As of mid-2026, EastEnders, the long-running British soap opera set in the fictional London borough of Walford, has experienced significant changes in its cast. These shifts have influenced the show's ongoing storylines, with several characters returning to the series and others departing. Among those returning is Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, who had previously left the show to move to Brazil but is expected to return around New Year. Sean Slater, portrayed by Rob Kazinsky, is also returning full-time after a 17-year absence. Janine Butcher, played by Charlie Brooks, is set to make a brief return, though the exact date has not been confirmed. Other returning characters include Joel Marshall, played by Max Murray, and Sharon Watts, portrayed by Letitia Dean. New characters are also joining the show, adding fresh dynamics to the storyline. Josh Goodwin, played by Joshua Vaughan, is the twin brother of Jasmine Fisher, whose actor is Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness. The show also anticipates the arrival of Nicola Mitchell's family, played by Laura Doddington, and Denise Fox's half brother and niece, portrayed by Diane Parish. Several long-standing characters are leaving the series. Priya Nandra-Hart, played by Sophie Khan Levy, departed last week due to a real-life pregnancy. Linda Carter, portrayed by Kellie Bright, will leave after 13 years, though the exact date remains uncertain. Her son Johnny Carter, played by Charlie Suff, will follow her out of the Square later this year. Ravi Gulati, played by Aaron Thiara, is set to leave after four years, staying on until the end of the year. Both Kat Moon, played by Jessie Wallace, and Alfie Moon, portrayed by Shane Richie, will take temporary breaks to perform in panto, a traditional British theatrical genre. Oscar Branning, played by Pierre Counihan-Moullier, is also set to leave imminently. The current regular cast includes Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale, Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts, and Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale, among others. Recurring characters include Jane Slaughter as Tracey and Ulric Browne as Winston, who continue to appear regularly in the show's evolving narrative.