BBC Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Joel Harley 30 Jan 2026, 08:01 By Joel Harley 30 Jan 2026, 08:01 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 Add as a preferred source on Google By Joel Harley 30 Jan 2026, 08:01 By Joel Harley 30 Jan 2026, 08:01 EastEnders saw the departures of Walford legends Martin Fowler, Bianca Jackson and Sonia Fowler last year, before finishing with the shocking murder of Anthony Trueman. And there’ll be a lot more to come – 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 left and who’s leaving EastEnders in 2026? Toxic teenager Joel attacked Vicki in harrowing scenes (Credit: BBC) Joel Marshall – on trial for attacking Vicki 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. In a shock twist, Joel finally took some responsibility of what he’d done, and decided to plead guilty. 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.” Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers 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.” But will Joel be back? Nigel is suffering from dementia (Credit: BBC) Nigel Bates – TBC 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. Suffice to say, there won’t be a dry eye in the house. Jasmine killed Anthony on Christmas night (Credit: BBC) 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.” Jay has exited the soap off-screen (Credit: BBC) Jay Brown – off-screen exit Last 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 is no longer 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 – in prison! 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.” Who’s returning to EastEnders in 2026? Jake Moon is back for answers (Credit: BBC) Jake Moon Jake Moon will return to EastEnders in February, the soap has revealed. With Zoe in prison and Chrissie missing after the events of Christmas, Jake returns to Albert Square in search of answers. Speaking of his return, Joel Beckett said: “It was lovely to step back onto the Square after all this time. Being back working alongside familiar faces, as well as some brilliant new ones, was a real joy. It was good to know that Jake had been out there, alive and well. “He returns carrying plenty of unanswered questions. The storyline takes him in some unexpected directions with real twists and turns. I’m excited for people to see what he’s been up to.” Ben Wadey, Executive Producer, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Joel Beckett back for this storyline. “Jake’s return will be a shock for many, but the biggest shocks of all will surround Jake and what he discovers about Christmas…” Libby’s coming back to EastEnders! (Credit: BBC) Libby Fox 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 or Denise, perhaps? But is all as it seems? Either way, we’ll have Libby back on our screens again, with actress Belinda Owusu reprising her role for the first time in almost ten years. It’s baby Mark, doo-doo-doo (Credit: BBC) Mark Fowler Jr. EastEnders has revealed that Mark Fowler Jr. will return to Walford this year. In fact, his return has already aired – popping up in Max Branning’s New Year flashforward when he was arrested on his wedding day. If we didn’t recognise baby Mark, that’s because he’s been recast since his last appearance. Previously played by Ned Porteous (who’s gone on to star as Joe Tate in Emmerdale), the all-new Mark is played by newcomer Stephen Aaron-Sipple. But what brings Mark back home? 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. It emerged that Jasmine had killed Anthony, although Kat and Zoe are convinced that Chrissie was behind his death. Will Chrissie be back to torment Zoe some more? You’ll have to stay tuned to find out! Sam’s coming home! (Credit: BBC/Composite: EI) Sam Mitchell In another huge festive comeback, Sam Mitchell also returned to EastEnders last 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 was then subject to an exciting flashforward on New Year’s Day. Suffice to say that it changed 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 2026? Actress and comedian Ronni Ancona plays Bea (Credit: BBC) Bea Pollard In early January, comedian, impressionist and actress Ronni Ancona joined the soap as a new character named Bea. Bea, her early scenes revealed, is an old schoolmate of Linda’s, and the pair don’t exactly have the fondest memories of each other. 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 last year, 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: What time is EastEnders on tonight? Get up-to-date schedules and changes here Share Add as a preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Joel Harley 30 Jan 2026, 08:01 By Joel Harley 30 Jan 2026, 08:01 Previous Story Next Story
