EastEnders 2026 Cast Shakeup: Major Returns, Departures, and New Arrivals Revealed

Published February 17, 2026 9:35am | Updated February 17, 2026 9:35am

The year 2025 witnessed significant cast changes in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders, with even more dramatic comings and goings scheduled for 2026. Last year saw the highly anticipated returns of Zoe Slater, portrayed by Michelle Ryan, and Max Branning, played by Jake Wood, to the iconic Albert Square. These returns followed other high-profile comebacks, including Grant Mitchell, brought back by Ross Kemp, and a surprising cameo from Anita Dobson as original Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts.

The Christmas season featured memorable appearances from departed legends such as Pat and Barry Evans, played by Pam St Clement and Shaun Williamson, Debbie Bates, portrayed by Nicola Duffett, and Chrissie Watts, acted by Tracy-Ann Oberman. The year 2026 has already introduced another return for Chrissie and Jake Moon, played by Joel Beckett, with Grant Mitchell set to stage a further comeback for an extended storyline.

Audiences bid farewell to several beloved characters last year, including Felix Baker, Bernie Taylor, Junior Knight, Freddie Slater, Anna Knight, and Anthony Trueman. This year will see the departures of Sam Mitchell, played by Kim Medcalf, and presumably Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley. With constant fluctuations in Walford, here is a comprehensive overview of who is returning, leaving, and arriving in EastEnders throughout 2026.

EastEnders Cast Arrivals

Jasmine's Twin Brother

Jasmine Fisher's twin brother, portrayed by Joshua Vaughan, is reported to arrive in Walford this year, igniting an incredibly steamy love triangle alongside his long-lost sister and her boyfriend, Oscar Branning. A source revealed to The Sun that this storyline will be one of the hottest love triangles the soap world has ever seen, with undeniable chemistry between the twins that neither can ignore.

When is Jasmine's brother arriving in EastEnders? Currently unknown.

EastEnders Cast Returns

Grant Mitchell

Ross Kemp is set to make another return as Grant Mitchell this year for an extended stint. Kemp expressed his delight at stepping back into Grant's shoes, highlighting the opportunity to explore Grant's attempts to reconnect with his son, Mark, who is deeply involved with a shadowy drug cartel. The storyline will also address Nigel's ongoing dementia narrative, which holds personal significance for Kemp due to a close family connection in real life.

When is Grant Mitchell returning to EastEnders? 2026.

Anthony Trueman

Despite his gruesome Christmas Day death, Anthony Trueman will return to EastEnders imminently, brought back by his grieving father, Patrick Trueman. This resurrection involves Patrick using A.I. to cope with his grief, eventually becoming reliant on the technology. The plot will explore the effects of this reliance on the legendary character as his dependence on the software intensifies.

When is Anthony Trueman returning to EastEnders? Currently unknown.

Stacey Slater

Stacey Slater left Walford for a new life in Brazil after realizing she could never escape the ghost of her ex-husband and true love, Martin Fowler, while remaining in Albert Square. Actress Lacey Turner reassured viewers that Stacey would definitely return, stating in a behind-the-scenes video shared on EastEnders' official YouTube channel that she won't be gone for long.

When is Stacey Slater returning to EastEnders? Currently unknown.

EastEnders Cast Departures

Chrissie Watts

Chrissie Watts returned to Albert Square driven by a thirst for revenge, masterminding a plot against former frenemy Zoe alongside Jasmine. After disappearing quickly, she was lured back to Walford by long-time love Jake, who worked with Kat to solve the mystery behind Anthony Trueman's death. With Jasmine unmasked as the true killer, Chrissie and Jake are set to leave once again, though it remains unclear whether they will depart together or apart.

When is Chrissie Watts leaving EastEnders? February 2026.

Jake Moon

Jake Moon staged his second return this year to determine if Chrissie was involved in Anthony's death. After visiting Zoe and deciding to rid himself of Chrissie forever, he was tracked down to his canal boat by Kat and lured back to Walford for a reunion with his cousin, Alfie Moon. Upon proving Chrissie's innocence, the two are set to depart again.

When is Jake Moon leaving EastEnders? February 2026.

Sam Mitchell

The return of Sam Mitchell will be brief, as she is set to leave upon the conclusion of her cancer storyline. Fans can look forward to seeing scheming Sam reunite with frenemy Zoe Slater after 20 years apart, while her family and loved ones surround 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

Nigel Bates made an unexpected comeback in December, 26 years after his last appearance, surprising 90s EastEnders fans. Since his return, he has supported old school friend Phil Mitchell through his mental health crisis while dealing with his own diagnosis of young-onset dementia. Actor Paul Bradley is only back temporarily, though the duration of his stint remains unknown.

When is Nigel Bates leaving EastEnders? Currently unknown.