EastEnders 2026 cast changes: returns, exits and new arrivals

The year has already seen Joel Marshall and Sharon Watts return to Albert Square, and Josh Goodwin arrive as Jasmine Fisher's twin brother. Nigel Bates, his wife Julie and Bea Pollard have all left. Now, more changes are on the way.

Returns

Janine Butcher is set to return to EastEnders for a short stint, as reported by The Sun. A source teased: 'Janine’s appearance is going to blow the roof off Albert Square.' Another 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.' A return date has not yet been announced.

Stacey Slater is also heading back after leaving Walford for Brazil, where she hoped to escape the ghost of Martin Fowler. Actress Lacey Turner said in a behind-the-scenes video: 'I am coming back, I won’t be long.' A return date is yet to be revealed.

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New arrivals

The Hawkins family are arriving later in the summer to join Nicola Mitchell. Gemma Hawkins, Nicola's never-seen sister, will be played by Patricia Potter, who 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, is played by Jamie Bamber: '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 Hawkins is played by Felix Uff: '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: '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, the baby sister, is played by Anna Constable: '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.'

Departures

Kat Slater will take a short break to appear as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the New Wimbledon Theatre. 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.' Her exit date is unconfirmed.

Alfie Moon is also taking a break, joining the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea. The date of his departure is unknown.

Zoe Slater will leave later this year, with a BBC spokesperson telling 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.' Her leaving date remains unknown.