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

Following a dramatic year last year, we have finally entered EastEnders' 40th year in 2025, where there will be a host of new arrivals, returns and departures on the way.

Last year saw some huge changes for EastEnders, including the departure of Whitney Dean after 15 years in the summer and the arrival of new matriarch Nicola Mitchell in November.

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 Beale
• Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts
• Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale
• Alice Haig as Vicki Fowler
• Michelle Collins as Cindy Beale
• Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell
• Paul Bradley as Nigel Bates
• Thomas Law as Peter Beale
• Karen Henthorn as Julie Bates
• Perry Fenwick as Billy Mitchell
• Laila Morse as Mo Harris
• Jessie Wallace as Kat Moon
• Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater
• Nicholas Bailey as Dr. Anthony Trueman
• Rudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman
• Shane Ritchie as Alfie Moon
• Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman
• 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
• Grace as Janet Mitchell
• Jake Wood as Max Branning
• Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Beale
• Scott Maslen as Jack Branning
• Freddie Phillips as Will Mitchell
• Pierre Counihan-Moullier as Oscar Branning
• Kitty Castledine as Penny Branning
• 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
• Michael Jose Pomares Calixte as Raymond Fox
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Alex Walkinshaw as Ross Marshall
• Max Murray as Joel Marshall
• Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness as Jasmine Fisher

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

DEPARTING

Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier)

When is Freddie Slater leaving? December 2025.

Actor Bobby Brazier has quit his role as Freddie Slater after three years on the soap.

Brazier's departure was first reported in The Sun, with an EastEnders spokesperson confirming the news.

They told the publication: "We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future."

Since he started on the soap, Brazier's storylines have included Freddie's ADHD diagnosis, an upsetting reunion with his biological father Graham Foster, and almost killing Stacey's stalker Theo Hawthorne, when defending his cousin.

In recent episodes, Freddie has romantically reunited with Anna Knight and offered to go travelling with her.

However, will Freddie's 'nan' Jean accept the news?

Anna Knight (Molly Rainford)

When is Anna Knight leaving? December 2025.

Anna Knight is set to become the first member of the Knight clan to depart Walford after their debut in 2023.

The BBC One soap has confirmed that Molly Rainford will be leaving the role of Anna as the character leaves Walford to travel the world.

“We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future,” the BBC told RadioTimes.com in a statement.

Anna has been revealed to be going travelling and has since asked Freddie to join her on her travels.

Will Anna and Freddie get a happy ending? And where will this leave Gina?

Joel Marshall (Max Murray)

When is Joel Marshall leaving? TBC.

It has been reported that the misogyny storyline has reached its climax concerning troubled teen Joel Marshall (Max Murray).

The character is currently in police custody following his attack on Vicki Fowler and furiously rejecting his father, Ross.

It would seem punishment awaits Joel, and his time on the show will apparently come to a close.

According to Metro, Max Murray will leave the Square as his character Joel's misogyny storyline reaches a head.

A spokesperson for EastEnders declined to comment when approached by RadioTimes.com.

A source told the publication that Murray will depart from the soap after a storyline that will "leave viewers on the edge of their seats".

Who is joining EastEnders?

At present, no new cast members have been confirmed or reported for EastEnders.

RETURNING

Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf)

When might Sam Mitchell be returning? December 2025.

Kim Medcalf has been confirmed to be reprising the role of Sam Mitchell for a short stint this festive season.

Last seen in January 2024, Sam will return with more trouble for Walford residents after burning bridges with brother Phil last year.

However, this time Sam comes face to face with an old murder accomplice, Zoe Slater. Will they get on, or does Sam want revenge for Zoe never suffering prison like she did?

Speaking on her return, Medcalf said: “It’s such a joy to be asked to come back to EastEnders, especially as it’s the festive period and you know there will always be plenty of fireworks.

"I love the character of Sam, she always causes drama wherever she goes, but she also has that vulnerable side too, which is great to play.

"It’s also lovely being back on set with the fantastic cast and to see old friends and new faces.”

Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: “I’m delighted to welcome Kim Medcalf back to EastEnders for a short stint later this year.

"It’s no secret that wherever Sam Mitchell goes, drama inevitably follows, and with ex-accomplice Zoe Slater back in the Square, only time will tell if there is space for forgiveness between the pair, or whether battle lines will be drawn.”

We know actress Michelle Ryan was keen - and so are we!

Pat Evans (Pam St. Clement)

When is Pat Evans returning? December 2025.

Walford icon Pat Evans will be making another posthumous appearance this Christmas in a special episode depicting Nigel Bates's dementia symptoms worsening and being transported back to the 1990s.

Pam St. Clement reprises the role she originated in 1986 and played until Pat's death from cancer in 2012. She later returned for a ghostly appearance around best pal Peggy Mitchell's final episode in 2016.

Speaking on her return, St Clement said: "I was both surprised and excited to be asked back to tread the streets of Walford once again and to be involved in Nigel’s touching dementia storyline.

"It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home."

Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: "It’s an honour and a privilege to welcome Pam St Clement back to EastEnders for a special episode in Nigel’s ongoing dementia storyline.

"Pat Evans is one of the most cherished and iconic characters to have graced the streets of Walford, and I know I speak on behalf of everyone when I say what a delight it was to see Pat and Pam back in The Queen Vic as she helps Nigel in his time of need."

Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson)

When is Barry Evans returning? December 2025.

Pat won't be alone when she returns either - as her late stepson Barry Evans will also be back for the Nigel episode, once again played by Shaun Williamson.

Barry first appeared in Walford in 1994 as the son of Pat's love interest and future husband, Roy Evans (the late Tony Caunter), going on to be a staple in Walford for the next decade until he was killed by scheming newlywed bride Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) in 2004. Barry was survived by his son, Jack, and his first wife, Natalie Price (Lucy Speed).

Executive producer Ben Wadey said of Williamson's return: "I’m delighted to welcome Shaun Williamson back to EastEnders for Nigel’s special episode.

"Barry Evans was renowned for being one of Walford’s unluckiest residents, most notably for his choice of shoes, and so it was a privilege to welcome him back alongside Pat for these special scenes in The Vic."

WHO MAY BE RETURNING?

Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner)

When is Stacey Slater returning? TBC.

Lacey Turner went on an extended break from the show recently, with Stacey departing for a new life in Brazil with her brother Sean Slater and her two youngest children.

However, Turner has affirmed that she will return to the soap in the future, but no firm return date has been set.

So, expect to be without Stacey for a while yet!

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)
• Gaz (guest)
• Andy (guest)
• Ruby Allen
• Roman Allen
• Tom "Rocky" Cotton (guest)
• Terry Cant (guest)
• Bex Fowler (guest)
• Julia Fowler
• Bianca Jackson
• Sonia Fowler
• Felix Baker
• Bernadette Taylor
• Jay Brown
• Jonno Highway (Guest)
• Hope Fowler
• Arthur Fowler, Jr.
• Stacey Slater
• Stuart Highway (Guest)
• Ben Mitchell (Guest)
• Norma Unwin (Guest)
• Tobias "Okie" Okyere
• Junior Knight

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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