We’re halfway through 2026 in EastEnders.
2025 saw some major exits, including the deaths of Nish Panesar and Martin Fowler, along with the departure of Stacey Slater.
Elsewhere, we experienced some major comebacks with the returns of Zoe Slater, Anthony Trueman (RIP), and Max Branning.
RadioTimes.com is here with a handy update on which characters are leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders in the coming months.
And with the Hawkins family on the horizon and some major departures – it’s all go in Walford!
So who’s in? Who’s out? And which rumours are true? Read on for all the latest details on cast changes for EastEnders.
EastEnders cast 2026
The full current regular cast for EastEnders can be found below, in order of each character’s first appearance.
- Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale
- Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts
- Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale
- Alice Haig as Vicki Fowler
- Michelle Collins as Cindy Beale
- Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell
- Thomas Law as Peter Beale
- Perry Fenwick as Billy Mitchell
- Laila Morse as Mo Harris
- Jessie Wallace as Kat Moon
- Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater
- Rudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman
- Shane Ritchie as Alfie Moon
- Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman
- Gillian Wright as Jean Slater
- Emma Barton as Honey Mitchell
- Zaraah Abrahams as Chelsea Fox
- Diane Parish as Denise Fox
- Belinda Owusu as Libby Fox
- Grace as Janet Mitchell
- Jake Wood as Max Branning
- Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Beale
- Scott Maslen as DI Jack Branning
- Freddie Phillips as Will Mitchell
- Pierre Counihan-Moullier as Oscar Branning
- Kitty Castledine as Penny Branning
- Ellie Dadd as Amy Mitchell
- Tameka Empson as Kim Fox
- Lillia Turner as Lily Slater
- Frankie Day as Ricky Branning
- Sonny Kendall as Tommy Moon
- Isabella Brown as Lexi Pearce
- Kellie Bright as Linda Carter
- Charlie Suff as Johnny Carter
- Harriet Thorpe as Elaine Peacock
- Elliot Briffett as Bert Moon
- Cody Briffett as Ernie Moon
- Arayah Harris-Buckles as Pearl Fox
- Harry Farr as Ollie Carter
- Stephen Aaron-Sipple as Mark Fowler
- Jake McNally as Louie Beale
- Michael Jose Pomares Calixte as Raymond Fox
- Tony Clay as DC Callum Highway
- Maylo Miller as Mica Fox
- Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar
- Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar-Unwin
- Arthur Gentleman as Albie Watts
- James Farrar as Zack Hudson
- Ross Boatman as Harvey Monroe
- Lois Hawkins as Annie Carter
- Delroy Atkinson as Howie Danes
- Heather Peace as Eve Panesar-Unwin
- Jahsaiah Williams as Jordan Fox
- Aaron Thiara as Ravi Gulati
- Jaden Ladega as Denzel Danes
- Juhaim Rasul Choudhury as Davinder “Nugget” Gulati
- Colin Salmon as George Knight
- Francesca Henry as Gina Knight
- Sophie Khan Levy as Priya Nandra-Hart
- Aaliyah James as Avani Nandra-Hart
- Elijah Holloway as Harry Mitchell
- Lewis Bridgeman as Barney Mitchell
- Dayo Koleosho as Kojo Asare
- Laura Doddington as Nicola Mitchell
- Alex Walkinshaw as Ross Marshall
- Max Murray as Joel Marshall
- Joshua Vaughn as Josh Goodwin
- Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness as Jasmine Fisher
- Aaria Sharma as Ria Virdi
- Matthew James-Bailey as DC Craig Ingram
- Jason Durr as Clive Masters
And here are the changes to the cast coming soon…
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JOINING
Gemma Hawkins (Patricia Potter) and Ned Roper (Jamie Bamber)
When are Gemma Hawkins and Ned Roper arriving? Summer 2026.
Nicola’s much-discussed sister, Gemma Hawkins, and her husband, Ned Roper, will be moving to Walford this summer, with Holby City alum Patricia Potter taking on the role.
Meanwhile, Beyond Paradise and Battlestar Galactica alum Jamie Bamber will play Ned.
Executive producer Ben Wadey said: “The Hawkins family are a fantastic addition to Walford. While the family share a fierce loyalty to one another, decades of complicated history and Nicola’s estrangement from them has left fractures within the family that are far from healed.
“We’re all very excited for what we have planned for the family, and we can’t wait for the audience to meet them”
Meanwhile, Patricia added: |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!”
Finally, 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.”
Ryder Roper (Felix Uff)
When is Ryder Roper arriving? Summer 2026.
Gemma and Ned will be joined by their son, Ryder, pictured holding the family dog on a leash.
Ryder is therefore the nephew of Nicola Mitchell and cousin of her sons Harry and Barney and daughter Ivy.
Amadeus star Uff 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 (Marian McLoughlin)
When is Rose Hawkins arriving? Summer 2026.
Nicola will no doubt have the most issues with the arrival of her estranged mother Rose, who Nicola feels blamed her daughter for her late father’s abuse.
Rose will be played by veteran British actress Marian McLoughlin, who has even appeared in EastEnders in a small role in the 1990s.
Marian 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 Hawkins (Anna Constable)
When is Jodie Hawkins arriving? Summer 2026.
Nicola and Gemma’s youngest sister Jodie will also be coming to Walford with the rest of the clan.
Imposter 22 actress Anna Constable will play the youngest sister, adding: “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.”
We can’t wait to meet Jodie!
Budd the Dog
When is Budd arriving? Summer 2026.
The Hawkins-Roper family will also arrive with a canine friend, Budd the Dog.
Budd is seen in the promo pic on a lead held by Ryder.
Darnell Larson Jr. (Christopher Colquhoun)
When is Darnell arriving? Summer 2026.
Denise Fox is set to get a shock when she meets her paternal half-brother, Darnell Larson Jr. and his daughter, Grace.
Fans will recall that Denise has never met her long-lost biological father, but soon we will see her meet her father’s son, Darnell.
On joining the soap, actor Christopher Colquhoun 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!”
Executive producer Ben Wadey added: “Kim’s discovery uncovers a new branch of the Fox-Trueman family, and we’re excited to introduce viewers to new members of their extended family.”
Grace Larson (Krysstina Frempong)
When is Grace arriving? Summer 2026.
Darnell will be joined by his daughter, Grace, when Denise meets her new family members this summer.
Actress Krysstina Frempong, who will play Grace, 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!”
Meanwhile, Ben Wadey added: “It’s been great to delve into this wider family network, and we’re delighted to welcome Christopher and Krysstina to the cast as we bring two new faces to Walford.”
LEAVING
Clive Masters (Jason Durr)
When is Clive Masters leaving? 2026.
Sadly, while Clive Masters (Jason Durr) might seem like the dream man for Linda Carter, we sadly know that this is only a short stint for the character.
However, could the door be left open for a return?
Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan)
When is Zoe Slater leaving? 2026.
Michelle Ryan has been confirmed to be leaving EastEnders over a year after she made her much-anticipated comeback as Zoe Slater.
The Zoe Slater actress originally appeared in the BBC One soap between 2000 and 2005, though she finally staged a return two decades later for a huge reunion with estranged mother Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace).
A spokesperson told Radio Times: “We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future.
“However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers.”
The Sun reports that her exit, which has apparently already been filmed, will result in tragedy, as the character is tipped to be killed off.
The publication also alleges that Ryan quit after being refused time off from filming commitments, and when the story team were plotting her departure, they decided that Zoe would die.
Will this break the Slater/Moon clan?
Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara)
When is Ravi Gulati reportedly leaving? Late 2026/early 2027.
Actor Aaron Thiara has reportedly quit EastEnders after 4 years as Ravi Gulati and will finish filming with the soap at the end of the year.
According to a source speaking to 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.”
The BBC declined to comment when approached by Radio Times.
How could Ravi be written out of the soap?
Linda Carter (Kellie Bright)
When is Linda Carter leaving? 2027.
The BBC and Kellie Bright have confirmed her exit as Linda Carter after 13 years in 2027, after the actress revealed plans to quit last year but stayed for a key storyline.
Speaking about her exit, 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.”
How will Linda leave the soap next year?
RETURNING
Janine Carter (Charlie Brooks)
When is Janine reportedly returning? Autumn 2026.
Charlie Brooks is reportedly reprising her role as Janine Carter (née Butcher) for two episodes this Autumn.
The Sun reports that Brooks will reprise her role as Janine – which she first played in 1999 – following a four-year break.
The character was last seen in 2022 being arrested for her framing of Linda Carter for drink-driving and was sent down for perverting the course of justice.
In prison, Janine gave birth to a son by her presumed-dead husband Mick Carter. The child now resides with Janine’s brother, Ricky Butcher, in Germany, along with Janine’s daughter, Scarlett.
So, what drama could Janine bring back to Walford with her? Should Linda be worried?
The BBC declined to comment to Radio Times when approached about the report.
Libby Fox (Belinda Owusu)
When is Libby Fox leaving? Winter TBC.
We know Libby Fox just left after short stint as part of Denise’s blood cancer story
However, we know Libby will be back again in time for the New Year as she’s present for whatever wedding celebrations are going on.
So, Libby’s exit was more of a ‘goodbye for now’ than a full-blown exit!
WHO MAY BE RETURNING?
Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner)
When is Stacey Slater returning? TBC.
Lacey Turner took an extended break from the show recently, with Stacey departing for a new life in Brazil alongside her brother, Sean Slater, with her two youngest children, Arthur and Hope.
However, Turner has affirmed that she will return to the soap in the future, but no firm return date has been set.
So, expect to be without Stacey for a while yet!
Which characters departed EastEnders in 2026?
The following characters departed EastEnders in 2026.
- Nish Panesar (Guest)
- Dr Anthony Trueman
- Jake Moon (Guest)
- Chrissie Watts (Guest)
- Lola Pearce (Guest)
- Cora Cross (Guest)
- Dr Nina Gupta (Guest)
- Nigel Bates
- Josh Saunders (Guest)
- Clare Bates (Guest)
- Julie Bates
- Whitney Dean (Guest)
- Grant Mitchell (Guest)
- Sam Mitchell
- Eddie Knight (Guest)
- Sandra Goodwin (Guest)
- Karen Taylor (Guest, voice cameo)
- Bea Pollard
- Cleo Marshall (Guest)
- Sheila Atkins (Guest)
- Gray Atkins (Guest)
Which characters departed EastEnders in 2025?
The following character departed EastEnders in 2025.
- Nish Panesar
- Mr Lister (guest)
- Councillor Donald Barker (guest)
- Garry Hobbs (guest)
- Minty Peterson (guest)
- Peggy Mitchell (guest)
- Eric Mitchell (guest)
- Angie Watts (guest)
- Reiss Colwell
- Martin Fowler
- Grant Mitchell (guest)
- Brenda Collins (guest)
- Gaz (guest)
- Andy (guest)
- Ruby Allen
- Roman Allen
- Tom “Rocky” Cotton (guest)
- Terry Cant (guest)
- Bex Fowler (guest)
- Julia Fowler
- Bianca Jackson
- Sonia Fowler
- Felix Baker
- Bernadette Taylor
- Jay Brown
- Jonno Highway (Guest)
- Hope Fowler
- Arthur Fowler, Jr.
- Stacey Slater
- Stuart Highway (Guest)
- Ben Mitchell (Guest)
- Norma Unwin (Guest)
- Tobias “Okie” Okyere
- Junior Knight
- Anna Knight
- Freddie Slater
- Teddy Mitchell
- Barry Evans (Guest)
- Debbie Bates (Guest)
- Pat Evans (Guest)
Which characters departed EastEnders in 2024?
The following characters have departed EastEnders in 2024.
- Ashton (Guest)
- Harold Martin (Guest)
- Sam Mitchell
- Keanu Taylor (Guest, hallucination)
- Lucas Johnson (Guest)
- Ben Mitchell
- Gloria Knight (Guest)
- Eddie Knight (Guest)
- Keeley Wainwright (Guest)
- Britney Wainwright
- Dolly Dean-Hudson
- Whitney Dean
- Monique Knight (Guest)
- Xavier Knight (Guest)
- Karen Taylor (Guest)
- Stevie Mitchell
- Debbie Colwell (Guest)
- Ayesha Siddhu (Guest)
- Dean Wicks
- Chrissie Watts (Guest)
- Jake Moon (Guest)
- Jane Beale (Guest)
- Bobby Beale
- Pastor Gideon Clayton
- Lola Pearce-Brown (Guest)
- Joe Wicks (Guest)
- Holly (Guest)
- David Wicks (Guest)
- Micky Miller (Guest)
- Nancy Carter (Guest, fantasy)
- Lee Carter (Guest, fantasy)
Which characters departed EastEnders in 2023?
The following characters have departed EastEnders in 2023.
- DCI Samantha Keeble (Guest)
- Ricky Butcher (Guest)
- Scarlett Butcher
- Edward “Jed” Chadwick (Guest)
- Ryan Malloy (Guest)
- Dr Ash Kaur
- Vi Highway
- Shifty Shiv (Guest)
- Roxy Mitchell (Guest)
- Duncan Boyd (Guest)
- Lola Pearce-Brown
- Lauren Branning (Guest)
- Louie Beale (Guest)
- Finlay Baker
- Jo Cotton (Guest)
- Peggy Taylor (Guest)
- Lisa Fowler (Guest)
- Arthur “Fatboy” Chubb (Guest)
- Graham Foster (Guest)
- Dorian Gates (Guest)
- Nadine Keller (Guest)
- Theo Hawthorne
- Karen Taylor
- Mitch Baker
- Bailey Baker
- Mia Atkins
- Mackenzie Atkins
- Keanu Taylor
- Tom “Rocky” Cotton
Which characters departed EastEnders in 2022?
The following characters departed EastEnders in 2022.
- Iqra Ahmed
- Mila Marwa
- Kioni Marwa
- Gray Atkins
- Keegan Baker
- Tiffany Butcher
- Isaac Baptiste
- Aaron Monroe
- Nancy Carter
- Avery Baker
- Rainie Highway
- Roland Highway
- Stuart Highway
- Dana Monroe
- Frankie Lewis
- Dr Nina Gupta
- Kheerat Panesar
- Lofty Holloway (Guest)
- Mary Smith (Guest)
- Disa O’Brien (Guest)
- Ian Beale (Guest)
- Colin Russell (Guest)
- Barry Clark (Guest)
- Kirsty “Dotty” Cotton
- Jada Lennox
- Alyssa Lennox
- Mick Carter
- Janine Carter
- Shirley Carter
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.
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