BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 14 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 Nov 14 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 14 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? 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. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers 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. Will Okie’s death lead to another exit from the Square? Jay will exit the soap off-screen (Credit: BBC) Jay Brown Media outlets recently 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. 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.” Molly Rainford plays Anna Knight (Credit: BBC) Anna Knight The BBC confirmed in June that Anna Knight star Molly Rainford would be leaving the soap. The actress joined in 2023, along with screen dad George and sister Gina, along with his wife Elaine, and birth mother Cindy. “We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future,” the BBC told RadioTimes.com in a statement. The soap has not yet shared how Anna will leave. But with George Knight star Colin Salmon teasing a ‘disturbing’ time ahead for the family, it’s possible that her exit may tie into this and screen uncle Kojo’s current ‘cuckooing’ storyline. Is Anna in danger? 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. While the soap hasn’t revealed when or how exactly Nigel will depart, it’s widely believed that he’ll do so at Christmas this year. Freddie’s time in Walford is coming to an end (Credit: BBC) Freddie Slater Bobby Brazier is leaving EastEnders, a representative from the soap has shared. The Sun reported: “We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.” Freddie Slater still has some time to go though, as bosses have reportedly planned a big story for his exit. So how will we say goodbye to Bobby? Will he leave to be with his mum, Little Mo? It’s not been revealed whether the door will be left open for his return, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed Freddie leaves alive. Who’s returning to EastEnders in 2025? Pat’s coming back to EastEnders! (Credit: BBC) Pat Evans Pam St. Clement will return to EastEnders as Nigel’s dementia symptoms intensify, the soap has revealed. In a gigantic Christmas surprise, Pat’s monumental return to the soap will come as Nigel holds a screening of his festive film. Growing emotional, memories of the 1990s come 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.” Sam’s coming home! (Credit: BBC/Composite: EI) Sam Mitchell In another huge festive comeback, Sam Mitchell is also returning to EastEnders this Christmas. We don’t yet know what brings Sam back to Walford, but with Zoe Slater also back in Albert Square, drama is bound to ensue. 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), and will return again later this year, like the proverbial bad penny. 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.” 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. 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. And, in the weeks which followed, more hints emerged as to Jasmine’s true nature. Clearly, she’s in Walford seeking revenge against somebody. But could it really be Cindy? And with a just-as-mysterious message from an unseen well-wisher, it seems as though she’s working for someone rather sinister. Could Jasmine be a family member of Jackie Ford – the former cellmate Cindy ratted on? Or related to Zoe Slater, somehow? Read more: Zoe theories over her huge secret Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 Previous Story Next Story
