It’s a busy time in Walford, with the big 40th Anniversary celebrations fast approaching – meaning there will be plenty of comings and goings ahead in EastEnders.
Fans have been thrilled to see a number of high-profile returns in recent months, including Chrissie Watts (Tracey-Ann Oberman), David Wicks (Michael French) and Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), whilst twisted Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) made a dramatic exit as 2025 began.
The Square is set to welcome back and say goodbye to more faces in the coming weeks.
Here’s the lowdown on who is returning, leaving and arriving in EastEnders…
EASTENDERS CAST RETURNS
Grant Mitchell
It has been confirmed that EastEnders legend Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) is set to return to Albert Square for the 40th anniversary.
With the soap promising that his return will be ‘nothing short of explosive’, Ross said: ‘I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary.
‘EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour.
‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.’
When is Grant Mitchell returning to EastEnders? In time for the 40th anniversary
Sonia Fowler
Poor Son’ (Natalie Cassidy) is currently locked up after being framed for the m.u.r.d.e.r of her fiancé Reiss Colwell’s (Jonny Freeman) comatose wife Debbie.
As we all know, it was Reiss himself who smothered her with a pillow to avoid having to cough up any further private care fees.
Since then, the residents have launched a ‘Save Our Sonia’ campaign to get the pregnant legend free – with Reiss being the biggest supporter, with guilt slowly encompassing him.
We know that actress Natalie Cassidy is taking a short break from the soap to explore other projects, including a TV show with comedian Ricky Gervais.
When is Sonia Fowler returning to EastEnders? Early 2025
Bianca Jackson
Bianca Jackson is currently being held hostage in a storage unit by Reiss, but surely she can’t stay there forever, right?
Fans are desperate to know how the soap stalwart is getting on, and with Sonia’s trial approaching, we’re hopeful that Bianca will be back on our screens – hopefully with a means of escape from sinister Reiss!
When is Bianca Jackson returning to EastEnders? Currently unknown
EASTENDERS CAST DEPARTURES
Stacey Slater
Stacey Slater actress Lacey Turner announced in September that she is expecting her third child.
Over on Instagram, she shared the exciting news that her children Dusty and Trilby will soon be welcoming their sibling to the world.
Alongside the snaps, Lacey wrote: ‘Aren’t we lucky…’.
Whilst fans were abuzz with excitement over the news, one noted that it means Stacey will likely have to be written out to facilitate Lacey’s maternity leave – therefore missing out on the big birthday bash in February.
While plans are being kept firmly under wraps for now, we do know that a live episode will be the centrepiece.
When is Stacey Slater leaving EastEnders? Currently unknown
