It’s been another busy week for casting news, with two exits confirmed and exciting news dropping over a familiar face heading back to Soapland.

Elsewhere, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks are all gearing up to air big weeks from next Monday – brace yourselves for some major drama…

1. Coronation Street exit for Billy Mayhew

Coronation Street confirmed the next big cast departure news this week, announcing that Daniel Brocklebank will be leaving his role as Billy Mayhew.

Billy will bow out as part of a huge new storyline in 2026, but the exact details of this are being kept under wraps for now.

“Billy will be involved in a major storyline over the coming months, which will see him tested in ways he never imagined, as friendships and his faith are pushed to the limit,” producer Kate Brooks said.

Daniel has played the role of Billy for 11 years.

2. Casualty star joins the cobbles

Coronation Street bosses have cast former Casualty actor Richard Winsor as part of Theo Silverton and Todd Grimshaw’s ongoing storyline.

Richard will play newcomer Noah, who makes his first appearance on the cobbles next week.

When Noah is introduced as a friend of Billy’s, Theo recognises him as someone who was present when he was put through traumatic conversion therapy when he was younger.

Will anyone break the news to Billy?

Read the full story: Coronation Street casts Casualty star for Todd and Theo’s story

3. EastEnders exit for Bernie Taylor

EastEnders star Clair Norris will also be leaving the soap world in the coming months.

Show bosses have confirmed that Clair’s character Bernie Taylor is being written out of the BBC soap after eight years.

“We can confirm that Clair will be leaving EastEnders later this year and we wish her all the best for the future,” a spokesperson said.

Read the full story: EastEnders confirms dramatic exit for final member of popular family

4. Six EastEnders characters in danger

EastEnders airs an action-packed set of episodes next week as the ongoing drama surrounding Barney Mitchell’s paternity secret culminates in a shocking car crash.

Show bosses have named Harry, Zack, Honey, Billy, Nigel and Teddy as the key players involved in the stunt storyline.

Will everyone make it out alive?

Read the full story: EastEnders confirms six characters in danger in deadly double car crash

5. EastEnders return for Max Branning

EastEnders favourite Jake Wood is expected to reprise his role as Max Branning later this year.

The news dropped just days after EastEnders boss Kate Oates announced that a familiar face would be heading back to Albert Square soon.

Reports have also suggested that Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell, will be returning for a guest stint later this year.

Read the full story: EastEnders favourite Max Branning tipped for shocking return after four years away

6. All change at The Vic in EastEnders?

Eagle-eyed fans caught a glimpse of a major plot spoiler on EastEnders‘ social media this week.

A TikTok posted by the soap showed a For Sale sign on the Queen Vic, which seems to suggest that the Knight family could be on their way out of the iconic pub after just two years in charge.

Speculation is rife over who could take over, which Max Branning even among the list of possibilities following the big news that he’s coming back.

 

7. Emmerdale’s nightmare wedding for John

Emmerdale airs a big headline-grabbing storyline next week as John and Aaron’s wedding threatens to descend into chaos.

The big day plays out across the course of five episodes, as John’s various secrets and lies threaten to overshadow the occasion.

Interspersed with scenes from reality, we’ll also see John plagued by alarming nightmares showing different versions of how the day could go wrong…

 

8. Hollyoaks’ dramatic conclusion for Dillon and Frankie’s story

Hollyoaks airs an explosive trio of episodes next week, as Dillon and Frankie’s ordeal at the hands of DI Banks comes to a head.

Dillon, Frankie, Vicky and Robbie will all fight for their lives at the manor house while Banks makes a deadly plan to cover his tracks. Can they outsmart the villain?

We recently caught up with Nathaniel Dass, who plays Dillon, for an exclusive chat about the storyline.

9. Home and Away casts new character Jo

Home and Away has cast Maddison Brown as new regular character Jo, who has an “explosive backstory” and existing links to Summer Bay.

Jo arrives in town to catch up with family, but it’s far from a happy reunion.

A show announcement teased: “Will this fractured family be able to repair? Don’t miss a moment as Jo’s explosive backstory unfolds…”

Read the full story: Home and Away casts new regular Jo – with “explosive backstory” and link to Summer Bay

10. Neighbours death confirmed

Neighbours will kill off Amanda Harris in mysterious circumstances next week.

Amanda loses her life during a trip to the Dandenong Ranges, leaving her daughter Jane devastated when she hears the tragic news.

Devious doctor Darcy Tyler is clearly keeping secrets in the aftermath. Did he have something to do with it?

Read the full story: Neighbours to air a heartbreaking death – 38 years after character’s debut

11. Neighbours’ final appearance for Harold

Neighbours also airs a final cameo appearance for Harold Bishop next week.

Ian Smith bowed out as a semi-regular cast member a few weeks ago, but he filmed one last scene before leaving.

Fans can expect to see Harold reunited with Madge lookalike Agnes as she makes a move to Port Douglas.