All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026

2026 has seen plenty of cast changes in EastEnders, and there’s still more to come before the year ends.

So far, we’ve witnessed the returns of twisted incel Joel Marshall (Max Murray), Queen of Walford Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), EastEnders’ biggest ever bitch Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), classic bad boy, Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky).

We’re also anticipating the return of Sean’s beloved sister, Stacey (Lacey Turner).

We’ve also seen the debut of Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan), the Hawkins clan: Rose (Marian McLoughlin), Gemma (Patricia Potter), Jodie (Anna Constable), Ned (Jamie Bamber) and Ryder (Felix Uff) and Denise Fox’s (Diane Parish) half brother and niece: Darnell (Christopher Colquhoun) and Grace Larson (Krysstina Frempong).

With the debuts and returns, we’ve also had to say goodbyes to Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) and his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn), alongside Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona), Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) an Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey)

We’ll also be bidding permanent farewells to the entire Carter clan: Linda (Kellie Bright), Johnny (Charlie Suff), Nancy (Maddy Hill) and Lee (Danny Hatchard), Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) and Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier).

Both Katand Alfie Moon (Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie) will also be leaving as the actors star in panto, but both will be back.

With things constantly fluctuating in Walford, here’s what we currently know about who is returning, arriving and leaving in EastEnders…

EastEnders cast returns

Stacey Slater

Our Stace’ left Walford for a new life in Brazil after realising that she’d never escape the ghost of ex-husband and true love, Martin Fowler (James Bye) while remaining in Albert Square.

Though hearts across the nation broke when Stacey departed, actress Lacey was quick to reassure viewers that they wouldn’t have to miss her for too long and that she’d definitely be back.

In a behind-the-scenes video shared to EastEnders official YouTube, Lacey said: ‘I am coming back, I won’t be long’.

When is Stacey Slater returning to EastEnders? Reportedly, around New Year.

Janine Butcher

New teasers have been revealed following the news Janine Butcher is returning to the show.

At the moment, it’s a little bit mysterious why Janine is back at this point, but there are a few puzzle pieces and loose ends we can consider, and Mick Carter’s (Danny Dyer) disappearance at sea is definitely one of them.

‘I don’t know if anyone wants to see a reformed Janine ever,’ Charlie Brooks said, adding: ‘So we can rest assured that we are leaning into the true nature of who Janine is: as always, it’s about survival for her.

When did Janine Butcher return to EastEnders? Her returning scenes aired November 5, 2026.

Sean Slater

Rob Kazinsky has now returned to EastEnders as Sean Slater.

The character arrived in Walford to help Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) track down Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), who had been taken by creepy cop Craig Ingram.

‘I think that storyline coming over the next period of time is something that I’m going to – and EastEnders hopefully will – as with all of its storylines on current issues, we’re going to nail and really help a lot of people with in the future,’ Rob said of his upcoming storyline.

When did Sean Slater return to EastEnders? His returning scenes aired on October 29, 2026.

EastEnders cast departures

Craig Ingram

Craig Ingram, played by Matthew James Bailey, was killed by Amy in the episode broadcasted November 4, 2026.

The copper was introduced to us earlier this year, and groomed Amy into thinking that he was the only one who cared about her.

As the wool was pulled from Amy’s eyes, she tried to defend herself from Craig by hitting him with a candlestick holder, but this resulted in him meeting his end.

When did Craig Ingram leave EastEnders? Craig’s final scenes aired on November 4, 2026.

Linda Carter

Former landlady of the Queen Vic and matriarch to one of Walford’s most adored families, Linda will be bidding adieu to Albert Square as Kellie Bright leaves her role this year.

‘EastEnders has been my home for thirteen years and I have absolutely loved being part of the show, but I have decided that it is now the right time for me to say goodbye,’ said Kellie, discussing her decision to leave.

‘I made the tough decision over a year ago, and after discussing this with Kate Oates and Ben Wadey, they asked me to stay on to be part of an exciting storyline they had planned, and I happily agreed to extend my stay. I will miss my friends and colleagues hugely, but I am looking forward to my next chapter and spending more time with my wonderful boys.’

When is Linda Carter leaving EastEnders? Linda’s leaving date is currently unknown.

Johnny Carter

After The Sun first reported Johnny’s departure to coincide with his on-screen mum’s exit, an EastEnders spokesperson told us: ‘We can confirm Charlie Suff will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.’

According to reports, actor Charlie understood that once his co-star Kellie decided to leave, that he’d be going too.

‘Johnny and his mum Linda have an unbreakable bond so there was no way he would stay in Albert Square without her,’ said the Sun.

When is Johnny Carter leaving EastEnders? Johnny’s leaving date is currently unknown.

Nancy Carter

While EastEnders fans have been ecstatic to see a big Carter reunion, Nancy’s return is only to coincide with on-screen mum Linda’s departure.

While talking about Kellie’s exit, boss Ben Wadey said: ‘We will be welcoming Lee and Nancy back for a period in a story where I guarantee your jaws will drop when you see it.’

Maddy herself said: ‘I am SO excited to be returning to Enders for a short stint and stepping back into Nancy’s shoes (or basketball shorts!)’

When is Nancy Carter leaving EastEnders? Nancy’s leaving date is currently unknown.

Lee Carter

As with Nancy, Lee will be departing when Linda leaves the Square.

Speaking on his return coinciding with Kellie’s exit, Danny said: ‘She’s been such an important part of my journey, not only as an actor and in Lee’s story, but also as a person.

‘I really adore having her in my life, I’m so glad the Carter children have reunited for the wider farewell of such an iconic character, Linda and Kellie deserve that.’

When is Lee Carter leaving EastEnders? Lee’s leaving date is currently unknown.

Ravi Gulati

Ravi Gulati star Aaron Thiara is reportedly set to leave EastEnders after four years.

‘Aaron has been at the centre of the some of the soap’s biggest storylines since his arrival as bad-boy Ravi back in 2022,’ a source told The Sun.

‘He’s an incredibly popular member of the cast and the fans love him. He’s decided to focus on new projects, but will stay on set until the end of the year to see out some juicy storylines his character has in store.’

When is Ravi Gulati leaving EastEnders? Ravi’s leaving date is currently unknown, but it is thought that he will be staying on the show until at least the end of this year.

Kat Moon

Jessie Wallace will briefly depart the show, as she’s been cast as Captain Hook at the New Wimbledon Theatre’s panto production of Peter Pan, with a source telling The Sun: ‘Jessie will be taking a short break from the soap to appear in panto.

‘Bosses agreed to the short break because it’s over Christmas and won’t hugely affect filming.

‘It’s a huge bonus for Jessie. She’s one of the show’s biggest names and can command huge fees for panto appearances’.

When is Kat Moon leaving EastEnders? Kat’s leaving date is currently unknown.

Alfie Moon

Much like his on-screen wife, Shane will also be taking a break to perform in panto.

Shane has joined the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion theatre in Southend-on-Sea.

When is Alfie Moon leaving EastEnders? Alfie’s leaving date is currently unknown.

Oscar Branning

The Sun reported that Pierre, who’s played Oscar for just over a year will be bowing out of the show imminently.

‘The fans love Pierre, so this is a huge blow to the show,’ said a source.

‘Viewers are still reeling from the news they are losing Kellie and Aaron, two incredibly popular staples.’

When is Oscar Branning leaving EastEnders? Oscar’s leaving date is currently unknown.