8 huge EastEnders changes as the show’s new era begins
EastEnders spoilers follow.
It’s the start of a new chapter for EastEnders today, as executive producer Ben Wadey’s work will be hitting our screens for the first time.
Monday’s visit to Albert Square is the first to see Wadey credited in the soap’s top job – succeeding Chris Clenshaw, who recently bowed out following a successful three-year stint in charge.
There’s major secrecy around Wadey’s first episode, which is being held back on iPlayer until the BBC One broadcast, but what do we know about his plans? Here’s a quick guide to every change that has been revealed so far…
1. Kat reclaims The Vic
Last month, EastEnders fans spotted a For Sale sign on the Queen Vic in a behind-the-scenes video that the show posted on TikTok. Speculation quickly went into overdrive regarding what would happen to Linda Carter and the Knight family, who are currently in charge.
All became clear last week, when a tabloid report revealed that Kat Slater will be reclaiming the pub later this year. The decision cements Kat as a major player in the show’s new era, so she’s sure to be one to watch.
2. Hello, Zoe!
At the end of last month, word leaked out that Michelle Ryan could be reprising her role as Zoe Slater after 20 years away.
The popular character – best known for the iconic “You ain’t my muvva” moment from 2001 – hasn’t been seen on our screens since 2005 but fans have been desperate to see her back.
EastEnders bosses declined to comment on the reports at the time, but if all plays out as it’s been reported, luring back Michelle Ryan is a major coup for the show. Bravo!
3. Goodbye Felix
In mid-March, it was revealed that Matthew Morrison will be leaving the role of Felix Baker this year.
“We wish him all the best for the future,” a spokesperson said at the time.
Felix arrived on screens in 2022 as part of the extended Baker-Taylor family and soon introduced the Square’s residents to his drag persona, Tara Misu.
He’s currently dating Johnny Carter, but is it all set to go wrong?
4. And Bernie too…
EastEnders star Clair Norris is leaving the soap after eight years playing Bernadette Taylor.
Clair has already filmed her final scenes as Bernie, which will air later in the summer.
It won’t be a quiet exit, as Clair has confirmed some “dramatic” scenes ahead for Bernie as she leaves with a bang.
5. Returns for Max and Oscar
We’re not done with the comings and goings yet – EastEnders star Jake Wood has been tipped for a return as Max Branning this year.
As with Zoe, the news hasn’t been officially confirmed by the BBC yet but speculation has been mounting as fans know that Max’s son Oscar will be back soon.
Newcomer Pierre Moullier was recently spotted filming scenes as a recast Oscar, who was last seen on our screens in 2017.
6. Ben Mitchell is coming back
Last month, it was revealed that Max Bowden is returning to EastEnders as Ben Mitchell.
As with the other rumoured returns, the show has stayed silent for now, but reports suggest that he’ll be back for a guest stint and could even return permanently if all goes well.
Tony Clay, who plays Ben’s husband Callum Highway, recently told us that he’d be delighted to see the character back.
He said: “Of course, and the fans would really like that. They’re so lovely and we always get messages still, even though we haven’t been on screen [together] for a long time.
“We created some good work and we’ll see what happens going forwards.”
7. Freddie leaves the Square
Bobby Brazier is leaving EastEnders after three years as Freddie Slater.
It’s thought that Strictly Come Dancing star Bobby has been keen to spread his wings by exploring other roles for a while – and his ambitions tied in with a storyline that EastEnders bosses already had in mind.
A show spokesperson told us recently: “We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
8. Walford expands
Although it was planned long ago and not directly linked to the producer changeover, the world of Walford will expand later this year.
The show’s team have been hard at work on a new area of the set, which will include a parade of shops on ‘Charles Street’ as well as a hospital and police station.
The ongoing work to make EastEnders bigger and better comes after a brand new Albert Square set previously made its debut on the show in March 2022.
