As EastEnders embarks on its landmark 40th year in 2025, the rumblings of change are echoing through the fictional streets of Walford. Following a dramatic and eventful preceding year that saw significant departures and the arrival of a new formidable presence, fans are eager for the latest news on cast comings and goings. This in-depth look aims to cut through the speculation and provide a clear picture of who will be gracing our screens, who will be bidding farewell, and which familiar faces might be making a highly anticipated return to Albert Square in the months ahead.

The year 2024 brought considerable upheaval to the EastEnders landscape. Summer saw the emotional exit of Whitney Dean, marking the end of a 15-year journey for Shona McGarty’s beloved character. Then, as the autumn leaves began to fall, the Square welcomed a new matriarchal figure in November, with the arrival of Nicola Mitchell, promising to inject fresh dynamics and storylines into the established community. Now, as EastEnders steps into its ruby anniversary year, the focus shifts to the evolving ensemble cast that will shape the narratives and captivate audiences.

EastEnders Cast 2025: The Departures

The winds of change are bringing about some notable exits from Walford in 2025, with one departure already confirmed that will undoubtedly leave a void for many viewers:

Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner): In news that will surely sadden long-time fans, it has been officially confirmed that the immensely popular Lacey Turner will be taking a break from her role as Stacey Slater later this year. Having first burst onto our screens as the feisty and fiercely loyal Stacey back in 2004, Turner has become a cornerstone of the show, her portrayal earning her numerous accolades and a special place in the hearts of viewers.

Speaking to The Sun about her upcoming hiatus, Lacey Turner shared a sentiment of needing a personal pause, stating, “It’s time for myself and Stacey to take a rest, and who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away. Knowing Stacey, it will never be boring.” However, in a reassuring note for her many admirers, Turner hinted at a future return, leaving the door open for Stacey to once again grace the Square.

An official EastEnders spokeswoman corroborated this news, assuring fans that while Stacey will be off-screen later in the year, there is still plenty of compelling drama to unfold involving her character before her temporary departure. Furthermore, the showrunners have expressed their eagerness to welcome Stacey back when Lacey feels the time is right, suggesting that this is a hiatus rather than a permanent farewell. The burning question on everyone’s lips, however, remains: how will Stacey Slater bid adieu to Walford this time around? Will it be a dramatic exit tied to current storylines, or a more low-key departure paving the way for her eventual return?

Felix Baker (Matthew Morrison): Another confirmed departure is that of Felix Baker, portrayed by Matthew Morrison. After three years of bringing the groundbreaking character to life, Felix is being written out of the soap. Felix holds a unique place in EastEnders history as the first regular character to embrace the persona of a drag queen, Tara Misu. Introduced in 2022 as a relative of Mitch Baker, alongside his father Avery and brother Finley, Felix quickly established himself as a vibrant and individual presence in the Square. Sadly, Avery’s time in Walford was brief, and Finley was also written out after a year.

Despite his potential, some viewers felt that Felix wasn’t always given the central storylines his character deserved, often finding him managing the Albert, engaging in a memorable clash with the formidable Phil Mitchell, and offering support to his friends Chelsea Fox and his relative Bernadette Taylor. A source close to the show acknowledged the difficulty of such decisions, stating, “It’s never an easy decision for bosses when they have to make the decision for a character to leave. Matthew has been great, but bosses felt the time was right to say goodbye to Felix in the run-up to his exit from the soap.”

Intriguingly, there are hints that Felix’s departure might involve a potential romance with Johnny Carter, suggesting a poignant storyline as his final chapter in Walford unfolds. How this romance will play out and what circumstances will lead to Felix’s exit remain to be seen, but it promises to add an emotional layer to his farewell.

EastEnders Cast 2025: The New Arrivals

As of the latest reports, no new cast members have been officially confirmed or widely speculated to be joining the EastEnders ensemble in the immediate future. While new faces are the lifeblood of any long-running soap, it appears the focus for now is on the unfolding storylines involving the existing cast and the potential return of familiar ones. Of course, in the ever-evolving world of soap operas, this could change at any moment, and any announcements of new characters will undoubtedly be met with anticipation by the loyal fanbase.

EastEnders Cast 2025: The Returning Faces

The prospect of familiar faces returning to Albert Square always generates excitement among viewers, and there’s a tantalizing hint on the horizon. Kate Oates, the BBC’s Head of Continuing Drama, recently teased a potential major return while speaking at the BAFTA TV Awards press conference after EastEnders scooped the award for Best Soap and Continuing Drama in 2025.

Oates coyly stated, “If you like a return, I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed because there’s potentially one on the cards.” She further fueled speculation by adding, “There are some really big stories coming up, and if it’s a return you’re after, then you might be interested in what’s on the horizon.”

This tantalizing tease has sent the rumour mill into overdrive, with fans eagerly speculating about which beloved character might be making a comeback. Several names have been thrown into the mix, including:

Shirley Carter (Linda Henry): A firm fan favorite, the formidable Shirley Carter departed Walford shortly after the presumed death of her son, Mick Carter, at Christmas 2022. Feeling lost and without purpose, she left the Square with her loyal companion, Lady Di, to stay with her daughter Carly. In February 2023, it was revealed that Shirley had unexpectedly reunited off-screen with her surrogate son, Dean Wicks, who has a dark history with Linda Carter. Dean later claimed that Shirley had suffered a mental breakdown and had been institutionalized.

Linda Henry, who portrays Shirley, has been on an extended break from the show. However, EastEnders showrunner Chris Clenshaw offered hope to fans in autumn 2023, assuring them that Linda Henry’s absence was a break and not a permanent exit, promising that viewers had not seen the last of Shirley Carter. The question remains: will 2025 finally see Shirley’s long-awaited return to the Square, and if so, what circumstances will bring her back? Will she be the major return that Kate Oates hinted at?

The anticipation surrounding potential returns is palpable, and Kate Oates’s carefully chosen words suggest that whatever is on the horizon will have a significant impact on the unfolding storylines. As EastEnders celebrates its 40th year, the blend of familiar faces, ongoing narratives, and the promise of impactful returns ensures that the drama in Walford will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. The coming months will undoubtedly reveal more about who will be walking the famous streets, leaving their mark on the Square’s rich history.