EastEnders has seen a wave of cast changes in 2026, with returns, new arrivals, and emotional departures. Among the highlights: Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) is set for a short return, the Hawkins family will arrive later in the summer, and Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) will depart permanently. Here's the full rundown of who's coming, going, and returning to Albert Square.
Returns: Janine Butcher and Stacey Slater
Janine Butcher, played by Charlie Brooks, is returning for a brief stint, according to The Sun. A source teased: 'Janine's appearance is going to blow the roof off Albert Square.' The insider added: 'The bosses have several huge stories planned for this autumn, which will all start building towards Christmas. Although Charlie is only reprising her role as Janine for a couple of episodes this time around, her involvement is bound to cause plenty of drama.' The exact return date is not yet known.
Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) left Walford for Brazil after realising she'd never escape the ghost of ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye). However, in a behind-the-scenes video on EastEnders' official YouTube channel, Lacey reassured fans: 'I am coming back, I won't be long.' Her return date is also unconfirmed.
New Arrivals: The Hawkins Family and the Larsons
The Hawkins family, related to Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), will arrive later in the summer. Gemma Hawkins (Patricia Potter) is Nicola's never-seen sister. Potter said: 'I am so delighted to be joining this iconic show as part of a new family. What a joy and a privilege to be working with such talented actors and wonderful people. I couldn't be more excited and grateful!' Her husband Ned Hawkins will be played by Jamie Bamber, who recalled: 'When 12-year-old me rushed home from school in 1985 to catch the very first episode of EastEnders, I could never have dreamed that one day I'd be walking onto the iconic Albert Square as a character myself.' Their son Ryder is played by Felix Uff, who said: 'EastEnders is a staple of British culture and it's a real privilege to join the cast. I can't wait for everyone to see the Hawkins family shaking things up!' Rose Hawkins, the mother of Nicola, Gemma, and Jodie, will be played by Marian McLoughlin, who said: 'I feel so lucky to be joining such a brilliant cast and I can't wait for the viewers to meet the Hawkins family. Now in my 70s, this is an opportunity I never expected, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a cherished drama.' Jodie Hawkins, the baby sister, is played by Anna Constable, who said: 'Growing up watching EastEnders I never thought a disabled actress like me could ever land a role like this. But here I am loud and proud and taking no prisoners in mine or Jodie's wake.'
Denise Fox's (Diane Parish) half-brother Darnell Larson Jr and his daughter Grace will arrive at the end of August. Darnell is played by Christopher Colquhon, who said: 'I am thrilled to be finally moving to Walford after all these years, and the welcome I've received has been phenomenal. Hearing I'd got the role was an absolute doof doof moment for me… hopefully there'll be plenty more of those to come!' Grace is played by Krysstina Frempong, who said: 'I am extremely excited to be joining EastEnders! I have watched the show for as long as I can remember and have such vivid memories of gathering around the TV with my family, especially at Christmas, to watch all the drama unfolding on the Square, so it feels pretty surreal to now be a part of the action! I'm really looking forward to working with, and learning from my new colleagues, whom I've long admired, and hope audiences enjoy getting to know Grace and all the complexities she'll bring to their screens!'
Departures: Kat, Alfie, Zoe, Linda, and Ravi
Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) will take a short break to play Captain Hook in the New Wimbledon Theatre's panto production of Peter Pan. A source told The Sun: 'Jessie will be taking a short break from the soap to appear in panto. Bosses agreed to the short break because it's over Christmas and won't hugely affect filming. It's a huge bonus for Jessie. She's one of the show's biggest names and can command huge fees for panto appearances.' Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) will also take a break for panto, joining the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion theatre in Southend-on-Sea.
Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) will depart permanently later this year. A BBC spokesperson told Metro: 'We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future.' An insider added: 'Michelle's exit marks the end of a storyline that has been in the works for some time. With such an iconic character, Zoe's exit is never going to be without drama, but bosses are keeping tight-lipped about how she leaves the Square, but as always with the Slaters, it's not going to be quiet.'
Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) will leave her role this year. Bright said: 'EastEnders has been my home for thirteen years and I have absolutely loved being part of the show, but I have decided that it is now the right time for me to say goodbye. I made the tough decision over a year ago, and after discussing this with Kate Oates and Ben Wadey, they asked me to stay on to be part of an exciting storyline they had planned, and I happily agreed to extend my stay. I will miss my friends and colleagues hugely, but I am looking forward to my next chapter and spending more time with my wonderful boys.'
Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) is reportedly set to leave after four years. A source told The Sun: 'Aaron has been at the centre of some of the soap's biggest storylines since his arrival as bad-boy Ravi back in 2022. He's an incredibly popular member of the cast and the fans love him. He's decided to focus on new projects, but will stay on set until the end of the year to see out some juicy storylines his character has in store.'
Current Cast List
The regular cast includes Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale, Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts, Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale, Jessie Wallace as Kat Slater, Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater, Shane Richie as Alfie Moon, Kellie Bright as Linda Carter, Aaron Thiara as Ravi Gulati, and many more. Recurring cast members include Jane Slaughter as Tracey, Ulric Browne as Winston, and others.
As 2026 progresses, more cast changes are expected, with storylines building towards Christmas. Fans will be watching to see how these returns, arrivals, and departures shape the Square.
