![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SEI_269242291-b183.jpg\")
\n\t\tChanges are still taking place (Picture: BBC\/Metro)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tChanges are still taking place (Picture: BBC\/Metro)<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been one hell of a busy time in Walford, with the big 40th Anniversary celebrations sparking plenty of comings and goings in EastEnders<\/a> over the last year.<\/p>\n In September, we welcomed back Zoe Slater<\/a> (Michelle Ryan<\/a>) to Walford after a 20 year absence, and her recent scenes have been nothing if not explosive!<\/p>\n This came months after high-profile returns such as Ross Kemp\u2019s Grant Mitchell<\/a> and a shock cameo from Anita Dobson as original Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving and arriving in EastEnders\u2026<\/p>\n Max Branning<\/p>\n It was reported in May that love rat Max Branning<\/a> would be\u00a0heading back to Albert Square<\/a>\u00a0after four years, with EastEnders officially confirming his return earlier this month.<\/p>\n \t\t The last time we saw him, Max\u00a0decided to call time on his life in Walford<\/a>\u00a0to join daughter\u00a0Lauren and grandson Louie in New Zealand.<\/p>\n It later transpired that\u00a0Linda Carter\u00a0(Kellie Bright) \u2013 who he had an affair with the previous year \u2013 was pregnant with their daughter Annie.<\/p>\n A few weeks ago, Max briefly returned for Lauren\u2019s wedding to Peter (Thomas Law). <\/p>\n The scenes also saw Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner<\/a>) discover that Max was involved with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan<\/a>), as she witnessed them kissing outside the pub.<\/p>\n Max departed after clashing with a number of Walford residents, but is expected to return permanently.<\/a><\/p>\n When is Max Branning returning to EastEnders? Later this year.<\/p>\n Freddie Slater<\/p>\n \t\t After four years on Albert Square,\u00a0Bobby Brazier<\/a>\u00a0is set to leave\u00a0Freddie Slater<\/a>\u00a0behind, bowing out later this year<\/a>.<\/p>\n An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed to\u00a0Metro: \u2018We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.\u2019<\/p>\n The actor, 22, is reportedly looking to pursue other projects.<\/p>\n When is Freddie Slater leaving EastEnders? Later in 2025.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tWho is in the EastEnders 2025 cast?\t\t\t<\/p>\n The present cast of EastEnders is made up of:<\/p>\n Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale Anna Knight<\/p>\n \t\t Anna Knight<\/a> (Molly Rainford<\/a>) is set to depart the show<\/a> later this year after a two-year stint.<\/p>\n A spokesperson told\u00a0Metro: \u2018We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.\u2019<\/p>\n 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\u2026<\/p>\n When is Anna Knight leaving EastEnders? Later in 2025.<\/p>\n Nigel Bates<\/p>\n There was a huge surprise for 90s EastEnders fans back in December when Nigel Bates<\/a> (Paul Bradley<\/a>) made an unexpected comeback<\/a>, 26 years after his last appearance.<\/p>\n \t\t 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n While Nigel has been a welcome addition to the Square, actor Paul is only back temporarily \u2013\u00a0although it is not yet known how long his stint is set to last for.\u00a0<\/p>\n When is Nigel Bates leaving EastEnders? Currently unknown.<\/p>\n Joel Marshall<\/p>\n Star Max Murray is leaving his role as Joel Marshall.<\/p>\n The actor, 18, is currently at the centre of a storyline that draws comparison to\u00a0Netflix<\/a>\u2019s\u00a0Adolescence<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t Following months of misogynistic behaviour,\u00a0Joel lashed out recently and brutally attacked<\/a>\u00a0his dad\u00a0Ross<\/a>\u2019 (Alex Walkinshaw<\/a>) girlfriend\u00a0Vicki Fowler<\/a>\u00a0(Alice Haig<\/a>).<\/p>\n The episode was followed by\u00a0a special BBC Three documentary<\/a>\u00a0that explored the worrying \u2018Manosphere\u2019, and the influence that figures such as\u00a0Andrew Tate<\/a>\u00a0are having on teenage boys.<\/p>\n As with all soap villains, the end of the road and their comeuppance has to come eventually<\/a> \u2013 but that doesn\u2019t mean the story can\u2019t be revisited in the future.<\/p>\n A source exclusively told\u00a0Metro: \u2018Max is leaving EastEnders following an incredible year. There\u2019s still lots to come in the weeks ahead that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.<\/p>\n \u2018Following his spellbinding performance, there\u2019s no doubt that producers will be keen to snap him up \u2013 and Max is already on the lookout for his next role.\u2019<\/p>\n When is Joel Marshall leaving EastEnders? Currently unknown.<\/p>\n This article was first published on November 3, 2024.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us\u00a0soaps@metro.co.uk<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n Join the community by leaving a comment below and\u00a0stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Max](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PRI_117888064-467b-e1747640601506.jpg\")
\n\t\tBring on the Max Branning drama! (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n![\"Freddie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/519985-43a5.jpg\")
\n\t\tIt\u2019s goodbye to Freddie Slater (Picture: BBC\/Jack Barnes\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n
\nGillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale
\nLetitia Dean as Sharon Watts
\nMichelle Collins as Cindy Beale
\nSteve McFadden as Phil Mitchell
\nThomas Law as Peter Beale
\nPerry Fenwick as Billy Mitchell
\nJessie Wallace as Kat Slater
\nLaila Morse as Mo Slater
\nRudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman
\nShane Richie as Alfie Moon
\nAngela Wynter as Yolande Trueman
\nLacey Turner as Stacey Slater
\nBobby Brazier as Freddie Slater
\nGillian Wright as Jean Slater
\nEmma Barton as Honey Mitchell
\nZaraah Abrahams as Chelsea Fox
\nDiane Parish as Denise Fox
\nJacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning
\nJamie Borthwick as Jay Brown
\nScott Maslen as Jack Branning
\nFreddie Phillips as Will Mitchell
\nKitty Castledine as Penny Branning
\nEllie Dadd as Amy Mitchell
\nTameka Empson as Kim Fox
\nLillia Turner as Lily Slater
\nSonny Kendall as Tommy Moon
\nKellie Bright as Linda Carter
\nCharlie Suff as Johnny Carter
\nHarriet Thorpe as Elaine Peacock
\nTony Clay as Callum Highway
\nShiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar
\nBalvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar
\nJames Farrar as Zack Hudson
\nRoss Boatman as Harvey Monroe
\nDelroy Atkinson as Howey Danes
\nHeather Peace as Eve Unwin
\nAaron Thiara as Ravi Gulati
\nJaden Ladega as Denzel Danes
\nJuhaim Rasul Choudhury as Davinder \u2018Nugget\u2019 Gulati
\nColin Salmon as George Knight
\nMolly Rainford as Anna Knight
\nFrancesca Henry as Gina Knight
\nSophie Khan Levy as Priya Nandra-Hart
\nAaliyah James as Avani Nandra-Hart
\nMicah Balfour as Junior Knight
\nRoland Manookian as Teddy Mitchell
\nElijah Holloway as Harry Mitchell
\nLewis Bridgeman as Barney Mitchell
\nDayo Koleosho as Kojo Asare
\nLaura Doddington as Nicola Mitchell
\nAlice Haig as Vicki Fowler
\nAlex Walkinshaw as Ross Marshall
\nMichelle Ryan as Zoe Slater
\nMax Murray as Joel Marshall
\nGrace as Janet Mitchell
\nFrankie Day as Ricky Branning
\nIsabella Brown as Lexi Pierce
\nElliot and Cody Briffett as Bert and Ernie Moon
\nArayah Harris-Buckle as Pearl Fox
\nJake McNally as Louie Beale
\nHarry Farr as Ollie Carter
\nRocco Brenner as Arthur Fowler
\nMichael Jose Pomares Calixte as Raymond Dawkins
\nIsabelle Smith as Hope Fowler
\nMaylo Miller as Mica Fox
\nArthur Gentleman as Albie Watts
\nJane Slaughter as Tracey
\nUlric Browne as Winston
\nLiz Sweet as Marie Evans
\nBen Champniss as Shrimpy<\/p>\n![\"Anna](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SEI_256941126-c58e.jpg\")
\n\t\tMolly Rainford is the latest star to announce her departure (Picture: BBC\/Jack Barnes\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n![\"Nigel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/501203-1f77.jpg\")
\n\t\tPaul Bradley reprised his role as Nigel Bates last year (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n![\"Joel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/535502-491c.jpg\")
\n\t\tJoel Marshall recently attacked Vicki Fowler (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n
\nMORE: \u2018I won Bruce Forsyth\u2019s final Strictly series \u2013 I want the same with Tess and Claudia\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: Unexpected and kind gesture from Ian Beale as he gives money to beloved EastEnders character<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: I make \u00a330,000 a month \u2014 when you earn more, you want more<\/a><\/p>\n