EastEnders 2026 Cast Shake-Up: Returns, Exits and New Faces Revealed

Published January 24, 2026 11:00am

Following a year of significant cast changes in 2025, EastEnders is preparing for even more dramatic comings and goings throughout 2026. Last year witnessed the highly anticipated return of Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan, to Walford, alongside other high-profile comebacks including Grant Mitchell and a surprise cameo from Anita Dobson as original Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts.

The festive season brought nostalgic appearances from departed legends including Pat and Barry Evans, portrayed by Pam St Clement and Shaun Williamson, and Debbie Bates played by Nicola Duffett. However, 2025 also saw emotional farewells to several beloved Albert Square residents including Felix Baker, Bernie Taylor, Junior Knight, Freddie Slater, Anna Knight and Anthony Trueman.

Here's everything we currently know about who is returning, leaving and arriving in EastEnders throughout the coming year.

EastEnders Cast Returns

Mark Fowler Jnr

First appearing as the mysterious 'man' in the New Year's Day flashforward episode, viewers have recently discovered that this new face is actually a recast Mark Fowler Jnr, now portrayed by Stephen Aaron-Sipple. An EastEnders source revealed: 'He seemed to be a chip off the old Mitchell block back then, and still seems to be taking after his dad 10 years later as it transpires he's hiding a massive secret that could spell serious trouble for his relatives!'

The source continued: 'He's clearly in trouble but assures Vicki he's there to support her through Joel's trial. However, it turns out there's more to the story as he later confides in Phil what's really going on...' This promises to be a particularly juicy storyline for fans.

When is Mark Jnr returning to EastEnders? Late January 2026.

Stacey Slater

Stacey left Walford for a new life in Brazil after realising she could never escape the ghost of her ex-husband and true love, Martin Fowler, while remaining in Albert Square. Although her departure broke hearts across the nation, actress Lacey Turner was quick to reassure viewers that they wouldn't have to miss her for too long.

In a behind-the-scenes video shared to EastEnders' official YouTube channel, Lacey confirmed: 'I am coming back, I won't be long.' While exact details remain under wraps, fans can expect Stacey's return to bring significant drama back to the Square.

When is Stacey Slater returning to EastEnders? Currently unknown.

EastEnders Cast Departures

Sam Mitchell

The return of the Mitchell Princess, Sam played by Kim Medcalf, will unfortunately be brief as she's set to leave following the conclusion of her cancer storyline. Fans have plenty to look forward to though, as they'll see scheming Sam reunite with frenemy Zoe Slater after 20 years apart.

Viewers will also witness her family and loved ones surrounding her as she faces her breast cancer diagnosis, which will see her undergo a successful lumpectomy in early 2026.

When is Sam Mitchell leaving EastEnders? Early 2026.

Nigel Bates

There was a huge surprise for 90s EastEnders fans back in December when Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley, made an unexpected comeback 26 years after his last appearance. Since his return, he has supported old school friend Phil Mitchell through his mental health crisis while also dealing with his own diagnosis of young-onset dementia.

While Nigel has been a welcome addition to the Square, actor Paul Bradley is only back temporarily, although it's not yet known how long his stint is set to last.

When is Nigel Bates leaving EastEnders? Currently unknown.

Joel Marshall

Star Max Murray is leaving his role as Joel Marshall. The 18-year-old actor is currently at the centre of a storyline that draws comparisons to Netflix's Adolescence. Following months of misogynistic behaviour, Joel recently lashed out and brutally attacked his dad Ross's girlfriend Vicki Fowler.

The episode was followed by a special BBC Three documentary that explored the worrying 'Manosphere' and the influence that figures such as Andrew Tate are having on teenage boys. As with all soap villains, the end of the road and their comeuppance has to come eventually, but that doesn't mean the story can't be revisited in the future.

A source exclusively told Metro: 'Max is leaving EastEnders following an incredible year. There's still lots to come in the weeks ahead that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Following his spellbinding performance, there's no doubt that producers will be keen to snap him up – and Max is already on the lookout for his next role.'

When is Joel Marshall leaving EastEnders? Early 2026.

Who is in the EastEnders 2026 Cast?

The present cast of EastEnders is made up of:

Regular cast

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
Kim Medcalf as Sam Mitchell
Paul Bradley as Nigel Bates
Thomas Law as Peter Beale
Karen Henthorne as Julie Bates
Perry Fenwick as Billy Mitchell
Jessie Wallace as Kat Slater
Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater
Laila Morse as Mo Slater
Rudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman
Shane Richie as Alfie Moon
Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman
Gillian Wright as Jean Slater
Emma Barton as Honey Mitchell
Zaraah Abrahams as Chelsea Fox
Diane Parish as Denise Fox
Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning
Scott Maslen as Jack Branning
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
Sonny Kendall as Tommy Moon
Kellie Bright as Linda Carter
Charlie Suff as Johnny Carter
Harriet Thorpe as Elaine Peacock
Tony Clay as Callum Highway
Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar
Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar
James Farrar as Zack Hudson
Ross Boatman as Harvey Monroe
Delroy Atkinson as Howie Danes
Heather Peace as Eve 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
Sophie Khan Levy as Priya Nandra-Hart
Aaliyah James as Avani Nandra-Hart
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

Recurring cast

Grace as Janet Mitchell
Freddie Phillips as Will Mitchell
Frankie Day as Ricky Branning
Isabella Brown as Lexi Pierce
Elliot and Cody Briffett as Bert and Ernie Moon
Arayah Harris-Buckle as Pearl Fox
Jake McNally as Louie Beale
Harry Farr as Ollie Carter
Rocco Brenner as Arthur Fowler
Michael Jose Pomares Calixte as Raymond Dawkins
Isabelle Smith as Hope Fowler
Maylo Miller as Mica Fox
Arthur Gentleman as Albie Watts
Jane Slaughter as Tracey
Ulric Browne as Winston
Liz Sweet as Marie Evans
Ben Champniss as Shrimpy
Ronni Ancona as Bea Pollard

This article was first published on November 3, 2024. With so many changes ahead, 2026 promises to be another dramatic year for EastEnders fans as Albert Square continues to evolve with new storylines, returning favourites and emotional farewells.