EastEnders has seen a wave of cast changes in 2026, with more on the horizon. Returns include Janine Butcher, while new families arrive and several characters depart.
Returning Characters
Janine Butcher is set to return for a short stint, according to The Sun. A source teased: 'Janine’s appearance is going to blow the roof off Albert Square.' The insider added: 'The bosses have several huge stories planned for this autumn, which will all start building towards Christmas. 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.' The return date is unknown.
Stacey Slater, who left for Brazil, will also return. In a video on EastEnders' official YouTube, Lacey Turner said: 'I am coming back, I won’t be long.' Her return date is also unknown.
New Arrivals: The Hawkins Family
Nicola Mitchell's family will arrive later in the summer. Gemma Hawkins, played by Patricia Potter, 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!'
Her husband Ned, played by Jamie Bamber, said: '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. 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.' Their son Ryder is played by Felix Uff, who said: 'EastEnders is a staple of British culture and it’s a real privilege to join the cast. I can’t wait for everyone to see the Hawkins family shaking things up!'
Rose Hawkins, the mother of Nicola, Gemma, and Jodie, is played by Marian McLoughlin, who said: '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, the baby sister, is played by Anna Constable, who said: 'Growing up watching EastEnders I never thought a disabled actress like me could ever land a role like this. But here I am loud and proud and taking no prisoners in mine or Jodie’s wake.'
New Arrivals: The Larson Family
Denise Fox's half-brother Darnell Larson Jr, played by Christopher Colquhon, arrives at the end of August. He said: 'I am thrilled to be finally moving to Walford after all these years, and the welcome I’ve received has been phenomenal. Hearing I’d got the role was an absolute doof doof moment for me… hopefully there’ll be plenty more of those to come!'
His daughter Grace is played by Krysstina Frempong, who said: 'I am extremely excited to be joining EastEnders! 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!'
Departures
Kat Slater and Alfie Moon are taking temporary breaks for panto. Kat will appear as Captain Hook at the New Wimbledon Theatre, 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.' Alfie will be in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea.
Zoe Slater will depart permanently. 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 added: '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.'
Linda Carter is leaving, with Kellie Bright saying: '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.'
Ravi Gulati is reportedly leaving after four years. A source told 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.' His leaving date is unknown but thought to be at least the end of this year.
