BBC Share By Joel Harley Dec 28 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 28 2025 Who's leaving EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns There are some big name departures and returns to Walford this year! Features Share By Joel Harley Dec 28 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 28 2025 EastEnders has seen the departures of Walford legends Martin Fowler, Bianca Jackson and Sonia Fowler already this year and there’s more to come, so who’s leaving EastEnders in 2025? And they won’t be alone either, following the news that Freddie Slater and Anna Knight will leave the soap later this year. But never fear – for everyone who’s leaving, there’s also a host of old faces who will return to 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? Who killed Anthony? (Credit: BBC) Anthony Trueman Doctor Anthony Trueman became the latest character to suffer a Christmas death in EastEnders this 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. But had she delivered the killing blow? Or was it, as Jasmine suggested, in fact Chrissie? 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. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers “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.” Jay has exited the soap off-screen (Credit: BBC) Jay Brown Earlier this year, media outlets reported that Jamie Borthwick, who plays Jay Brown, had been axed following his recent suspension. The star, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last year, was suspended after footage emerged of him using a slur against disabled people during a live show. Jamie was initially set to return to the soap after three months’ suspension, although this no longer appears to be the case. A spokesperson for the BBC told The Sun: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.” On screen, Jay is off visiting his grandfather, who has been taken ill. The soap revealed that he’s found a new girlfriend up north – which will likely become his main reason for not returning to Albert Square. Sorry, Lexi. Teddy joined the soap last year (Credit: BBC) Teddy Mitchell The soap recently bid farwell to star Roland Manookian after only 18 months. The actor, who plays Teddy Mitchell, will leave after taking the blame for killing drug dealer Okie… a crime his son actually committed. After pleading guilty, a judge sentenced Teddy to life in prison – meaning he probably won’t be back anytime soon. A spokesperson for The BBC told The Sun: “We can confirm Roland will be leaving EastEnders this year, and we wish him all the best for the future.” Toxic teenager Joel attacked Vicki in harrowing scenes (Credit: BBC) Joel Marshall Joel Marshall’s story is confirmed to be ending following his horrific attack on Vicki Fowler. The police arrested Joel in early October, after dad Ross reluctantly handed in his laptop to the police. Between his attack on Vicki and the video he recorded (and shared!) of Avani, Joel is likely facing a stint behind bars for his crimes. This means that we will also be losing actor Max Murray after less than a year. A source told Metro.co.uk: “Max is leaving EastEnders following an incredible year.” However, the publication’s source did hint that there’s still more to come before Joel makes his permanent departure, teasing: There’s still lots to come in the weeks ahead that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. “Following his spellbinding performance, there’s no doubt that producers will be keen to snap him up – and Max is already on the lookout for his next role.” Nigel is suffering from dementia (Credit: BBC) Nigel Bates Although Nigel’s exit storyline hasn’t yet been confirmed, the soap icon is living on borrowed time. Returning 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. Since then, he’s moved in with Phil, who took on carer duties for his old friend, along with wife Julie. With Nigel’s dementia symptoms worsening, it’s only a matter of time before the story takes an even more tragic course. Freddie and Anna walked off into the sunset together (Credit: BBC) Freddie Slater and Anna Knight Recent scenes on the soap saw Freddie Slater and Anna Knight leave Walford together, for pastures new. After rekindling their romance, the pair decided to go travelling together, jetting off for a new life in Thailand. Of star Bobby Brazier’s exit, The Sun reported earlier this year: “We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.” Meanwhile, the BBC told RadioTimes.com in a statement: “We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future. Will it be happily ever after for Freddie and Anna? So long, Junior? (Credit: BBC) Junior Knight Junior Knight recently left the soap after just over a year on screen. Deciding to return to Dubai for son Xavier’s sake, Junior packed his bags and headed back, all within the space of about a week. Of Micah’s exit, a source told The Sun: “Bosses decided not to renew Micah’s contract and he filmed his final scenes last month. Obviously Micah was gutted but he understands how it all works.” The soap has left the door open for a possible return. Okie died in November (Credit: BBC) Tobias ‘Okie’ Okyere Drug dealer Okie made his debut as Harry found himself indebted to Ravi after Kojo foolishly flushed their drug supply. He quickly became one of the soap’s most formidable new faces, holding Harry captive and utilising Kojo’s apartment as base of operations for Ravi’s drug operation. Their not-so-carefully stacked house of cards came tumbling down when Kojo escaped, raising the alarm. Okie returned to the Square to find out what Harry and Kojo had told the police – holding Kojo at knifepoint as he issued his demands. During the ensuing fight, Harry accidentally stabbed Okie, who promptly died a few moments later. His death has sent shockwaves around the Square – not least for Teddy Mitchell, who took the blame for the crime. Who’s returning to EastEnders in 2025? Scheming Chrissie returned this Christmas (Credit: BBC) Chrissie Watts Chrissie is back! On Christmas Eve, the soap revealed that she’s Jasmine’s mystery boss, and has returned to torment 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. But is that the extent of Chrissie’s crimes? Or did she kill Anthony too? You’ll have to stay tuned to find out! A Walford icon returned (Credit: BBC) Pat Evans Over the Christmas period, Pam St. Clement returned to EastEnders as Nigel’s dementia symptoms intensified. In a gigantic Christmas surprise, Pat’s monumental return to the soap came as Nigel held a screening of his festive film. Growing emotional, memories of the 1990s came flooding back to Nigel – including a meeting with old friend and neighbour Pat. Of her return to EastEnders, Pam said: “I was both surprised and excited to be asked back to tread the streets of Walford once again and to be involved in Nigel’s touching dementia storyline. It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home.” Shaun Williamson reprised his role as Barry Evans (Credit: BBC) Barry Evans Pat was joined by stepson Barry Evans, played by Shaun Williamson. As Nigel’s dementia symptoms continued, Nigel reunited with Barry in The Vic for a spot of Barreoke – sorry, karaoke. Of his return to EastEnders, Shaun said: “It was a complete shock getting the call to go back to Albert Square, but so exciting! “I have to admit to a few nerves (loads!) when I walked back onto the set of The Queen Victoria. But it was so great to work with old friends and colleagues on such a brilliant episode.” He finished: “Just goes to show, you never know what’s around the corner!” Sam’s coming home! (Credit: BBC/Composite: EI) Sam Mitchell In another huge festive comeback, Sam Mitchell also returned to EastEnders this Christmas – where she revealed she’d found a lump, which she feared was cancer. Kim, who plays Sam, said: “It’s such a joy to be asked to come back to EastEnders, especially as it’s the festive period and you know there will always be plenty of fireworks.” She continued: “I love the character of Sam. She always causes drama wherever she goes, but she also has that vulnerable side too, 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.” Max is returning for his family (Credit: BBC) Max Branning Walford lothario Max Branning returned to the soap in a shocking twist to Zoe Slater’s own tale. In a flashback, the soap revealed that she had struck up a relationship with Max, who’d loaned her the money to pay a Private Detective in order to find her children. He returned again in October for Lauren and Peter’s wedding, sending the Square into chaos by pursuing both Slater women at once. He left again soon after that (as did Stacey), only to turn up in the wake of a devastating (although your mileage might vary) fire at Peter and Lauren’s place. Sharing the news, actor Jake Wood said: “I’m excited to see what he’s been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I’m sure there will be plenty of chaos.” Max will be subject to an exciting flashforward on New Year’s Day – and it promises to change everything for the Branning family. Will Clare return for dad Nigel? (Credit: BBC/YouTube) Clare Bates With Nigel’s time in Walford running out, many have questioned where his family are at this time. Top of the list is daughter Clare, played by Hollyoaks star Gemma Bissix. Since returning, Nigel has mentioned Clare often – speaking to Yolande recently of how deeply he misses her. This has led to some speculation that Clare might return as Nigel’s condition worsens. Will Clare reconcile with her dad before it’s too late? Who’s joining EastEnders in 2025? There have also been some new faces joining the Square this year. Actress and comedian Ronni Ancona will play Bea (Credit: BBC) Ronni Ancona joins EastEnders as the mysterious Bea Comedian, impressionist and actress Ronni Ancona is set to join the soap as a new character named Bea. Bea, the BBC have revealed, is an old schoolmate of Linda Carter’s, who she bumps into at their school reunion. But what does the arrival of Bea mean for Linda? 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.” Meanwhile, EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: “I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Ronni Ancona to EastEnders playing the character of Bea. “Bea’s character is mysterious, and we’re thrilled to have an esteemed actress and comedian like Ronni playing her.” Say hello to newcomer Jasmine (Credit: BBC) Jasmine Fisher The mysterious Jasmine Fisher arrived in Walford in early October, wrangling herself a job at The Albert. It soon became clear that not all was as it seemed with Jasmine though. As it turned out, Jasmine was working with Chrissie Watts to torment her long-lost mother, Zoe Slater! Read more: Zoe theories over her huge secret Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Dec 28 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 28 2025 Previous Story Next Story
