The drama in Albert Square shows no sign of slowing down as EastEnders prepares for one of its biggest years yet. With the show entering its 40th anniversary era, 2025 is packed with emotional exits, surprising returns, and compelling new characters who will leave their mark on Walford. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual viewer, the current cast shakeups promise a thrilling mix of nostalgia, reinvention, and fresh drama.

Here’s everything you need to know about the major cast changes happening in EastEnders in 2025:

🔄 Returning Characters:

Nigel Bates
A beloved figure from the 1990s, Nigel returned early this year in a deeply emotional storyline centered around dementia. His bond with Phil Mitchell has brought some of the show’s most heartfelt moments, as Phil struggles to care for his old friend while balancing his own mental health.

Vicki Fowler
After two decades away, Vicki makes a powerful return for Martin Fowler’s funeral. Arriving with her boyfriend Ross and his teenage son Joel, Vicki’s comeback is more than just a tribute—it reopens old wounds and unresolved family issues.

Bex Fowler
Joining her cousin Vicki, Bex returns as a more mature, evolved version of the character we last saw dealing with the pressures of university and mental health. Her relationship with Sonia and the other Fowlers will take center stage.

Oscar Branning
Now 17, Oscar returns with secrets of his own. The son of Lauren and Max Branning is set to be part of an intense new youth storyline, with potential links to upcoming school drama and street crime.

Grant Mitchell
Yes, the Grant Mitchell is back. Played by Ross Kemp, his return is timed to coincide with the show’s 40th anniversary. Expect fireworks as he collides with Phil, Sharon, and the next generation of Mitchells.

Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden)
After a brief break, Ben is set to return from his time abroad. With his mental health still fragile and his relationships in tatters, Ben’s comeback could spark major tension—especially with Callum and Phil.

Max Branning (rumored)
Whispers suggest Jake Wood may be reprising his iconic role later in the year, particularly with his son Oscar back on the canvas. Fans are hoping for a redemption arc—or another round of chaos.

🚪 Character Exits:

Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy)
After 32 years on the show, Natalie Cassidy is reportedly bowing out in a dramatic storyline that includes a murder trial, a shocking pregnancy scare, and the possibility of leaving Walford for a new life overseas. Expect an emotional farewell.

Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer)
Her latest return was short but punchy. Bianca will be exiting early this year after fulfilling her role in supporting Whitney through her ongoing trauma and helping her reconnect with long-lost family members.

Felix Baker (aka drag queen Tara Misu)
After bringing flair and fun to Walford, Felix is set to leave in mid-2025. His exit marks a shift in tone for the show as it tackles new themes, though fans will miss his charisma and heart.

Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris)
Bernie is heading out of the Square, closing a long-running chapter of the Taylor family. Her departure is expected to be bittersweet, involving a job opportunity and potential relocation far from London.

Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton)
After a rocky return and a tumultuous few years, Ruby will be phased out once more. Her exit storyline is said to be tied to revelations from her past that could shake up the Mitchells and the Panesars.

Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner)
Going on temporary maternity leave, Stacey’s exit will be emotional and full of family tension. But rest assured—she’s expected to return before the end of the year, ready to stir up trouble once again.

🆕 New Arrivals:

Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw)
Introduced as Vicki Fowler’s partner, Ross brings emotional baggage and a troubled past. His character is expected to clash with locals as he tries to find his footing in Walford.

Joel Marshall (Max Murray)
Ross’s teenage son is a mysterious new presence on the Square. Joel may be hiding secrets of his own, including a possible connection to a long-lost Walford resident or an unexpected family member.

Nurse Stella Dempsey (Prabhleen Oberoi)
A new face at Walford General, Nurse Stella arrives in connection with a medical crisis involving Kat and Phil. She may also play a role in Ben’s ongoing recovery arc.

Asad Bashar (Aslam Amjad)
Tied to an emerging crime and justice storyline, Asad is expected to cause tension among the Panesars and the Brannings. His sharp instincts and secretive nature have already raised eyebrows.

Benjamin “Benji” Haynes (Carl Prekopp)
Linked to the Shireen court case, Benji is a social worker with a cold streak. His scenes with the Mitchells are expected to raise questions about loyalty, responsibility, and accountability.

Gaz (Keith Allen)
Phil’s new acquaintance from a mental health facility, Gaz adds depth and intrigue to Phil’s recovery journey. Though a guest role, Gaz’s story is expected to impact Phil deeply.

🔮 What’s Ahead in 2025:

The mix of nostalgic returns and bold new directions promises to keep viewers gripped throughout the year. The reappearance of long-lost characters like Grant, Vicki, and Bex will tie in beautifully with the show’s rich history, while departures like Sonia and Bernie mark the end of major chapters.

Newcomers like Joel and Stella will breathe life into fresh storylines, particularly among younger characters and underrepresented communities. And with the show diving into topics such as dementia, mental health, foster care, and criminal justice, EastEnders continues to balance its signature drama with real-world relevance.

The 40th anniversary this year will be a key milestone, with at least one massive episode planned to bring multiple generations together—possibly including surprise returns not yet announced.

So whether you’re ready to say goodbye to Sonia, welcome back Grant Mitchell, or uncover what Joel is hiding, one thing is certain: 2025 will be a defining year in EastEnders history.