry Clark (Guest)
• Kirsty "Dotty" Cotton
• Jada Lennox
• Alyssa Lennox
• Mick Carter
• Janine Carter
• Shirley Carter

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.

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