BBC Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Joel Harley 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 By Claire Crick 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 By Joel Harley 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 By Claire Crick 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 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 preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Joel Harley 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 By Claire Crick 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 By Joel Harley 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 By Claire Crick 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 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? Scheming Chrissie returned this Christmas (Credit: BBC) Chrissie Watts 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. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers 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 Chrissue reunied, finally leaving the soap once again in February 2026 Jake Moon is back for answers (Credit: BBC) Jake Moon 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!Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your EastEnders newsIt's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news & schedules to share with our community of loyal readers. Click here and tick TVGuide.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search. After it was revealed that Jasmine was the one who killed Anthony, Chrissie and Jake got engaged. Howeverr 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. 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.” 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, he is now moving into a care home and 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 or returned to EastEnders in 2026? Clare has returned for dad Nigel (Credit: BBC) Clare Bates With Nigel’s time in Walford running out, many have questioned where his family are at this time. Thankfully, his step-daughter Clare is back to see him before it is too late. Clare and Nigel are estranged and have lost touch in recent years. But when Clare found out about Nigel’s dementia, she returned to Albert Square to see her former step-dad. Clare was shocked when she arrived and was confronted by the reality of how frail Nigel has become. She’s upset by what the future looks like for him as they moved Nigel into a care home. Clare is played by Gemma Bissix, who played the role as a youngster. Clare’s mum Debbie, married Nigel in the 1990s and the three lived as a family until Debbie’s tragic death. Gemma said: “Nigel and Clare were a formidable pairing in the 90s with a very unique stepfather/stepdaughter relationship. Whilst it will be an emotional reunion, I hope the viewers will be pleased to see Clare and Nigel on screen together once again!” Grant is back to support Nigel (Credit: BBC) Grant Mitchell It has been announced that Ross Kemp will reprise his iconic role playing Grant Mitchell for a short stint, having briefly returned to Walford a year ago for the show’s 40th anniversary. Grant will be back to cover two huge storylines. One where he will be reunited with his estranged son, Mark Fowler Jr. The other will see him support his family and friends as part of Nigel’s ongoing dementia storyline. “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…” 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. Sam’s 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.” Since she returned, Sam has bravely battled breast cancer and is now undergoing radiotherapy with the support of her loved ones. 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. Who’s joining or joined EastEnders in 2026? (Credit: BBC) Josh and Sandra Zoe Slater is in for a shock when her long-lost son and Jasmine’s twin brother, Josh (Joshua Vaughan) arrives in Walford having followed his adopted mother Sandra Goodwin (Dawn Steele) to Albert Square. Sandra turns up seeking answers about Jasmine, unveiling new details from her past and insight into Sandra’s version of events. Meanwhile, and unbeknownst to Sandra, Josh has followed her to Walford looking for her, not knowing his birth family is closer than he realises. On joining the cast, Joshua Vaughan said: “It has been incredibly humbling to join the cast of EastEnders and find myself at the intersection of the iconic Trueman and Slater families. Getting to work alongside such legacy actors is a masterclass, and I’ve learned so much from them. Josh is a big ball of love and I’m so excited for the audience to see the drama unfold as he arrives onto the Square.” Dawn Steele added: “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. But it was Sandra’s storyline and character that really made me want to do it and I’m sure viewers will be thrilled with another piece of the puzzle ahead of the trial, Sandra’s timing couldn’t be better, or worse…” 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! Fast forward a few months and Jasmine has made quite the impact – mostly by killing her long-lost dad, Anthony Trueman! Read more: What time is EastEnders on tonight? Get up-to-date schedules and changes here Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Joel Harley 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 By Claire Crick 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 By Joel Harley 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 By Claire Crick 5 Mar 2026, 16:03 Previous Story Next Story
