EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?

RadioTimes.com is here with a handy update on which characters are leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders in the coming months.

So who's in? Who's out? And which rumours are true? Read on for all the latest details on cast changes for EastEnders.

EastEnders cast 2025

The full present regular cast for EastEnders can be found below in order of the character's first appearance.

• Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Cotton
• Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts
• Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale
• Michelle Collins as Cindy Beale
• Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell
• Paul Bradley as Nigel Bates
• Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson
• Natalie Cassidy as Sonia Fowler
• Thomas Law as Peter Beale
• Perry Fenwick as Billy Mitchell
• Laila Morse as Mo Harris
• Jessie Wallace as Kat Slater
• Rudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman
• Shane Ritchie as Alfie Moon
• Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman
• Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater
• Bobby Brazier as Freddie Slater
• Gillian Wright as Jean Slater
• Louisa Lytton as Ruby Allen
• Emma Barton as Honey Mitchell
• Zaraah Abrahams as Chelsea Fox
• Diane Parish as Denise Fox
• Grace as Janet Mitchell
• Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning
• Jamie Borthwick as Jay Brown
• Scott Maslen as Jack Branning
• Kitty Castledine as Penny Branning
• Freddie Phillips as Will Mitchell
• Ellie Dadd as Amy Mitchell
• Tameka Empson as Kim Fox
• Lillia Turner as Lily Slater
• Frankie Day as Ricky Branning
• Sonny Kendall as Tommy Moon
• Isabella Brown as Lexi Pearce
• Kellie Bright as Linda Carter
• Charlie Suff as Johnny Carter
• Harriet Thorpe as Elaine Knight
• Elliot Briffett as Bert Moon
• Cody Briffett as Ernie Moon
• Arayah Harris-Buckles as Pearl Fox
• Harry Farr as Ollie Carter
• Jake McNally as Louie Beale
• Rocco Brenner as Arthur Fowler
• Michael Jose Pomares Calixte as Raymond Fox
• Clair Norris as Bernadette Taylor
• Isabelle Smith as Hope Fowler
• Tony Clay as Callum Highway
• Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar
• Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar-Unwin
• James Farrar as Zack Hudson
• Ross Boatman as Harvey Monroe
• Delroy Atkinson as Howie Danes
• Heather Peace as Eve Panesar-Unwin
• Aaron Thiara as Ravi Gulati
• Matthew Morrison as Felix Baker/Tara Misu
• Jaden Ladega as Denzel Danes
• Juhaim Rasul Choudhury as Davinder "Nugget" Gulati
• Colin Salmon as George Knight
• Francesca Henry as Gina Knight
• Molly Rainford as Anna 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

And here are the changes to the cast coming soon...

JOINING

Gaz (Keith Allen)

When is Gaz arriving? 20th March 2024.

Trainspotting star Keith Allen will be joining EastEnders in a guest role as Gaz, a person who Phil Mitchell crosses paths with during his stay at a mental health facility in a special episode later this month.

Speaking about the role, Allen said: "I’ve written a number one hit single, I’ve presented Top of the Pops, I’ve played the lead in the West End and I was at Craven Cottage when we beat Juventus 4-1... could it get better than that?

"Well, yes, I’ve just guested in an episode of EastEnders... What a joy! And what an honour to be a part of Steve McFadden’s incredibly moving storyline. I may be a resting actor but I now rest in peace."

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: "As Phil struggles to begin treatment, we explore how his relationship with fellow patient Gaz helps Phil to take the first step in his road to recovery.

"Keith and Steve’s performances are both phenomenal, and thoughtfully and sensitively portray the complex realities of mental health recovery and the impact of hypermasculinity."

Ross (Alex Walkinshaw)

When is Ross arriving? Spring 2024.

The Bill legend Alex Walkinshaw is joining the cast of EastEnders as Ross, the new partner of Vicki Fowler (now played by Alice Haig).

Ross arrives in Walford to accompany Vicki to the funeral of her uncle Martin and will also be joined by his son Joel.

Speaking of his role as newcomer Ross, Alex Walkinshaw said: "I am really excited as I’ve had so many friends on EastEnders throughout the years, and I always hear lovely things about it. The show is top draw drama and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

"Ross is a decent, hardworking family man, he always puts family first, and he is very in love with Vicky, but it’s not always plain sailing."

Joel (Max Murray)

When is Joel arriving? Spring 2024.

Joining Vicki Fowler and her new partner Ross in Walford will be his teenage son Joel, played by newcomer Max Murray.

On his role as newbie Joel, Murray said: "It’s an absolute privilege and honour to be joining such a wonderful production full of a lovely cast and crew. I’m really looking forward to introducing Joel to EastEnders viewers and telling his story."

Will Joel be a well-behaved addition to the youngsters of Walford?

DEPARTING

Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy)

When is Sonia Fowler leaving? Spring 2025.

Natalie Cassidy has quit her iconic role as Sonia Fowler after 32 years on and off from the role.

The actress originated the role in 1993 before departing in 2007 and making further guest appearances until a full-time return from 2014 onwards.

Sonia survived the disaster of the 40th anniversary Queen Vic explosion and safely gave birth to baby Julia but lost her killer fiancé, Reiss Colwell, and beloved ex-husband, Martin Fowler, in the process.

So, how will Sonia leave Walford now? Given that the live episode appears to have been the last for Natalie Cassidy to film, this implies her final scenes will play out on-screen in the coming weeks.

In a statement shared by The Sun, Cassidy said: "I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited. After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new. EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show.

"Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour. See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten.”

Executive producer, Clenshaw, added to the publication: "Over the last 31 years in EastEnders, Natalie has been involved in some of the show’s most iconic and explosive storylines. Her portrayal of Sonia has made her a firm fan favourite amongst the viewers.

"I won’t be revealing the finite details relating to her exit, but I can say that she will take a central role in the 40th-anniversary storylines in a week of truly unmissable drama that will change the lives of those in Walford forever. I’d like to thank Natalie for her time at EastEnders, and I wish her all the best for the future."

Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer)

When is Bianca Jackson leaving? Spring 2025.

We don't have much longer left with fan-favourite Bianca Jackson either as actress Patsy Palmer has bid farewell to the character once again, confirming she has wrapped filming.

We'll have to wait and see precisely how Sonia and Bianca depart, but it appears that both have finished filming, with Palmer sharing on Instagram Stories a snap of her character, with the caption: "Bye bye B, always grateful to see her again."

In a post showing of Cassidy's leaving party, Palmer wrote: "Thanks to all my beautiful EastEnders family for a wonderful few months of love and history making. Honoured to have been part of it."

We hope it's a happy ending for the Jackson sisters!

Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner)

When is Stacey Slater leaving? Early 2025.

We've had the wonderful news that actress Lacey Turner has just welcomed her third child which means her beloved character Stacey Slater will be written out for a time on-screen.

Now Stacey has lost the love of her life following Martin's death, will his passing drive her to extreme grief and to leave the Square? We hope she can come back from this...

Felix Baker (Matthew Morrison)

When is Felix Baker leaving? Mid-2025.

EastEnders has confirmed that Felix Baker is being written out of the soap after three years of Matthew Morrison in the role of the groundbreaking character.

Felix and his drag persona Tara Misu has been the first regular character in the soap to be a drag queen.

The character was introduced as a relative of Mitch Baker in 2022 alongside his father, Avery, and brother, Finlay, with Avery swiftly being killed off and Finlay being written out of the soap after a year in Walford.

Unfortunately, Felix has not been given much storyline aside from his job managing The Albert, a memorable showdown with Phil Mitchell, and supporting friend Chelsea Fox and relative Bernadette Taylor.

A source told The Sun: "It’s never an easy decision for bosses when they have to make the decision for a character to leave.

“Matthew has been great, but bosses felt the time was right to say goodbye to Felix."

A BBC spokesperson confirmed: "We can confirm that Matthew will be leaving EastEnders later in the year. We wish him all the best for the future.:

RETURNING

Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig)

When is Vicki Fowler returning? Spring 2024.

Martin Fowler's death will bring his niece Vicki Fowler back to Walford in upcoming scenes, with actress Alice Haig (Andor, Rain Dogs) taking on the role of Michelle Fowler and Den Watts' lovechild.

Vicki was last seen in 2004 but had been living in Australia with her long-term love Spencer Moon running a bar but her sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Spencer's brother Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) will be shocked to see her in E20 with her new partner Ross and his son Joel.

Speaking of Vicki's return, executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “We’re delighted to have the very talented Alice, Alex and Max with us. Vicky is back under the most tragic of circumstances, representing her distraught mum Michelle, and she’s changed a lot since we last saw her. We’re excited to let viewers get reacquainted with Vicky and to introduce Ross and Joel to the Square. It won’t be long before Vicki and this new branch of the Fowler family are making waves in Walford.”

On taking on the role of Vicki, Alice Haig said: "I am so excited. I have always watched the show, and I was born in February 1985, so I’m the same age as EastEnders! It’s so cool to be playing a character like Vicki - we think we know her, but a lot has changed. I can’t wait for all the Albert Square drama ahead."

Rebecca "Bex" Fowler (Jasmine Armfield)

When is Bex Fowler returning? Spring 2024.

Actress Jasmine Armfield is to reprise her role as Bex Fowler for a short stint to coincide with the funeral of on-screen dad Martin Fowler.

Bex was last seen in Walford in 2020 when the character left to go travelling but now returns to some big changes: her dad is dead, her mum Sonia was locked up for months as a suspected murderer, and she now has a baby half-sister named Julia.

Speaking of Bex's return, EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: "We're delighted to welcome Jasmine home to EastEnders as part of Martin’s farewell. There's no way that Bex would miss her dad’s funeral, and Sonia needs her eldest daughter more than ever.

"It's been five years in which Bex has gone out into the world, so she’ll come back with renewed wisdom and experience."

Bex was last seen in Walford five years ago when she decided to leave the Square in need of a fresh start and headed off to travel the world.

On her return as Bex Fowler, Jasmine Armfield added: "It's wonderful to be back at EastEnders and to see so many familiar faces. It's amazing for me to come home, but for Bex, it's an absolutely devastating time because she's lost her dad.

"She's grown up a lot, having spent the past few years travelling, so we’re going to see a much more mature and grown-up version of Bex this time around."

Who could return?

Shirley Carter (Linda Henry)

When is Shirley Carter returning to EastEnders? TBC.

EastEnders fan-favourite Shirley Carter made a surprise departure from Walford just after Christmas in 2022 following the apparent death of her son Mick Carter.

Deciding that there was nothing left for her in Walford, Shirley walked out of the Square with Lady Di the dog to stay with daughter Carly Wicks and her family, having said goodbye to friends Jean Slater and Denise Fox.

We then heard of Shirley in February 2023 when we learned that she had also reunited with her previously estranged son Dean Wicks off-screen, the man who had raped Mick's true love, Linda Carter.

When Dean made his horrific return on Halloween, he claimed that Shirley had experienced a mental breakdown and had been institutionalised and after Linda wasn't in contact with her, changed her number and wanted nothing to do with her.

Linda was distrustful of Dean's claims but was unable to get through to Shirley, meaning her fate remains mysterious.

Actress Linda Henry is taking an extended break from the show and has been off our screens for over two years. Since then, Shirley's son Dean finally admitted that he raped Linda Carter back in 2014 and has now been sentenced to nine years in prison.

However, the BBC confirmed to RadioTimes.com at the time of her exit that Shirley had not left the soap for good and would return.

Chris Clenshaw also told us in Autumn 2023: "So, Linda Henry is currently taking a break from the show.

"But you know, when she walked off with Lady Di last year, in the wake of Mick’s disappearance, it won't have been the last you see of her. I can say that for sure."

Will we ever see Shirley Carter again?

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2025?

The following character departed EastEnders in 2025.

• Nish Panesar
• Julie Bates (guest, voice cameo)
• Mr Lister (guest)
• Councillor Donald Barker (guest)
• Garry Hobbs (guest)
• Minty Peterson (guest)
• Peggy Mitchell (guest)
• Eric Mitchell (guest)
• Angie Watts (guest, cameo)
• Reiss Colwell
• Martin Fowler
• Grant Mitchell (guest)
• Brenda Collins (guest)

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2024?

The following characters have departed EastEnders in 2024.

• Ashton (Guest)
• Harold Martin (Guest)
• Sam Mitchell
• Keanu Taylor (Guest, hallucination)
• Lucas Johnson (Guest)
• Ben Mitchell
• Gloria Knight (Guest)
• Eddie Knight (Guest)
• Keeley Wainwright (Guest)
• Britney Wainwright
• Dolly Dean-Hudson
• Whitney Dean
• Monique Knight (Guest)
• Xavier Knight (Guest)
• Karen Taylor (Guest)
• Stevie Mitchell
• Debbie Colwell (Guest)
• Ayesha Siddhu (Guest)
• Dean Wicks
• Chrissie Watts (Guest)
• Jake Moon (Guest)
• Jane Beale (Guest)
• Bobby Beale
• Pastor Gideon Clayton
• Lola Pearce-Brown (Guest)
• Joe Wicks (Guest)
• Holly (Guest)
• David Wicks (Guest)
• Micky Miller (Guest)
• Nancy Carter (Guest, fantasy)
• Lee Carter (Guest, fantasy)

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2023?

The following characters have departed EastEnders in 2023.

• DCI Samantha Keeble (Guest)
• Ricky Butcher (Guest)
• Scarlett Butcher
• Edward "Jed" Chadwick (Guest)
• Ryan Malloy (Guest)
• Dr Ash Kaur
• Vi Highway
• Shifty Shiv (Guest)
• Roxy Mitchell (Guest)
• Duncan Boyd (Guest)
• Lola Pearce-Brown
• Lauren Branning (Guest)
• Louie Beale (Guest)
• Finlay Baker
• Jo Cotton (Guest)
• Peggy Taylor (Guest)
• Lisa Fowler (Guest)
• Arthur "Fatboy" Chubb (Guest)
• Graham Foster (Guest)
• Dorian Gates (Guest)
• Nadine Keller (Guest)
• Theo Hawthorne
• Karen Taylor
• Mitch Baker
• Bailey Baker
• Mia Atkins
• Mackenzie Atkins
• Keanu Taylor
• Tom "Rocky" Cotton

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2022?

The following characters departed EastEnders in 2022.

• Iqra Ahmed
• Mila Marwa
• Kioni Marwa
• Gray Atkins
• Keegan Baker
• Tiffany Butcher
• Isaac Baptiste
• Aaron Monroe
• Nancy Carter
• Avery Baker
• Rainie Highway
• Roland Highway
• Stuart Highway
• Dana Monroe
• Frankie Lewis
• Dr Nina Gupta
• Kheerat Panesar
• Lofty Holloway (Guest)
• Mary Smith (Guest)
• Disa O'Brien (Guest)
• Ian Beale (Guest)
• Colin Russell (Guest)
• Barry Clark (Guest)
• Kirsty "Dotty" Cotton
• Jada Lennox
• Alyssa Lennox
• Mick Carter
• Janine Carter
• Shirley Carter

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.

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