Announcing the news in July, Michael commented: “I feel honoured to be asked to reprise the role of David Wicks once again. It may only be a
brief visit, but we know from his past that David never fails to create a lot of drama in a very short time.”
EastEnders‘ executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: “David Wicks is undoubtedly one of EastEnders’ most beloved rogues, and we are
thrilled to welcome the talented Michael French back to the legendary role as we lead up to the show’s 40th anniversary.
“David’s character was never shy of drama during his previous stints, and I can assure you this return will be no different.”
Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton)
Status: Returning
When: 2024
More info: Louisa Lytton is back filming at EastEnders for a new extended stint as Ruby Allen.
Louisa recently commented: “I am thrilled to have been asked back to the Square to revisit Ruby once more, and to shed some light on what the past three years have been like for her during her time away from Walford. I’ve always loved playing Ruby as there is never a dull moment and I cannot wait for everyone to see what Ruby has in store.”
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Show boss Chris Clenshaw added: “I’m delighted to welcome Louisa Lytton back to the role of Ruby Allen. Ruby’s departure from Walford left many unanswered questions for Martin and Stacey, and her return is sure to unearth a whole heap of drama for her character and all those involved.”
Coronation Street
Joel Deering (Calum Lill)
Status: Leaving
When: Autumn 2024
More info: Joel’s sinister storyline is nearing its end, as Calum Lill – who plays him – recently confirmed that he’d be leaving Coronation Street once the saga was over.
Subsequent spoilers have revealed that Joel is feared dead next week when DS Swain and Kit Green make some unsettling discoveries over his fate.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Denny Foreman (Danny Cunningham)
Status: Returning
When: September 2024
More info: Paul Foreman’s troublesome father Denny is making a return appearance for his son’s funeral next week.
Billy is surprised to see Denny and warns him to keep a low profile at the service, not wanting any drama to overshadow the day. Can Denny resist the temptation to cause trouble?
Stu Carpenter (Bill Fellows)
Status: Leaving
When: Autumn 2024
More info: Stu Carpenter leaves the cobbles this autumn, as actor Bill Fellows has decided to pursue other acting roles.
The news leaked out in August this year and Bill later confirmed the reports on Instagram by sharing a peek at his leaving gift from the Corrie team.
Sabrina Adetiba (Luana Santos)
Status: Leaving
When: Autumn 2024
More info: Sabrina is also leaving Coronation Street, so it seems that her relationship with Max Turner may be nearing an end.
Luana Santos, who played Sabrina, confirmed the news on Instagram by announcing that she’d filmed her final scenes and would be heading to drama school.
Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson)
Last seen on the show in 2010, children’s entertainer Jesse Chadwick is returning to Coronation Street to play a key role in Gail Rodwell’s exit storyline.
Jesse has been tipped to sweep Gail off her feet in upcoming scenes, with John Thomson drafted in at the last minute after Martin Platt’s planned on-screen comeback was scrapped.
Damon Hay (Ciarán Griffiths)
Status: Returning
When: Autumn 2024
More info: Damon Hay’s latest return storyline begins next week, as Adam Barlow discovers that the bad boy is trying to make contact with Sarah from jail.
Ciarán Griffiths was spotted back on set at the ITV soap in August to film some new episodes.
Gail Rodwell (Helen Worth)
Status: Leaving
When: Late 2024
More info: Coronation Street loses one of its most recognisable and popular characters later this year as Gail Rodwell waves goodbye.
Helen Worth has decided to bow out from the role after 50 years as Gail.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Speaking earlier this year, Helen commented: “This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world.
“I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.
“I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew.
“The past 50 years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.”
Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon)
Status: Taking a break
When: TBC
More info: Bethany is disappearing from our screens within the next few months, as Lucy Fallon – who plays her – is pregnant. Lucy has confirmed that she’ll be taking a break but intends to return following her maternity leave.
Writing on Instagram recently, Lucy said: “Lots of Corrie related q’s – I won’t be away for toooo long and I am returning after I pop the baby out.”
Emmerdale
Ross Barton (Michael Parr)
Status: Returning
When: Autumn 2024
More info: Bad boy Ross Barton returns to the village later this year, reigniting some old feuds and (of course) starting some new ones too.
Michael Parr, who’s reprising the role following six years away, commented: “I’m over the moon to be returning to Emmerdale. Ross is a character I’m extremely fond of and I’m excited to explore what he’s been up to over the past five years.
“After seeing the scripts, I can’t wait for the audience to see what’s in store. One thing I can say is Ross’s return will no doubt create fireworks.”
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: “We are delighted to have Michael back at Team Emmerdale, playing the unforgettable and charismatic bad boy Ross Barton once again. Ross makes a huge impact from the first moment he arrives back on screen, immediately throwing some of our villagers’ lives into disarray.
“Chaotic, wild and reckless, Ross is absolutely going to shake up the village and prove it’s never quiet with a Barton boy back in town.”
Hollyoaks
Ethan Williams (Matthew James-Bailey)
Status: Leaving
When: 2024
More info: Ethan Williams is leaving Hollyoaks later this year as part of the Channel 4 soap’s ongoing cast reduction. Popular cast member Matthew James-Bailey has played the role for three years.
Fans were surprised when Ethan survived the one-year time jump recently, but it’s thought that we’re currently seeing the build-up to his exit.
Goldie McQueen (Chelsee Healey)
Status: Returning
When: TBC
More info: Goldie McQueen was temporarily written out due to Chelsee Healey’s real-life maternity leave at the start of the year.
After speculation over the character’s future, Malique Thompson-Dwyer – who plays Goldie’s son Prince – recently confirmed in interviews that she’d be coming back to the Channel 4 soap.
Neighbours
Nell Rebecchi (Ayisha Salem-Towner)
Status: Returning
When: October 21
More info: While Nell has moved away to Colac with her dad Toadie and brother Hugo, spoiler pictures have been released showing her back on screen for a visit in October.
Nell catches up with her boyfriend JJ and stepmum Terese after her first month away.
Yasmine Shields (Chrishell Stause)
Status: Joining for a guest stint
When: TBC
More info: Selling Sunset favourite Chrishell Stause is heading to Ramsay Street for an extended guest stint as glamorous and successful businesswoman Yasmine Shields.
Chrishell started filming her episodes in July this year.
She commented: “I am honoured and excited to join such a beloved and iconic show. Coming from the world of soaps in the US, it’s back to my first love in the entertainment industry. They pitched me an idea for a character, and I was immediately excited to figure out a way to make it happen. Ramsay Street here I come!”
Neighbours‘ executive producer Jason Herbison added: “We are thrilled to welcome Chrishell to the cast of Neighbours. We created a character especially for her and we can’t wait for her to bring the storyline alive. Expect intrigue and surprises – and many implications for the residents of Ramsay Street.”
Home and Away
Felicity Newman (Jacqui Purvis)
Status: Leaving
When: September 2024
More info: Felicity’s time in Summer Bay comes to a tragic end on UK screens this month after she collapses due to a brain aneurysm during Cash and Eden’s engagement party.
When doctors confirm that nothing can be done to save Felicity, Cash agrees to have the life support machines turned off.
Jacqui Purvis has confirmed that it was her choice to leave the role of Felicity as she wants to pursue new career opportunities in the US.
Gary Morrow (Peter Phelps)
Status: Returning for a guest stint
When: October 2024
More info: Felicity and Cash’s foster dad Gary makes a brief visit back to Summer Bay on UK screens in October.
Gary returns as the local community grieves for Felicity following her tragic death.
Claudia Salini (Rachael Carpani)
Status: Joining for a guest stint
When: October 2024
More info: New character Claudia arrives on UK screens in October. She’s introduced as a tricky customer at the garage, who seeks recompense after a mistake with her car repair leaves her injured.
Former McLeod’s Daughters star Rachael Carpani has taken on the role of Claudia.
Carl Hayes (Matthew Holmes)
Status: Joining for a guest stint
When: October 2024
More info: Carl is the abusive father of show newcomer Perri Hayes, who arrives in Summer Bay on UK screens in October.
Carl tries to drag Perri back into criminal activity, sparking tensions with Tane Parata.
Michelle Bowden (Mercy Cornwall)
Status: Joining for a guest stint
When: November 2024
More info: Michelle is one of the recipients of Felicity’s organs following her tragic death.
She arrives in Summer Bay after Cash breaks the rules to track her down. Michelle also shares some scenes with Felicity’s best friend Eden
