In 2026, the long-running British soap opera EastEnders has seen a major reshuffling of its cast, with both familiar faces returning and some actors leaving the show. Among the returnees is Janine Butcher, played by Charlie Brooks, who is set to make a brief return. Sean Slater, portrayed by Rob Kazinsky, is also making a full-time return after an absence of 17 years. Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, is expected to return as well, though the exact date of her return has not been confirmed. New characters are also joining the show, including the Hawkins family. The family includes Gemma, played by Patricia Potter; Ned, portrayed by Jamie Bamber; Ryder, played by Felix Uff; Rose, played by Marian McLoughlin; and Jodie, played by Anna Constable. Additionally, Darnell Larson Jr, played by Christopher Colquhoun, and his daughter Grace, played by Krysstina Frempong, have joined the cast and are connected to Denise Fox’s storyline. Several actors are departing the show. Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan, is set to die in an episode scheduled to air on September 10. Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright, is leaving after 13 years on the show, as is her son Johnny Carter, played by Charlie Suff. Ravi Gulati, played by Aaron Thiara, is also leaving after four years, but he will remain until the end of the year. Meanwhile, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) are taking temporary breaks to perform in panto productions, a traditional form of British musical theater. The current regular cast includes well-known characters such as Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). Recurring characters like Tracey (Jane Slaughter), Winston (Ulric Browne), and Marie Evans (Liz Sweet) continue to appear regularly, adding to the ongoing stories in the fictional London neighborhood of Albert Square.