🔥 All EastEnders Cast Returns, Exits, and New Arrivals Coming Up in 2025! 🔥
Walford is set for a whirlwind year as EastEnders brings in shocking exits, jaw-dropping returns, and fresh new faces that will shake Albert Square to its core. Here’s the ultimate 2025 cast update to keep you ahead of the drama:
✅ CONFIRMED RETURNS
1. Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks)
The legendary Janine is back – and she’s fiercer than ever. After fleeing Walford in disgrace, she returns with a new fortune and a dark secret. Expect fireworks with Linda and Phil as she sets her sights on reclaiming power.
2. Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa)
Lauren returns for a special arc involving Peter and a mysterious pregnancy twist. Her presence threatens to expose secrets the Beales thought were buried.
3. Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters)
Despite his dramatic ‘death’ in late 2024, Keanu is very much alive. He resurfaces with a vengeance, out to destroy Sharon and Phil – and claim what’s rightfully his.
4. Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner)
After a short break, Stacey returns to find her family in tatters. Expect big storylines involving her kids, an unexpected romance, and a new enemy at the café.
🛑 SHOCK EXITS
1. Linda Carter (Kellie Bright)
After more than a decade on the Square, Linda’s emotional exit is planned for summer 2025. Rumors suggest it will involve a tragic Queen Vic fire storyline — but is this really the end?
2. Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega)
Denzel bows out this autumn following a gang-related stabbing that sends shockwaves through Walford High. His exit sparks a youth crime awareness storyline.
3. Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton)
Honey will leave in late 2025 to pursue a new life abroad with Janet. But with Billy refusing to go, their emotional split promises to be heartbreaking.
🌟 NEW ARRIVALS
1. Reggie Knight (played by Richard Blackwood)
A suave businessman with ties to Kim’s past. Reggie arrives as a potential investor for the local salon — but his charming smile hides a shady agenda.
2. Yasmin Malik (played by Rakhee Thakrar)
A no-nonsense community liaison officer sent to bring order to Walford after rising tensions. She quickly finds herself clashing with the Slaters and getting close to Zack Hudson.
3. Tommy Moon (recast: new teenage actor)
Now aged 16, Tommy returns from boarding school with a rebellious streak and a grudge against Kat. A major bullying and masculinity arc is in development for him.
4. Callie Dean (new character)
A mysterious 20-something who appears at Dot’s old house — claiming to be her long-lost granddaughter. The truth will blow Sonia’s life apart.
🌀 TEMPORARY RETURNS & GUEST APPEARANCES
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Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero) – Returns for one explosive week in July to confront Rocky and stir up trouble.
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Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) – Appears in a mini-arc involving a Mitchell family inheritance.
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Mel Owen’s son, Hunter – Rumored to return alive, after surviving the shooting. Likely a red herring or a big twist!
💥 COMING UP SOON…
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A Mitchell wedding turns into a disaster
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One character will be diagnosed with a terminal illness
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A new family will move into the Square – and they’re hiding something deadly
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A surprise Christmas Day return will break records