2025 saw a number of cast changes in EastEnders, with even more comings and goings set to take place in 2026.

Last year saw the returns of Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) and Max Branning (Jake Wood) to Walford, months after high-profile returns such as Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and a shock cameo from Anita Dobson as original Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts, with Christmas bringing cameos from departed legends such as Pat and Barry Evans (Pam St Clement and Shaun Williamson), Debbie Bates (Nicola Duffett) and Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman).

2026 brought about another return for Chrissie and Jake Moon (Joel Beckett), with Grant set to stage a further comeback for an extended sting.

We lost some of our most beloved Albert Square last year, with audiences saying goodbye to Felix Baker (Matthew James Morrison), Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris), Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier), Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) and Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey), while this year will see the departures of Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) and, presumably, Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).

With things constantly fluctuating in Walford, here’s what we currently know about who is returning, leaving and arriving in EastEnders…

EastEnders cast arrivals

Jasmine’s twin brother

Jasmine Fisher’s (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) twin brother is reported to arrive in Walford this year and kick off an incredibly steamy love triangle alongside his long-lost sister and her boyfriend, Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier).

Rumoured to be played by Joshua Vaughan, a source told The Sun: ‘This is going to be one of the hottest love triangles the soap world has ever seen.

‘Oscar is happy with Jasmine but when her twin arrives the chemistry between them is something neither can ignore.’

When is Jasmine’s brother arriving in EastEnders? Currently unknown

EastEnders cast returns

Grant Mitchell

Grant Mitchell last appeared as part of EastEnders’ 40th birthday celebrations, and Ross Kemp is set to make another return this year for an extended stint.

‘I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year,’ said Ross.

‘As well as exploring Grant’s attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it’s especially an honour to be part of Nigel’s powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life.’

As confirmed by the man himself, Grant will find himself in the mix with his recently returned son, Mark, who’s found himself deeply ensconced within a shadowy drug cartel.

He’s also set to play a part in Nigel’s ongoing dementia story.

When is Grant Mitchell returning to EastEnders? 2026

Anthony Trueman

No, this isn’t another Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) situation. Anthony is definitely dead.

But, despite his gruesome Christmas Day death, he’ll be returning to EastEnders imminently, brought back by Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker).

This resurrection will be less gory than it may sound, though, as Anthony’s grieving dad uses A.I to deal with his grief, eventually becoming reliant on the site, and the plot will also explore the effects it has on the legendary character as his reliance on the software intensifies.

When is Anthony Trueman returning to EastEnders? Currently unknown

Stacey Slater

Our Stace’ left Walford for a new life in Brazil after realising that she’d never escape the ghost of ex-husband and true love, Martin Fowler (James Bye) while remaining in Albert Square.

Though hearts across the nation broke when Stacey departed, actress Lacey Turner was quick to reassure viewers that they wouldn’t have to miss her for too long and that she’d definitely be back.

In a behind the scenes video shared to EastEnders official YouTube, Lacey said: ‘I am coming back, I won’t be long’.

When is Stacey Slater returning to EastEnders? Currently unknown

EastEnders cast departures

Chrissie Watts

Chrissie’s return to Albert Square was driven by a seemingly unquenchable thirst for revenge, as she masterminded a revenge plot against former frenemy Zoe alongside Jasmine.

Disappearing as quickly as she arrived, Chrissie was lured back to Walford by long time love, Jake, who was working 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, but will they leave together or apart?

When is Chrissie Watts leaving EastEnders? February 2026

Jake Moon

Jake staged his second return this year as he sought to discover whether or not his beloved Chrissie was involved in the death of Anthony.

Visiting Zoe and determining to rid himself of Chrissie forever, he was tracked down to his canal boat by Kat and lured home to Walford for a reunion with his cousin, Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), who’d long thought him dead.

He worked to lure Chrissie back to Albert Square and, upon proving her innocence, the two are set to depart again.

When is Jake Moon leaving EastEnders? February 2026

Sam Mitchell

The return of the Mitchell Princess, Sam will, unfortunately be brief one, as she’ll be leaving upon 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, while also seeing her family and loved ones surround her as she faces her breast cancer diagnosis, that 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 made an unexpected comeback, 26 years after his last appearance.

Since his return, he has supported old school friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) through his mental health crisis, while also dealing with the fact he has been diagnosed with young-onset dementia himself.

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

When is Nigel Bates leaving EastEnders? Currently unknown.