Who's leaving EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns
There are some big name departures and returns to Walford this year!
EastEnders is facing a flurry of cast departures this year after already saying goodbye to numerous characters – so who’s leaving EastEnders in 2026?
But never fear – for everyone who’s leaving, there’s also a host of old faces and newcomers who will appear on the soap in their stead.
Here’s our round-up of who’s leaving, returning and joining the cast of EastEnders this year.
Who’s leaving EastEnders in 2026?
Linda Carter
Kellie Bright is saying goodbye to EastEnders after 13 years as Linda Carter. Although her exit is still a while way, we’ve been promised she won’t leave quietly!
On her decision to leave EastEnders, Kellie said: “EastEnders has been my home for 13 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.”
Executive producer Ben Wadey has promised “that Kellie’s exit storyline will be full of unmissable drama.”
Johnny Carter
Hot on the heels of his on-screen mum, Johnny Carter star Charlie Suff will also depart Walford. A spokesperson has said: “We can confirm Charlie Suff will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
It’s been reported that once Kellie decided to leave he knew his time was up too.
What it will mean for the future of his relationship with Callum Highway remains to be seen. But it will mark the end of an era for the Carter family as the last members depart the show.
Ravi Gulati
According to The Sun actor Aaron Thiara is the latest person to quit the soap after four years as Ravi Gulati.
Although EastEnders has not confirmed the news, a source told the publication: “Aaron has been at the centre of the some of the soaps 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.”
Currently Ravi has proposed to Priya, but is also trying to find out who her secret man is. He’s also rumoured to be the gunman in the New Year flash forward.
Zoe Slater – rumoured to be leaving
According to reports, Michelle Ryan is set to be leaving EastEnders just one year after her long-anticipated comeback. It has been reported that Michelle has already filmed her final scenes, with her departure set to air later this year. In further shocking news, it has been revealed that it will be a permanent exit, with the character set to be killed off.
“We can confirm that Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year,” a BBC spokesperson told The Sun. “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.”
While it remains under wraps how Zoe will leave, pics have emerged of a Slater funeral.
Many fans are also wondering what this means for the future of her long-lost twins, Jasmine and Josh. The trio were recently reunited after Zoe gave her babies up at birth.
Who’s already left EastEnders this year?
Bea Pollard – arrested by the police
In early January 2026, comedian, impressionist and actress Ronni Ancona joined the soap as a new character named Bea. Bea, her early scenes revealed, was an old schoolmate of Linda’s. But the pair don’t exactly have the fondest memories of each other.
Of her new role, Ronni said: “I am honoured to have been invited to join the iconic institution that is EastEnders, and to go on this whirlwind of a journey with such an unpredictable, nuanced and complex character as Bea. I hope audiences have as much fun watching her as I have had bringing her to life.”
Bea wormed her way into Honey’s family. She also took out a credit card in her name, landed Honey in hospital after tampering with a ladder and then sabotaged Honey’s marriage.
It was announced in June 2026 that Ronni would be leaving the soap in the coming months. Fans were shocked as Bea framed Billy for her murder by staging a crime scene. She then kidnapped Honey and took her to a cottage in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully, Honey’s quick thinking alerted her friends and family to where she was, and Nicola and Linda eventually rescued her.
However, that wasn’t the end of the ordeal. Bea returned to the Square and threatened to kill Billy… just as the police finally arrested her and carted her off.
Sam Mitchell – went to Portugal
Sam Mitchell returned to EastEnders last Christmas – where she revealed she’d found a lump, which she feared was cancer. Since she returned, Sam bravely battled breast cancer and has recently been given the all-clear by doctors.
Kim, who plays Sam, said: “It’s such a joy to be asked to come back to EastEnders. I love the character of Sam. She always causes drama wherever she goes, but she also has that vulnerable side, which is great to play. It’s also lovely being back on set with the fantastic cast and to see old friends and new faces.”
Sadly, Sam’s return wasn’t a permanent one, despite fans calling for her to stay forever! Sam left the soap back in May after deciding to move to Portugal with Grant. However, the character has a habit of returning on a fairly regular basis, and with her son Ricky still in Walford, she always has a good reason to come back.
Grant Mitchell – returned to Portugal
Ross Kemp reprised his iconic role as Grant Mitchell for a short stint, having briefly returned to Walford last year for the show’s 40th anniversary.
Grant returned to cover two huge storylines. One saw him reunited with his estranged son, Mark Fowler Jr. The other saw him support his family and friends as Nigel lost his battle with dementia.
“I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year,” said Ross. Executive producer Ben Wadey added, “The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders’ defining dynasties, and we can’t wait to see them reunited again. As always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him…”
Sadly, Grant’s return was only brief. He has now returned to Portugal. The character made a swift exit after taking the blame for crimes committed by his son, Mark. With the police now on his case, it doesn’t look like Grant will be returning any time soon, but never say never.
Eddie Knight – died
Eddie returned earlier this year to cause more drama for George. He manipulated Nicola into letting him live with them for his final days. Despite pretending to be sorry for everything he has done, Eddie hadn’t changed a bit and was just trying to avoid dying in prison.
The Night That Changes Everything week saw George and Eddie take centre stage. George had finally had enough of his dad’s manipulation. After a bitter showdown between the pair, Eddie started choking on his painkillers. But instead of offering his dad the water he was reaching for, George coolly drank it himself, and Eddie died.
Fans had already predicted that someone in Walford might bump Eddie before he died from cancer, but the fact that George finally got revenge on his evil dad left viewers thrilled.
Nigel Bates – died
Soap icon Nigel Bates sadly lost his battle with dementia, leaving his wife Julie and his best friend Phil devastated. Nigel first arrived in Walford in the 90s and returned to the soap last year after a 26-year absence. Nigel revealed that he was suffering from dementia and had run out on his family so as not to be a burden.
He then moved in with Phil, who took on carer duties for his old friend, along with Nigel’s wife Julie. Sadly, Nigel’s dementia got progressively worse until he passed away in a heartbreaking standalone episode in April. Suffice to say, there wasn’t a dry eye in Walford when Nigel took his last breath, and Albert Square won’t be the same without him.
Julie Bates – returned to Edinburgh
With Nigel no longer around, Julie decided to move back to Scotland, a place that holds happy memories of her life with her late husband.
It was revealed after Nigel’s funeral that Julie wouldn’t be staying in Walford. News that left Phil Mitchell and EastEnders fans devastated.
During a heartfelt moment, Phil told Julie that she was ‘one of them now’ and hoped that she would stay in Albert Square. But Julie had other plans and decided it was time to move on with her life. After Nigel left her some money from a pension, Julie decided to take the trip to India that she and her late husband had always dreamed of.
This latest stint on the soap was the second time Julie has put down roots in Walford. So you never know, we might see her again one day.
Who’s leaving EastEnders? Sandra Goodwin – moved to Southend
Sandra arrived in Walford with her son Josh, who is also Zoe Slater’s biological son and Jasmine Fisher’s twin.
The pair caused chaos for the Slater and Trueman families when they arrived. Mainly because Sandra was keeping a secret about their past.
It was eventually revealed that she blamed Jasmine for the death of her husband, Keith. As a result, Sandra officially adopted Josh, but Jasmine went to live with a new family. Sandra has since moved to Southend to care for her elderly mother. She has left Josh to live with the Truemans… but some fans aren’t convinced this is the last we have seen of her.
Speaking of joining the soap, Dawn Steele said: “I was thrilled to be asked to play the role of Sandra who arrives and throws a spanner or two into the Square! It was so great to go back to Elstree after the end of Holby City. Lots of the same crew (and a few cast!) are still there, so it was joyful to see them all again. Everyone was so welcoming and I really enjoyed learning new ways of filming. It really is a well-oiled machine, and everyone works so hard.”
Since she left, Sandra has been seen on screen once, when she made a cameo for Josh’s birthday in a video call to her adoptive son.
Chrissie Watts – moved away
Chrissie returned on Christmas Eve for a short spell when she was revealed to be Jasmine’s mystery boss, who had been tormenting Zoe for sins past.
She revealed herself (and Jasmine) during a dramatic showdown on Christmas Day, where she shared how she’d been responsible for all Zoe’s recent misfortunes. It emerged that Jasmine had killed Anthony, although Kat and Zoe are convinced that Chrissie was behind his death.
Chrissie was lured back to Walford in February by Jake, her estranged boyfriend. Despite everyone thinking she had Anthony’s blood on her hands, it turned out she was innocent for once.
After exposing Jasmine as the true killer, Jake and Chrissie reunited, finally leaving the soap once again in February 2026
Jake Moon – moved away
Jake Moon returned to EastEnders in February for a short stint, looking for answers about what happened at Christmas. After initially thinking Chrissie killed Anthony, he soon realised he was barking up the wrong tree. Chrissie might be guilty of many crimes, but killing Dr Trueman isn’t one of them!
After it was revealed that Jasmine was the one who killed Anthony, Chrissie and Jake got engaged. However, they believed that Kat and Jasmine had framed Chrissie for the murder and when the police arrived, they quickly drove off into the sunset so she couldn’t be arrested.
Anthony Trueman – dead!
Doctor Anthony Trueman became the latest character to suffer a Christmas death in EastEnders last year. Anthony’s demise came as he lashed out at Zoe, knocking her unconscious during a dramatic confrontation.
When she regained consciousness, Anthony was dead. Of his surprise death, actor Nicholas Bailey said: “I was sad things were coming to an end, but I wanted to lean into the excitement of this story being a launch pad for some incredible stuff heading into 2026. I love EastEnders and I love seeing the show thrive.
“So, while I’m sad to be saying goodbye to Anthony, I’m happy it means my friends are going to have some incredible stuff to play following his death.”
Who’s returning or returned to EastEnders in 2026?
Janine Butcher – rumoured to be returning
Charlie Brooks is reportedly reprising her role as Janine Carter (née Butcher) for two episodes this Autumn, according to The Sun.
Charlie first played Janine in 1999. She is now set to cause chaos for Walford’s residents once again following a four-year break.
The character was last seen in 2022 after being arrested for framing Linda Carter for drink-driving. She was sent to prison for perverting the course of justice. In jail, Janine gave birth to a son by her presumed-dead husband Mick Carter.
Janine’s son now lives in Germany with her brother Ricky Butcher, along with her daughter Scarlett.
Libby Fox – back after 10 years
Max Branning’s New Year flashforward was full of surprises for fans of the soap. This included the surprise return of Libby Fox, who appeared in scenes as Max’s mystery bride prepared for her wedding.
This implied that Max might be marrying a Branning woman – Chelsea, perhaps? But is all as it seems? We now know that Denise is currently battling for her life after being diagnosed with cancer, and Libby has returned to support her mum. As well as being there for Denise, Libby will also help Chelsea navigate her way through Jordan’s recovery after he was hit by Ian’s car and also Gray’s imminent return.
Fans are thrilled to have Libby back on their screens again, with actress Belinda Owusu reprising her role for the first time in almost ten years.
Mark Fowler Jr
Mark Fowler returned to Walford in January 2026 after a decade away. He quickly proved himself to be trouble, dealing stolen cars, setting them alight and pursuing married Lauren Branning.
Mark then left the Square again in August so Lauren could focus on her marriage to Peter.
But we know he will be back. Before he made his grand entrance on Albert Square, he secretly appeared in Max’s New Year’s Day flashforward episode.
Although we didn’t know it at the time, Mark was present in the scene where Max was arrested. He was credited at the end of the episode as ‘Man’.
Stephen Aaron-Sipple replaced actor Ned Porteus, who previously played the character.
Who’s joining or has joined EastEnders in 2026?
The Hawkins family
A new family is set to crash into Albert Square this summer as the Hawkins, the estranged family of Nicola Mitchell, arrive in Walford.
Viewers already know that Nicola has a fractured relationship with her family and has kept them at arm’s length for several reasons. Now, Gemma, alongside her husband Ned and their son Ryder, are heading to Walford with her mother Rose and Nicola’s youngest sister Jodie.
With old wounds and complicated family dynamics in tow, the Hawkins are set to make an explosive impact on the Square.
Holby City star Patricia Potter and Beyond Paradise’s Jamie Bamber will be taking on the roles of Gemma Hawkins and Ned Roper, and Felix Uff (Amadeus) will be playing their son, Ryder. They’ll be joined by Marian McLoughlin (Trying), who will play Rose, and Anna Constable (Imposter 22) as Jodie.
Ben Wadey, Executive Producer, said: “The Hawkins family are a fantastic addition to Walford. While the family share a fierce loyalty, decades of complicated history and Nicola’s estrangement from them have 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.
Read more: What time is EastEnders on tonight? Get up-to-date schedules and changes here
