EastEnders is heading into a period of significant cast changes, with a mix of returns, new arrivals and departures set to reshape Albert Square in 2026. The show has already seen the return of Joel Marshall (Max Murray) and Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), while fans await the comeback of Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) and Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).
New faces include Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan), the twin brother of Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness), as well as members of Nicola Mitchell's (Laura Doddington) extended family and Denise Fox's (Diane Parish) half-brother and niece. Goodbyes have already been said to Nigel (Paul Bradley), Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn), Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona), Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) and Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy).
Returns to Albert Square
Stacey Slater left Walford for a new life in Brazil after realising she could never escape the ghost of ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) while staying in Albert Square. Actress Lacey Turner reassured viewers she would return, saying in a behind-the-scenes video on EastEnders' official YouTube channel: 'I am coming back, I won't be long'. Her return is reportedly expected around New Year.
Janine Butcher is set to return for a short stint, according to The Sun, with a source teasing: '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 date of her return is currently unknown.
Sean Slater will also return, with Rob Kazinsky reprising the role full-time for the first time in 17 years. 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.' His return date is also unknown.
Departures from Walford
Linda Carter, former landlady of the Queen Vic, will leave as Kellie Bright departs her role. 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.' Her leaving date is unknown.
Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) will also depart, with an EastEnders spokesperson telling Metro: 'We can confirm Charlie Suff will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.' According to reports, actor Charlie understood that once Kellie decided to leave, he would go too. 'Johnny and his mum Linda have an unbreakable bond so there was no way he would stay in Albert Square without her,' said The Sun.
Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) and Lee Carter (Danny Hatchard) will return for a short stint to coincide with Linda's exit. Boss Ben Wadey said: 'We will be welcoming Lee and Nancy back for a period in a story where I guarantee your jaws will drop when you see it.' Maddy said: 'I am SO excited to be returning to Enders for a short stint and stepping back into Nancy's shoes (or basketball shorts!)' Danny added: 'She's been such an important part of my journey, not only as an actor and in Lee's story, but also as a person. I really adore having her in my life, I'm so glad the Carter children have reunited for the wider farewell of such an iconic character, Linda and Kellie deserve that.'
Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) is reportedly set to leave 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.' He is thought to stay until at least the end of this year.
Panto breaks and other exits
Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) will take a short break to appear as Captain Hook in the New Wimbledon Theatre's panto production of Peter Pan. A source told 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 Moon (Shane Richie) will also take a break to perform in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion theatre in Southend-on-Sea.
Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier), who has played the role for just over a year, will be bowing out imminently, according to The Sun. A source said: 'The fans love Pierre, so this is a huge blow to the show. Viewers are still reeling from the news they are losing Kellie and Aaron, two incredibly popular staples.'
The current regular cast includes Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale, Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts, Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale, and many others, with recurring roles filled by the likes of Jane Slaughter as Tracey and Ulric Browne as Winston. The full cast list reflects the ongoing changes as the show continues through 2026.
