![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/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
2025 was one hell of a busy year in Walford, with the big 40th Anniversary celebrations sparking plenty of comings and goings in EastEnders<\/a>.<\/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\u2019ve also lost some of our most beloved Albert Square residents along the way. In the second half of they year, we\u2019ve said goodbye to Felix Baker (Matthew James Morrison), Bernie Taylor<\/a>\u00a0(Clair Norris<\/a>), Junior Knight<\/a> (Micah Balfour<\/a>), Freddie Slater<\/a>\u00a0(Bobby Brazier<\/a>) and Anna Knight<\/a>\u00a0(Molly Rainford<\/a>).<\/p>\n As any EastEnders viewer knows, Walford is prone to frequent shake ups, and, to keep abreast of any changes, here\u2019s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving and arriving in EastEnders\u2026<\/p>\n Bea<\/p>\n \t\t Linda Carter<\/a>\u00a0(Kellie Bright<\/a>) is set for a high school reunion when she encounters old school friend, Bea, at a reunion.<\/p>\n While Bea\u2019s full back-story is currently unknown, it\u2019s been confirmed that she\u2019s a \u2018force to be reckoned with\u2019 and that she \u2018leaves a lasting impression on all those who cross her path.\u2019<\/p>\n Multi-award actress and comedian Ronni Ancona will be playing her: \u2018I am honoured to have been invited to join the iconic institution that is EastEnders, and to go on this whirlwind of a journey with such an unpredictable, nuanced and complex character as Bea,\u2019 she said amid the announcement of her casting.<\/p>\n \u2018I hope audiences have as much fun watching her as I have had bringing her to life.\u2019<\/p>\n When will Bea debut in EastEnders? 2026<\/p>\n Max Branning<\/p>\n \t\t It was reported in May that love rat Max Branning<\/a> (Jake Wood<\/a>) would be\u00a0heading back to Albert Square<\/a>\u00a0after four years, with EastEnders officially confirming his return earlier this month.<\/p>\n The last time we saw him, Max\u00a0decided to call time on his life in Walford<\/a>\u00a0to join daughter\u00a0Lauren\u00a0(Jacqueline Jossa) and grandson Louie in New Zealand.<\/p>\n It later transpired that\u00a0Linda \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 Beale\u00a0(Thomas Law).<\/p>\n The scenes also saw Stacey Slater<\/a> (Lacey Turner<\/a>) discover that Max was involved with Zoe, 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 month.<\/p>\n Stacey Slater<\/p>\n \t\t Our Stace\u2019 left Walford<\/a> for a new life in Brazil after realising that she\u2019d never escape the ghost of ex-husband and true love, Martin Fowler\u00a0(James Bye) while remaining in Albert Square.<\/p>\n Though hearts across the nation broke when Stacey departed, actress Lacey Turner was quick to reassure viewers that they wouldn\u2019t have to miss her for too long and that she\u2019d definitely be back<\/a>.<\/p>\n In a behind the scenes video shared to EastEnders official YouTube, Lacey said: \u2018I am coming back, I won\u2019t be long\u2019.<\/p>\n When is Stacey Slater returning to EastEnders? Currently unknown.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tNew here? Sign up for our Soaps Newsletter\t\t\t<\/p>\n Hi, I\u2019m Duncan Lindsay, Metro\u2019s soaps editor.<\/p>\n If you want to stay up to date on the biggest storylines and news from your favourite cast members, sign up to\u00a0our daily Soaps Newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t From shocking twists to fan-favourite theories, it\u2019s all in your inbox every morning.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Teddy Mitchell<\/p>\n \t\t After only 18 months in the role of Teddy Mitchell<\/a>, Roland Manookian<\/a> will be bowing out<\/a> before the end of the year.<\/p>\n An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed to\u00a0Metro: \u2018We can confirm Roland will be leaving EastEnders this year, and we wish him all the best for the future\u2019<\/p>\n When is Teddy Mitchell leaving EastEnders? Later in 2025.<\/p>\n Sam Mitchell<\/p>\n \t\t The return<\/a> of the Mitchell Princess, Sam\u00a0<\/a>(Kim Medcalf<\/a>) will, unfortunately be brief one, as she\u2019ll be leaving upon the conclusion of her cancer storyline<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fans have plenty to look forward to, though, as they\u2019ll see scheming Sam reunite with frenemy, Zoe Slater, after 20 years apart, while also seeing her family and loved ones surround her as she faces her breast cancer diagnosis, that will see her undergo a successful lumpectomy in early 2026.<\/p>\n When is Sam Mitchell leaving EastEnders? Early 2026.<\/p>\n Nigel Bates<\/p>\n \t\t 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 Since his return, he has supported old school friend Phil Mitchell\u00a0(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 \t\t Star Max Murray<\/a> is leaving his role as Joel Marshall<\/a>.<\/p>\n The actor, 18, is currently at the centre of a storyline that draws comparison to\u00a0Netflix<\/a>\u2019s\u00a0Adolescence<\/a>.<\/p>\n Following months of misogynistic behaviour,\u00a0Joel lashed out recently and brutally attacked<\/a>\u00a0his dad\u00a0Ross\u2019 (Alex Walkinshaw) girlfriend\u00a0Vicki Fowler\u00a0(Alice Haig).<\/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 \t\t\t\tWho is in the EastEnders 2026 cast?\t\t\t<\/p>\n The present cast of EastEnders is made up of:<\/p>\n Regular cast<\/p>\n Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale Recurring cast<\/p>\n Grace as Janet Mitchell 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![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1765278310_288_SEI_277030290-5802.jpg\")
\n\t\tBea, an old school friend of Linda Carter, will be arriving soon (Picture: BBC\/Jack Barns\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n![\"Max](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/PRI_117888064-467b-e1747640601506.jpg\")
\n\t\tBring on the Max Branning drama! (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n![\"Stacey](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/530463-dfba.jpg\")
\n\t\tStacey will be back (Picture: BBC\/Jack Barns\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/duncan-lindsey-081b.webp\")
\n\t\tWe\u2019ll send you the biggest stories in soapland, every day<\/p>\n![\"Teddy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1765278314_466_539054-9e65.jpg\")
\n\t\tTeddy will be departing the Square (Picture: BBC\/Jack Barns\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n![\"Kim](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SEI_273772367-a999-e1764328669236.jpg\")
\n\t\tSam\u2019s return will be a short one (Picture: Instagram\/bbceastenders)<\/p>\n![\"Nigel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/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\/12\/535502-491c.jpg\")
\n\t\tJoel Marshall recently attacked Vicki Fowler (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n
\nLetitia Dean as Sharon Watts
\nAdam Woodyatt as Ian Beale
\nAlice Haig as Vicki Fowler
\nMichelle Collins as Cindy Beale
\nSteve McFadden as Phil Mitchell
\nKim Medcalf as Sam Mitchell
\nPaul Bradley as Nigel Bates
\nThomas Law as Peter Beale
\nKaren Henthorne as Julie Bates
\nPerry Fenwick as Billy Mitchell
\nJessie Wallace as Kat Slater
\nMichelle Ryan as Zoe Slater
\nLaila Morse as Mo Slater
\nRudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman
\nShane Richie as Alfie Moon
\nAngela Wynter as Yolande Trueman
\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
\nScott Maslen as Jack Branning
\nPierre Counihan-Moullier as Oscar Branning
\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 Howie 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
\nFrancesca Henry as Gina Knight
\nSophie Khan Levy as Priya Nandra-Hart
\nAaliyah James as Avani Nandra-Hart
\nElijah Holloway as Harry Mitchell
\nLewis Bridgeman as Barney Mitchell
\nDayo Koleosho as Kojo Asare
\nLaura Doddington as Nicola Mitchell
\nAlex Walkinshaw as Ross Marshall
\nMax Murray as Joel Marshall<\/p>\n
\nFreddie Phillips as Will 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
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