As EastEnders marches towards its monumental 40th year in 2025, Walford is bracing for a seismic shift. A whirlwind of exits, returns, and the arrival of dark newcomers promises to reshape the very fabric of Albert Square, leaving viewers reeling. Prepare for a Walford you won’t recognize, as familiar faces depart, and new ones bring with them a wave of unforeseen drama.

New Arrivals: A Mix of Charm and Chaos

First, let’s delve into the fresh blood entering the Square. Gaz, portrayed by the legendary Keith Allen, is set to make a memorable guest appearance. Phil Mitchell’s stay at a mental health facility brings him face-to-face with Gaz, a character who will play a pivotal role in Phil’s journey to recovery. Allen, known for his iconic role in “Trainspotting,” expresses his delight at joining the EastEnders family, promising a powerful portrayal of mental health struggles alongside Steve McFadden.

But the newcomers don’t stop there. Ross, played by “The Bill” veteran Alex Walkinshaw, is set to ignite sparks as the new partner of Vicki Fowler. Ross arrives in Walford to attend Martin Fowler’s funeral, accompanied by his teenage son, Joel. Walkinshaw promises that Ross is a “decent, hardworking family man,” but hints at underlying complexities that will keep viewers on their toes.

Joel, portrayed by newcomer Max Murray, joins his father and Vicki in Walford. Murray expresses his excitement at joining the EastEnders cast, promising to bring Joel’s unique story to life. Will Joel be a welcome addition to the Square’s youth, or will he bring his own brand of trouble?

Departures: Heartbreak and Farewell

However, with new arrivals come inevitable departures. The beloved Sonia Fowler, portrayed by Natalie Cassidy, is set to bid farewell to Walford after a remarkable 32-year run. Cassidy, who first graced our screens as Sonia in 1993, leaves behind a legacy of iconic moments, including surviving the Queen Vic explosion and the tragic loss of her fiancé and ex-husband. Her departure, while bittersweet, promises to be a central part of a dramatic storyline that will forever alter Walford.

Joining Sonia in her exit is the iconic Bianca Jackson, portrayed by Patsy Palmer. While the details of their departures remain shrouded in mystery, Palmer’s farewell post on Instagram hints at a heartfelt goodbye. Fans are left hoping for a fitting send-off for the Jackson sisters, whose presence has been a cornerstone of EastEnders for decades.

Adding to the sense of loss, Stacey Slater, portrayed by Lacey Turner, will be temporarily written out of the show as Turner takes maternity leave. Stacey, already reeling from the death of Martin Fowler, faces an uncertain future. Will grief drive her away from the Square, or will she find strength to rebuild her life?

Returns: Familiar Faces, Changed Lives

Amidst the departures, familiar faces are set to return, bringing with them a mix of nostalgia and new beginnings. Rebecca “Bex” Fowler, portrayed by Jasmine Armfield, returns to Walford to attend her father’s funeral. Bex, last seen in 2020, returns to a Square drastically different from the one she left, grappling with her father’s death, her mother’s imprisonment, and the arrival of a new half-sister. Armfield promises that Bex has matured through her travels, but is deeply affected by her father’s passing.

Vicki Fowler, now portrayed by Alice Haig, also returns to Walford, accompanied by her new partner, Ross, and his son, Joel. Vicki, last seen in 2004, has undergone a significant transformation, now living in Australia with Spencer Moon. Her return promises to shake things up, particularly for her sister, Sharon Watts. Haig expresses her excitement at joining the EastEnders cast, hinting at the drama that awaits Vicki.

The question of Shirley Carter’s potential return looms large. Following her shock exit after Christmas 2022, Shirley’s fate has remained uncertain. Dean Wicks’ return has shed some light on her whereabouts, claiming she has suffered a breakdown and been institutionalized. However, Linda Carter remains skeptical of Dean’s story. Executive producer Chris Clenshaw has assured fans that Shirley will return, leaving viewers speculating about the circumstances of her comeback.

Dark Newcomers and Unforeseen Twists

Beyond the established characters, the arrival of new faces hints at a darker undercurrent in Walford. Nicola Mitchell’s presence has already stirred up trouble, and her potential for further chaos remains a looming threat. The introduction of Ross and Joel also raises questions about their true intentions and the impact they will have on the Square’s residents.

The intertwining storylines of exits, returns, and new arrivals promise to create a tapestry of drama that will leave viewers breathless. The loss of beloved characters will be keenly felt, but the arrival of fresh faces and the return of familiar ones will breathe new life into Walford.

The Future of Walford: Forever Changed

As EastEnders approaches its 40th anniversary, the Square is poised for a transformation. The departures of Sonia and Bianca, the return of Bex and Vicki, and the arrival of Gaz, Ross, and Joel promise to reshape the dynamics of Walford. The looming presence of Nicola Mitchell and the potential return of Shirley Carter add layers of intrigue and suspense.

The promise of “major events” in 2025 hints at a year of unprecedented drama, where secrets will be revealed, relationships will be tested, and the very fabric of Walford will be forever changed. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, as EastEnders delivers a season that will leave its mark on television history.