Changes are still taking place (Picture: BBC/Metro)
It’s been one hell of a busy time in Walford, with the big 40th Anniversary celebrations sparking plenty of comings and goings in EastEnders over the last year.
In September, we welcomed back Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) to Walford after a 20 year absence, and her recent scenes have been nothing if not explosive!
This came months after high-profile returns such as Ross Kemp’s Grant Mitchell and a shock cameo from Anita Dobson as original Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts.
We also recently said goodbye to Felix Baker (Matthew James Morrison) and Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris), who left Albert Square together in the back of a cab.
Although the big 40th week is now over, there are still set to be more faces popping in and out of Albert Square in the coming months.
Here’s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving and arriving in EastEnders…
Max Branning
It was reported in May that love rat Max Branning would be heading back to Albert Square after four years, with EastEnders officially confirming his return earlier this month.
Bring on the Max Branning drama! (Picture: BBC)
The last time we saw him, Max decided to call time on his life in Walford to join daughter Lauren and grandson Louie in New Zealand.
It later transpired that Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) – who he had an affair with the previous year – was pregnant with their daughter Annie.
A few weeks ago, Max briefly returned for Lauren’s wedding to Peter (Thomas Law).
The scenes also saw Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) discover that Max was involved with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), as she witnessed them kissing outside the pub.
Max departed after clashing with a number of Walford residents, but is expected to return permanently.
When is Max Branning returning to EastEnders? Later this year.
Freddie Slater
It’s goodbye to Freddie Slater (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
After four years on Albert Square, Bobby Brazier is set to leave Freddie Slater behind, bowing out later this year.
An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed to Metro: ‘We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.’
The actor, 22, is reportedly looking to pursue other projects.
When is Freddie Slater leaving EastEnders? Later in 2025.
Who is in the EastEnders 2025 cast?
The present cast of EastEnders is made up of:
Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale
Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale
Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts
Michelle Collins as Cindy Beale
Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell
Thomas Law as Peter Beale
Perry Fenwick as Billy Mitchell
Jessie Wallace as Kat Slater
Laila Morse as Mo Slater
Rudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman
Shane Richie as Alfie Moon
Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman
Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater
Bobby Brazier as Freddie Slater
Gillian Wright as Jean Slater
Emma Barton as Honey Mitchell
Zaraah Abrahams as Chelsea Fox
Diane Parish as Denise Fox
Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning
Jamie Borthwick as Jay Brown
Scott Maslen as Jack Branning
Freddie Phillips as Will Mitchell
Kitty Castledine as Penny Branning
Ellie Dadd as Amy Mitchell
Tameka Empson as Kim Fox
Lillia Turner as Lily Slater
Sonny Kendall as Tommy Moon
Kellie Bright as Linda Carter
Charlie Suff as Johnny Carter
Harriet Thorpe as Elaine Peacock
Tony Clay as Callum Highway
Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar
Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar
James Farrar as Zack Hudson
Ross Boatman as Harvey Monroe
Delroy Atkinson as Howey Danes
Heather Peace as Eve Unwin
Aaron Thiara as Ravi Gulati
Jaden Ladega as Denzel Danes
Juhaim Rasul Choudhury as Davinder ‘Nugget’ Gulati
Colin Salmon as George Knight
Molly Rainford as Anna Knight
Francesca Henry as Gina Knight
Sophie Khan Levy as Priya Nandra-Hart
Aaliyah James as Avani Nandra-Hart
Micah Balfour as Junior Knight
Roland Manookian as Teddy Mitchell
Elijah Holloway as Harry Mitchell
Lewis Bridgeman as Barney Mitchell
Dayo Koleosho as Kojo Asare
Laura Doddington as Nicola Mitchell
Alice Haig as Vicki Fowler
Alex Walkinshaw as Ross Marshall
Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater
Max Murray as Joel Marshall
Grace as Janet Mitchell
Frankie Day as Ricky Branning
Isabella Brown as Lexi Pierce
Elliot and Cody Briffett as Bert and Ernie Moon
Arayah Harris-Buckle as Pearl Fox
Jake McNally as Louie Beale
Harry Farr as Ollie Carter
Rocco Brenner as Arthur Fowler
Michael Jose Pomares Calixte as Raymond Dawkins
Isabelle Smith as Hope Fowler
Maylo Miller as Mica Fox
Arthur Gentleman as Albie Watts
Jane Slaughter as Tracey
Ulric Browne as Winston
Liz Sweet as Marie Evans
Ben Champniss as Shrimpy
Anna Knight
Molly Rainford is the latest star to announce her departure (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) is set to depart the show later this year after a two-year stint.
A spokesperson told Metro: ‘We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.’
Anna and Freddie have had a complicated relationship during their time on the show, though it is yet to be seen if their exits will coincide with each other…
When is Anna Knight leaving EastEnders? Later in 2025.
Nigel Bates
There was a huge surprise for 90s EastEnders fans back in December when Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) made an unexpected comeback, 26 years after his last appearance.
Paul Bradley reprised his role as Nigel Bates last year (Picture: BBC)
Since his return, he has supported old school friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) through his mental health crisis, while also dealing with the fact he has been diagnosed with young-onset dementia himself.
While Nigel has been a welcome addition to the Square, actor Paul is only back temporarily – although it is not yet known how long his stint is set to last for.
When is Nigel Bates leaving EastEnders? Currently unknown.
Joel Marshall
Star Max Murray is leaving his role as Joel Marshall.
The actor, 18, is currently at the centre of a storyline that draws comparison to Netflix’s Adolescence.
Joel Marshall recently attacked Vicki Fowler (Picture: BBC)
Following months of misogynistic behaviour, Joel lashed out recently and brutally attacked his dad Ross’ (Alex Walkinshaw) girlfriend Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig).
The episode was followed by a special BBC Three documentary that explored the worrying ‘Manosphere’, and the influence that figures such as Andrew Tate are having on teenage boys.
As with all soap villains, the end of the road and their comeuppance has to come eventually – but that doesn’t mean the story can’t be revisited in the future.
A source exclusively told Metro: ‘Max is leaving EastEnders following an incredible year. 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.’
When is Joel Marshall leaving EastEnders? Currently unknown.
This article was first published on November 3, 2024.
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