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

We’re over halfway through 2026 now, and we’ve already seen plenty of cast changes in EastEnders, and there’s still more to come!

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

We’ve also seen the debut of Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan), the twin brother of Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) and hotly anticipate the arrival of both Nicola Mitchell’s (Laura Doddington), family and Denise Fox’s (Diane Parish) half brother and niece.

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

We’ll also be bidding farewell to the beloved Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and her son, Johnny (Charlie Suff), tortured bad boy Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) and the truly electric Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) for good, while both Kat and Alfie Moon (Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie) will both be taking temporary breaks.

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 Slater departed, actress Lacey Turner 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

As reported by The Sun, Janine, the ultimate Queen of mean, is set to return to our screens for a short stint, with a source teasing: ‘Janine’s appearance is going to blow the roof off Albert Square.’

‘The bosses have several huge stories planned for this autumn, which will all start building towards Christmas,’ the insider added.

‘Although Charlie is only reprising her role as Janine for a couple of episodes this time around, her involvement is bound to cause plenty of drama.’

When is Janine Butcher returning to EastEnders? Currently, the date of Janine’s return is unknown.

Sean Slater

Bad boy Sean will be returning to his old stomping ground of Albert Square this year, with actor Robert Kazinsky reprising the role full time for the first time in 17 years.

‘I left EastEnders in 2008 as a 23-year-old boy and was lucky to spend the next 19 years of my life working around the world, always championing EastEnders and stating the fact that one day I wanted to walk in Sean’s shoes again, but this time as a man to see who Sean the man might also be.

‘I wanted to do it for Sean, I wanted to do it for the fans that have supported me in every role since I left the Square but, mostly, I wanted to do it for me. I’m home, and I can’t wait to bring a new level of heartfelt chaos to Albert Square in the way only Sean Slater can.’

When is Sean Slater returning to EastEnders? Later this year.

EastEnders cast departures

Priya Nandra-Hart

Priya made a surprise exit last week, as Sophie Khan-Levy revealed her real-life pregnancy.

On a video released by the soap, she said she’d been ‘so proud and happy’ to have been a part of the show, while also teasing: ‘Watch this space. Who knows if Priya will make a return.’

Priya fled Walford over fears that Max Branning (Jake Wood) would try to take her baby away once he discovered he was the father, and headed to Leeds for a fresh start.

When did Priya Nandra-Hart leave EastEnders? Last week.

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? Later this year.

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.