With the 40th anniversary of the show fast approaching, EastEnders bosses are keeping the surprises coming as we enter the new year. Following an explosive Christmas, which saw Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) attacked by a mystery assailant after her affair with her ex-husband George Knight's (Colin Salmon) son Junior (Micah Balfour) exposed in the Queen Vic, 2025 is shaping up to be a huge year in Walford.
Last year, viewers said goodbye to Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) after he was jailed in America and Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), who left Walford after learning that Zack Hudson (James Farrar) had cheated on her with Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), with Clay Milner Russell bowing out of his role as Bobby Beale too.
It wasn't all bad news though as some new faces joined the show and some familiar ones made returns. As well as Jane Beale (Laurie Brett)'s unexpected comeback, show legends Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and David Wicks (Michael French) all returned to Walford as well.
And we can expect more returns in the coming year as Ross Kemp is reprising the iconic role of Grant Mitchell and heading back to Albert Square.
With so many comings and goings, we've rounded up all the EastEnders residents who will be arriving or returning to Walford and those waving goodbye to Albert Square.
Who's returning to EastEnders this year?
Grant Mitchell (played by Ross Kemp)
He's baaaack. Ahead of the 40th anniversary of the show, EastEnders bosses have confirmed that Ross Kemp will be reprising the role of Grant Mitchell and Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw has teased that Grant's return will be unmissable. Given that his brother Phil (Steve McFadden) is currently struggling, estranged best friend Nigel (Paul Bradley) is back on the Square, and his ex-wife Sharon (Letitia Dean) now dating his long lost cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), Grant will have plenty of unfinished business to attend to, although exactly what brings him back to Walford is being kept under wraps for now.
'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,' Ross said.
Nigel Bates (played by Paul Bradley)
Paul Bradley reprised his role as Nigel Bradley at the end of 2024, returning to Walford on Christmas Eve after 26 years. Nigel left the show in 1998 when he moved to Scotland with his adopted daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix), but he's now back in E20 and has reunited with former pal Phil Mitchell.
Speaking about his comeback, which was kept a secret until it aired, Paul said, 'I'm thrilled and honoured to be back as Nigel. Despite it being such a long time ago, I still get recognised as Nigel in the street.'
Who's leaving EastEnders this year?
Nish Panesar (played by Navin Chowdhry)
We thought we'd waved goodbye to Nish for good when ex-wife Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) convinced him to take the rap for Keanu Taylor's (Danny Walters) murder and he was carted off to the prison in the back of a police car, but he somehow managed to sneak his way out of prison to try and stop Suki's marrying Eve (Heather Peace).
After poisoning Eve, Nish tried to give himself and Suki a fatal dose à la Romeo and Juliet, but his plans were scuppered when Ravi (Aaraon Thiara) burst in to stop him. After goading his son to hit him, both Nish and Suki fell from a balcony to floor below and he was killed - finally putting an end to his reign of terror over the Panesar family.
Who's joining EastEnders this year?
At the time of writing, no new cast members have been announced. However, if we know the EastEnders producers like we think we do, it probably won't be long before they introduce some fresh faces to Albert Square.
While you're here, why not look back at the most shocking EastEnders Christmas Day episodes; from Kat and Alfie Moon finally getting their happily ever after to Dirty Den Watts serving Ange those divorce papers.
"Happy Christmas, Ange."
Never forget.
You could also take a look at the most dramatic Christmas storylines on Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks and believe us when we say the things that have happened over the years in soapland are intense...