All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026
2025 saw plenty of cast changes in EastEnders, and the departures and arrivals are continuing 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.
Christmas brought 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 has so far 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)
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
Josh and Sandra
Jasmine Fisher’s (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) twin brother will arrive in Walford soon, but he won’t be alone.
Josh, played by Joshua Vaughan, will follow behind adoptive mother Sandra (Dawn Steele), who heads to Albert Square in time for Jasmine’s trial.
On joining EastEnders as Josh, Joshua Vaughan said: ‘It has been incredibly humbling to join the cast of EastEnders and find myself at the intersection of the iconic Trueman and Slater families.
‘Getting to work alongside such legacy actors is a masterclass, and I’ve learned so much from them. Josh is a big ball of love and I’m so excited for the audience to see the drama unfold as he arrives onto the Square.’
Holby City star Dawn Steele will star as Sandra for a short stint. ‘I was thrilled to be asked to play the role of Sandra who arrives and throws a spanner or two into the Square!,’ she said.
‘It was so great to go back to Elstree after the end of Holby City. Lots of the same crew (and a few cast!) are still there so it was joyful to see them all again.
‘Everyone was so welcoming and I really enjoyed learning new ways of filming, it really is a well-oiled machine, and everyone works so hard. But it was Sandra’s storyline and character that really made me want to do it and I’m sure viewers will be thrilled with another piece of the puzzle ahead of the trial, Sandra’s timing couldn’t be better, or worse…’
When are Josh and Sandra arriving?
The exact date is unknown, but the recent press release means it won’t be long.
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?
Ross Kemp is returning to EastEnders as Grant Mitchell for a short, ‘explosive’ stint in spring 2026.
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, the date of Stacey’s return is unknown.
EastEnders cast departures
Sam Mitchell
The return of the Mitchell Princess, Sam will, unfortunately, be a brief one.
The character was going to leave Walford once her cancer storyline had concluded. However, as of mid February, she is choosing to stick around.
This increases the possibility of her crossing paths with brother Grant, who is also returning.
When is Sam Mitchell leaving EastEnders?
Currently unknown.
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.
When is Nigel Bates leaving EastEnders?
Currently unknown.
