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 returns of twisted incel Joel Marshall (Max Murray), the Queen of Walford Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and anticipate the comeback of EastEnders’ biggest ever bitch Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks).
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 a 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 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
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.’
When is Janine Butcher returning to EastEnders? Currently, the date of Janine’s return is unknown.
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
The Hawkins family
Gemma Hawkins
Nicola’s never-seen sister, Gemma, is sure to ruffle some feathers when she arrives.
Patricia Potter, who’ll be 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 will be right by his wife’s side as they crash land 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
Alongside Gemma and Ned will be 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
The mother of Nicola, Gemma and Jodie (more on her later) will also be coming 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
We promised there’d be more on Jodie later, and here it is! The baby sister of Gemma and Nicola, she’ll be 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 will the Hawkins family arrive in EastEnders? The Hawkins family will arrive later in the summer.
Darnell Larson Jr
As Denise’s battle with AML rages on and doctors inform her that her best hope of survival is a stem cell transplant, her sister, Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) discovers she has an unknown half-brother, Darnell, and both she and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) set about tracking 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 Colquhon, 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 will Darnell Larson Jr arrive in EastEnders? At the end of August.
Grace Larson
The discovery of a new branch of the Fox-Trueman family won’t only bring Darnell into the lives of Denise and the crew, but his daughter, Grace, too, who’ll be 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 will Grace Larson arrive in EastEnders? At the end of August.
EastEnders cast departures
Kat Slater
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
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.
Zoe Slater
Despite her not being back for all that long, a BBC spokesperson told Metro: ‘We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future.
An insider has since revealed to Metro: ‘Michelle’s exit marks the end of a storyline that has been in the works for some time.
‘With such an iconic character, Zoe’s exit is never going to be without drama, but bosses are keeping tight-lipped about how she leaves the Square, but as always with the Slaters, it’s not going to be quiet.’
When is Zoe Slater leaving EastEnders? Zoe’s current leaving date is unknown.
Linda Carter
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 Gulati star Aaron Thiara is reportedly set to leave EastEnders after four years.
‘Aaron has been at the centre of the some of the soaps 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 currently leaving date is unknown but it is thought that he will be staying on the show until at least the end of this year.
