BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Sep 9 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 9 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 Sep 9 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 9 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 and Stacey Slater are set to exit the soap later this year. But never fear – there are also a host of old faces expected to return to the soap, as well as plenty of returns too. And, with newcomers Ross and Joel Marshall still making waves in Walford along with drug-dealer Okie, the Square remains as drama-packed as ever. Here’s a round up of who is leaving, returning and joining the cast of EastEnders this year. Who’s leaving EastEnders? Lacey Turner will leave the soap later this year (Credit: BBC) Stacey Slater The most high-profile of the recent exit announcements, Lacey Turner is set to leave the soap after 21 years. The actress has played Stacey Slater since 2004, growing the ranks of the Slater family with her own brood of children in Lily, Arthur and Hope. “We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year,” a soap insider revealed. “But there is plenty of more drama to come beforehand and we will look forward to planning Stacey’s return when Lacey decides the time is right.” Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers In real life, Lacey gave birth to her third child, Gipsy Olive. She took a quick break from filming, but returned for the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode – just in time for Martin’s traumatic death. Given Lacey’s parenting duties and Stacey’s guilt and grief in the soap, we’d say they’ve both earned a break! 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.” This means that Jay’s exit from Walford will likely take place off-screen. 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 making an exit from EastEnders, it has been revealed. An EastEnders rep told The Sun: “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 finger crossed Freddie leaves alive. EastEnders star Emma Barton is taking a break from the soap (Credit: BBC) Honey Mitchell The latest star announced to be leaving Walford is Honey Mitchell, played by Emma Barton. The actress, who first appeared on the soap in 2005, is said to be taking a break from the soap to appear in a pantomime production of Snow White. In a change from Honey’s sunny and upbeat disposition, she’ll be playing wicked witch Carabosse. A spokesperson from Torquay Princess Theatre told The Sun: “Emma is delighted to be back on stage, working with Jordan Productions again, in Sleeping Beauty. “With live music, stunning sets, slick choreography, sensational costumes and special effects, Sleeping Beauty promises to be Torquay’s most spectacular Pantomime ever.” However, Emma’s departure is only expected to be brief, and she should resume filming duties after the Christmas break. Ellie Dadd plays Walford teenager Amy (Credit: BBC) Amy Mitchell Like Honey Mitchell star Emma Barton, young Ellie Dadd will ‘take a break’ from the soap to pursue a pantomime role. Ellie, who plays Amy Mitchell, will play Belle in a production of Beauty and The Beast later this year. Announcing Ellie’s performance on Instagram last week, the Croydon Fairfield Halls account wrote: “A seasoned stage performer with West End credits including Matilda the Musical, Ellie is ready to charm Croydon with a performance that promises grace, humour, and warmth ” This isn’t Ellie’s first panto either – having starred in a production of Sleeping Beauty last year. It is expected that she will take a break from the soap while she appears on stage during the festive period. Phil Mitchell Another Mitchell taking a break for panto. Walford icon Phil will likely take a holiday as Steve McFadden heads to the stage this Christmas. The star – and panto regular – will appear in a production of Aladdin, where he’ll play its ‘boo-able’ baddie. But what does Steve’s new role mean for Phil? It’s likely he’ll take a break from Walford to excuse Steve’s absence from set, perhaps tying in with best pal Nigel Bates’ imminent exit from the soap… Who’s returning to EastEnders in 2025? Ben and Stuart will return for a funeral later this year (Credit: BBC) Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway Upcoming episodes will see the brief return of Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway to their old stomping grounds. With Ben serving time in the USA for credit card fraud and Stuart happily relocated with wife Rainie and son Roland, both are expected to be brief stints. They’re both in town for the funeral of Jonno Highway – Stuart’s father, and Ben’s father-in-law. But what fireworks will fly upon their return? Will Ben learn about Callum’s affair with Johnny Carter? 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. Their tentative romance fell apart soon after that, but for how long? As this scene ended, Max issued his promise to return to Walford? Max’s permanent comeback will air later this year. 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.” Anthony reunites with dad Patrick (Credit: BBC) Anthony Trueman Prodigal son Anthony Trueman came back to Walford for his father’s wedding to Yolande. In doing so, actor Nicholas Bailey reprised his role as Anthony following an absence of 11 years. Speaking of Anthony Trueman’s return, Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: “It’s great to welcome Nicholas back to the EastEnders family to reunite Patrick with his son. But Anthony’s plan for a brief return to surprise his father ends up with him staying longer than he expected when he uncovers what has been going on in the Trueman household.” With the wedding now done with, how much longer is Anthony sticking around? Will we get to meet his wife and children? And is there any truth to the rumours that he’s the father of Zoe’s children? Zoe will reunite with her mother later this year (Credit: BBC) Zoe Slater Michelle Ryan reprised her role as Zoe Slater earlier this year, before making her full comeback in early September. In doing so, the soap revealed that Zoe was hiding a number of secrets from her time away. As she lay bleeding out after being shot by Jack and Ravi, a flashback showed how she’d given birth to twins – one of which had died, the other she’d abandoned at the hospital. She told Max that she was now trying to track down her son, although made a mistake in hiring grubby Private Investigator Greg Dolan to do so. Following this eventful week on the soap, many burning questions remain. What happened to Zoe’s son? Where is he now? And is Dolan dead? 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. The news that Gemma will be returning to Hollyoaks to reprise her role as another Clare has shed doubt on a potential return, but we’re holding out hope regardless. 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. Okie’s here to stay (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. One might have expected Okie to beat a hasty retreat after a pasting for Ravi, but he’s become a regular face ever since. And with Okie now taking advantage of Kojo and his flat, it doesn’t seem as though he’s going anywhere fast. An insider told The Sun: “He’s going to become a familiar face over the next few months. So he’s definitely one to watch out for.” Read more: Zoe theories over her huge secret Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Sep 9 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 9 2025
