As the 40th anniversary of BBC’s EastEnders approaches this February, fans can expect some major drama to unfold in Albert Square.
Hints about what’s in store have already started to emerge, including a live episode where viewers will get to determine the fate of a love triangle involving Denise Fox (Diane Parish), Jack Branning (Scott Malsen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).
In line with the soap’s four-decade milestone, there will be a mix of characters making their return and others bidding farewell. Here, we delve into the confirmed arrivals and departures on EastEnders, as well as those rumoured to be making a comeback.
Stacey Slater
Stacey Slater will be leaving EastEnders in 2025
(Image: BBC)
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Actress Lacey Turner, who portrays Stacey Slater, is set to leave Walford at some point in 2025, reports the Manchester Evening News.
While the specifics of Stacey’s exit remain under wraps by the soap’s executives, Lacey has announced her third pregnancy with husband Matt, indicating her imminent maternity leave.
Stacey’s dreams of rekindling her relationship with ex Martin Fowler (James Bye) were dashed following the reappearance of his former flame Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton). Could this lead to her departure from Albert Square in the aftermath of Martin and Ruby’s reunion?
Grant Mitchell
Ross Kemp is returning as Grant Mitchell
(Image: Daily Mirror)
In news that every EastEnders enthusiast has been eagerly awaiting, the soap has finally confirmed the return of Grant Mitchell to Walford.
Ross Kemp is set for a sensational return to EastEnders as Grant, aligning with the soap’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Specifics of Grant’s plot upon his comeback are being kept under wraps, but with brother Phil in turmoil, new members of the Mitchell clan stirring up drama on the Square, and Nigel Bates making a return as well, fans can expect some explosive scenes.
On coming back to the show, Ross announced: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary. EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour. Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.”
Shirley Carter
Shirley left EastEnders in 2022
(Image: BBC)
Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) notably disappeared from the Square post-Christmas 2022, rocked by her son Mick Carter’s ( Danny Dyer) untimely death. She chose to leave London to be with her daughter Carly Wicks.
Onscreen references have kept Shirley in the conversation, particularly given the temporary comeback of her troubled son Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo).
There was gossip around the Square that Shirley suffered a mental breakdown and ended up in hospital, yet this piece of information shared by Dean remains unconfirmed. Despite attempts by Shirley’s daughter-in-law Linda (Kellie Bright) to reach her, Shirley has remained unreachable.
Fans have been kept guessing about Shirley’s comeback to Albert Square, but rest assured, Linda Henry is just on a break from EastEnders, not gone for good. The BBC spilled the beans to RadioTimes following Shirley’s departure.
Chris Clenshaw told the publication: “So, Linda Henry is currently taking a break from the show. But you know, when she walked off with Lady Di last year, in the wake of Mick’s disappearance, it won’t have been the last you see of her. I can say that for sure.”
Sonia Fowler
Sonia is due to return to EastEnders in upcoming scenes
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
In other news, Sonia Fowler finds herself behind bars, wrongfully accused of killing Reiss’ (played by Jonny Freeman) comatose wife Debbie. While the viewers are clued into the real perpetrator, Reiss, Sonia remains in the dark and her innocence still needs to be established.
It’s confirmed that Sonia’s character, portrayed by Natalie Cassidy, will re-emerge from behind the scenes as her murder trial unfolds; she will maintain her innocence in court. On top of that legal battle, there’s personal upheaval awaiting her with Reiss, especially considering Sonia’s pregnant with his child and due to give birth around the soap’s 40th-anniversary celebrations in February.
EastEnders actress Natalie has spilled on her character’s intense fears ahead of the trial. She shared: “She absolutely cannot believe it, especially when Reiss has been let off because he has an alibi. I think it happens so quickly and in a flash that she’s just desperately scared about the baby and the impact this level of stress and trauma will have on a pregnancy that’s so fragile.”
She added: “That’s her main concern, losing her baby or having her baby and them taking it away, like what happened with Bex. She’s worried that history is going to repeat itself.”
Bianca Jackson
Bianca is currently locked up in a storage unit
(Image: BBC)
Die-hard EastEnders viewers will remember that Bianca Jackson (played by Patsy Palmer) has been trapped in a storage unit for over a month now. After discovering Reiss’ murderous secret, Bianca got herself into hot water as he tricked her into the unit, intent on keeping her captive.
Since being taken hostage, Bianca has been missing from our screens, even during Walford’s festive season. It remains to be seen what’s in store for Bianca, with signs indicating that her return might not be on the cards anytime soon.
In forthcoming episodes, Sonia is set to face her murder trial, and although she needs Bianca’s support, indicated to Reiss, it appears Bianca will not make an appearance. Could this mean that Reiss has committed yet another dark deed?
Patsy Palmer was brought back to the square in 2024 for the dramatic departure of Whitney Dean (portrayed by Shona McGarty) and had returned again in search for her sister Sonia.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm. Episodes are available to stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.