All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026
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 glorious returns, and departures, of Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), Jake Moon (Joel Beckett) and Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell), while we also welcomed back the final piece of the Mitchell puzzle, Grant (Ross Kemp).
We were introduced to Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona), an old school friend of Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan), the twin brother of Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) and son of Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).
We’ve also said heart breaking goodbyes to loveable Nigel (Paul Bradley) and his wife, Julie Bates’ (Karen Henthorn).
Changes to come include the re-emergence of twisted incel Joel Marshall (Max Murray), arrival of Matthew James-Bailey’s new character Craig, plus the exit of Michelle Ryan’s Zoe Slater.
With things constantly fluctuating in Walford, here’s what we currently know about who is returning, leaving and arriving in EastEnders…
EastEnders cast returns
Sharon Watts
Oh, thank goodness. Sharon is home.
The beloved character is back on our screens, after officially being away from Walford since the end of 2025.
Prior to her full-time comeback, Sharon was briefly in town for Vicki Fowler’s (Alice Haig) wedding, and shared in a chat with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) that she’d be back properly in a month or so, once she’s tied up some loose ends in America.
When did Sharon return to EastEnders? In July.
Gray Atkins
Gray, the vicious abuser who ultimately killed his long-suffering wife, Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer), before going on to murder Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White) and Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) was last seen being carted off to begin a long stretch inside for his crimes.
The character is back on our screens, as part of a storyline that’s seen Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) meet Gray’s gran Sheila.
When did Gray return to EastEnders? In June.
Joel Marshall
Joel left Albert Square after being handed a six month custodial sentence following his vicious attack on Vicki and his twisted crimes against Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James).
While he’s remained off-screen since, the aftershock of his sick behaviour has continued to affect Vicki and Joel’s dad, Ross Marshall’s (Alex Walkinshaw) relationship.
Joel’s return to Walford will obviously cause huge problems for a number of residents, with spoilers revealing that he will be subjected to an attack.
When is Joel returning to EastEnders? In July.
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, the date of Stacey’s return is unknown.
EastEnders cast arrivals
Craig Ingram
Former Hollyoaks star Matthew James-Bailey has joined the cast of EastEnders as DC Craig Ingram.
The new face is a younger colleague of Jack Branning’s (Scott Maslen) and is brought in to take over the long-time detective’s workload.
When will Craig arrive in EastEnders? Over the summer.
EastEnders cast departures
Kat Slater
Jessie Wallace will depart the BBC One soap, as she’s been cast as Captain Hook at the New Wimbledon Theatre’s panto production of Peter Pan.
Given the fact panto runs over the festive season, Jessie will be away from the BBC One soap for a brief period.
When is Kat Slater leaving EastEnders? Currently unknown.
Alfie Moon
Jessie’s co-star Shane Richie, who plays Kat’s husband Alfie Moon, is also leaving the soap for 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 unknown.
Zoe Slater
She hasn’t been back for very long, but it’s now been confirmed that Michelle Ryan is leaving her role as Zoe Slater.
And to make this even more shocking, the character is expected to be killed off.
When is Zoe Slater leaving EastEnders? The current date is unknown.
