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.
Just last week we welcomed back Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) to Walford after a 20 year absence, only for her to dart off to Barcelona three episodes later. But this isn’t the last we’ve seen of her!
This came just 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.
There’s also been two completely unexpected departures, as original characters Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) took some time away to stay with their old friend Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully).
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…
EASTENDERS CAST RETURNS
Zoe Slater
Show legend Michelle Ryan will return full time as Zoe Slater later in the year.
We were treated to a brief stint last week, when she was shown to have fallen on hard times and desperate for cash. After telling some porkies to cousin Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and stepfather Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), she fled London.
The actress is already filming scenes, meaning that her big comeback is bound to be imminent.
And we can’t wait!
When is Zoe Slater returning to EastEnders? This summer.
Oscar Branning
It was confirmed on Saturday that Oscar, the younger brother of Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), will be returning to Walford following an eight year absence.
The character, who was born on screen in 2007, is the son of Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner).
Netflix star Pierre Moullier will take on the role, as first reported by Metro in May.
Pictures showed the actor filming on location alongside his on-screen sister, plus Ian and Peter Beale legends Adam Woodyatt and Thomas Law. The group seemed to be evading an attack from three thugs brandishing a cricket bat.
When is Oscar Branning returning to EastEnders? This summer.
Max Branning
It was reported last month that love rat Max would be heading back to Albert Square after four years.
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.
He certainly has a lot to catch up on!
When are Max and Oscar Branning returning to EastEnders? Later this year.
Ben Mitchell
Ben Mitchell is set to return to Walford with actor Max Bowden reprising his role after just one year away.
It was confirmed in late 2023 that Max would be leaving the show, with his final scenes airing in March 2024.
His exit storyline saw Ben jailed shortly after he was arrested for committing fraud during a trip to the US.
The mechanic shared a final heart-to-heart with husband Callum Highway (Tony Clay) while behind bars before being extradited back to America, where he has been serving his sentence.
‘Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one,’ a source told The Sun. ‘It’s taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.’
When is Ben Mitchell returning to EastEnders? Later this year.
Lily, Arthur and Hope Fowler
The siblings are all spending some time away from the area in the wake of Martin Fowler’s death.
Arthur and Hope are currently staying with mum Stacey (Lacey Turner) and cousin Lynne (Elaine Lordan).
Lily is staying with her birth father Ryan, while actress Lillia Turner sits her exams.
When are Lily, Arthur and Hope Fowler returning to EastEnders? Currently unknown.
Jack Branning
Jack, played by Scott Maslen, announced he was going to stay with sister Suzy (Maggie O’Neill) last month.
The character had injured herself and had called upon Jack to support her.
He asked daughter Amy (Ellie Dadd) if she wanted to join him, but she refused!
When is Jack Branning returning to EastEnders? Currently unknown.
Sharon Watts
Letitia Dean is currently on a break from the BBC soap.
Sharon was grappling with the aftermath of her affair with Grant Mitchell – which had been realised by his brother Phil – when her half-sister Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) arrived from Australia.
Phil had hopes of reuniting with her, but that idea was now blown out of the water.
It explained that she had gone to stay with Jada Lennox (Kelsey Calladine-Smith) as she ‘can’t face’ the upset she felt for Martin.
As viewers of the BBC One soap will remember, Jada is the ex-partner of Sharon’s late son Denny (Bleu Landau), and mother of her granddaughter Alyssa.
Extending her break, she is now staying with old pal Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully).
When is Sharon Watts returning to EastEnders? Currently unknown.
Ian Beale
Just like Sharon, Ian made a random departure that was thrown into dialogue by other characters.
It’s said that he’s also went to Australia – alongside Sharon – to catchup with his old pal Michelle.
When is Ian Beale returning to EastEnders? Currently unknown.
Another big return!
Kate Oates, the Beeb’s Head of Continuing Drama has confirmed that another familiar face is on their way back to Walford.
They will follow in the footsteps of Bianca Jackson, David Wicks (Michael French) and Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), who have all returned – alongside many other names – over the last year.
‘If you like a return, I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed, because there’s potentially one on the cards’ she said.
‘There are some really big stories coming up and if it’s a return you’re after, then you might be interested in what’s on the horizon.’
But who could it be?
EASTENDERS CAST DEPARTURES
Stacey Slater
Stacey Slater actress Lacey Turner is currently on semi-maternity leave from the soap after welcoming her third child – a daughter called Gipsy – in January.
Lacey returned to the show’s studios at Elstree just a month after giving birth for a spectacular live episode, where she delivered a powerhouse performance during Martin’s final moments.
It was later confirmed that Lacey will bow out of the role later in 2025.
A spokesperson confirmed that the door would be left open for the much-loved Walford local to return one day: ‘We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year, but there is plenty of more drama to come beforehand and we will look forward to planning Stacey’s return when Lacey decides the time is right.’
She made a surprise return last week to coincide with Zoe’s reappearance, though has took the decision to stay away for a little while longer.
When is Stacey Slater leaving EastEnders? Later in 2025.
Freddie Slater
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.
Felix Baker
Felix Baker star Matthew James Morrison, who made history as Walford’s first ever regular drag queen Tara Misu, will exit the show after three years.
The character made his Square debut in 2022, arriving with brother Finlay (Ashley Byam) and dad Avery (Omar Lye-Fook).
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm that Matthew will be leaving EastEnders later in the year.
‘We wish him all the best for the future.’
Felix’s exit comes as new boss Ben Wadey commences his tenure as Executive Producer.
