RadioTimes.com is here with a handy update on which characters are leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders in the coming months.
So who’s in? Who’s out? And which rumours are true? Read on for all the latest details on cast changes for EastEnders.
EastEnders cast 2024
The full present regular cast for EastEnders can be found below in order of the character’s first appearance.
- Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Cotton
- Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts
- Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale
- James Bye as Martin Fowler
- Michelle Collins as Cindy Beale
- Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell
- Kim Medcalf as Sam Mitchell
- Natalie Cassidy as Sonia Fowler
- Thomas Law as Peter Beale
- Max Bowden as Ben Mitchell
- Perry Fenwick as Billy Mitchell
- Jessie Wallace as Kat Mitchell
- Rudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman
- Shane Ritchie as Alfie Moon
- Clay Milner Russell as Bobby Beale
- Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman
- Bobby Brazier as Freddie Slater
- Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater
- Gillian Wright as Jean Slater
- Emma Barton as Honey Mitchell
- Matt Di Angelo as Dean Wicks
- Zaraah Abrahams as Chelsea Fox
- Diane Parish as Denise Fox
- Grace as Janet Mitchell
- Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning
- Jamie Borthwick as Jay Brown
- Scott Maslen as Jack Branning
- Kitty Castledine as Penny Branning
- Freddie Phillips as Will Mitchell
- Shona McGarty as Whitney Dean
- Ellie Dadd as Amy Mitchell
- Tameka Empson as Kim Fox
- Lillia Turner as Lily Slater
- Frankie Day as Ricky Branning
- Sonny Kendall as Tommy Moon
- Isabella Brown as Lexi Pearce
- Kellie Bright as Linda Carter
- Harriet Thorpe as Elaine Peacock
- Elliot Briffett as Bert Moon
- Cody Briffett as Ernie Moon
- Arayah Harris-Buckles as Pearl Fox
- Harry Farr as Ollie Carter
- Elizabeth Green as Jade Masood
- Jake McNally as Louie Beale
- Rocco Brenner as Arthur Fowler
- Michael Jose Pomares Calixte as Raymond Fox
- Clair Norris as Bernadette Taylor
- Isabelle Smith as Hope Fowler
- Tony Clay as Callum Highway
- Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar
- Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar
- James Farrar as Zack Hudson
- Ross Boatman as Harvey Monroe
- Delroy Atkinson as Howie Danes
- Heather Peace as Eve Unwin
- Aaron Thiara as Ravi Gulati
- Matthew Morrison as Felix Baker/Tara Misu
- Jaden Ladega as Denzel Danes
- Juhaim Rasul Choudhury as Davinder “Nugget” Gulati
- Navin Chowdhry as Nish Panesar
- Jonny Freeman as Reiss Colwell
- Colin Salmon as George Knight
- Francesca Henry as Gina Knight
- Molly Rainford as Anna Knight
- Sophie Khan Levy as Priya Nandra-Hart
- Aaliyah James as Avani Nandra-Hart
- Christopher Fairbank as Eddie Knight
- Elizabeth Counsell as Gloria Knight
- Alan Ford as Stevie Mitchell
And here are the changes to the cast coming soon…
ARRIVING
Harold Martin (David Sterne)
When is Harold Martin arriving? Monday 15th January 2024.
Veteran British actor David Sterne has been cast as Aunt Sal’s husband Harold Martin in EastEnders.
The BBC One soap confirmed the much-mentioned character will appear on Monday 15th January 2024 in scenes depicting Aunt Sal’s funeral.
Speaking on the storyline on Harold’s appearance, executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Everyone at EastEnders was truly saddened to learn of Anna Karen’s passing, and it was imperative that we gave Aunt Sal the send-off she deserved.
“I’m delighted to welcome David Sterne to the guest role of Aunt Sal’s elusive husband, Harold Martin, as the Mitchell family gather together to say goodbye.”
David Sterne himself added: “I loved playing Harold as I felt like the storyline was really important in the context of the show and everyone was so wonderful and welcoming. The writing was brilliant so he was a joy to play.”
Stevie Mitchell (Alan Ford)
When is Stevie Mitchell arriving? Monday 15th January 2024.
The actor had been spotted filming for Aunt Sal Martin’s funeral in November 2023 but his character had been undisclosed at the time.
Now we know that Ford is portraying the father who left Billy to be raised in care, taking on the responsibility of raising his brother Charlie, the father of Jamie Mitchell.
Speaking of his casting in the soap, Alan Ford commented: “I feel highly delighted to be playing a character close to my own age in this extremely popular television drama series.”
DEPARTING
Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty)
When is Whitney Dean leaving? Spring 2024.
Actress Shona McGarty has quit her role as Whitney Dean in EastEnders after 15 years.
The BBC One soap will lose the long-running character early next year as Whitney waves goodbye to Walford – but how will she go?
Speaking exclusively to The Sun on Sunday, McGarty commented: “I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show.
“I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure.”
A source told the paper that Shona “is hoping the door will be left open for her character to return one day, but nothing is guaranteed and it is all in the hands of the scriptwriters.”
RadioTimes.com understands that McGarty decided to leave at the end of her contract and she will depart our screens in Spring 2024, meaning fans have months left of Whitney being on-screen.
The character debuted in EastEnders in 2008 as she joined the show as the step-daughter of returning fan-favourite Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) alongside the latter’s children, Liam, Tiffany, and Morgan.
Whitney’s biggest storylines have included being the victim of child sexual abuse at the hands of Tony King, being sexually exploited by boyfriend Rob Grayson, being stalked by Tony’s son Leo, her being placed on trial for Leo’s death, the loss of boyfriend Kush Kazemi to serial killer Gray Atkins, and her various doomed romances including to husband Lee Carter.
Most recently Whitney entered into a romance with Zack Hudson after the pair terminated the pregnancy of their unborn baby Peach who was diagnosed with Edward’s Syndrome.
The pair later went into fostering together but now face a new journey as Whitney is pregnant by Zack once again.
In the run-up to her exit, Whitney will be seen reuniting with her on-screen stepmother Bianca.
Speaking to Inside Soap magazine in August 2023, McGarty said: “As a viewer, and after playing her for so long, Whitney deserves a happy ending. The majority of comments online and when I speak to people in the street are along the lines of, ‘When is Whitney going to have her happy ending?’ and I think it’s time.”
Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden)
When is Ben Mitchell leaving? Spring 2024.
Actor Max Bowden is to leave his role as Ben Mitchell in 2024.
A spokesperson for EastEnders confirmed to RadioTimes.com on Saturday 30th December 2023: “Max will be leaving EastEnders next year. We wish him all the best for the future.”
The news comes after The Sun reported that Bowden was being written out of the role.
Bowden is the fourth actor to portray Ben as a regular character in the soap, following in the footsteps of Charlie Jones (2006-2010), Joshua Pascoe (2010-2012), and Harry Reid (2014-2018).
The actor took over the role of Phil Mitchell and Kathy Cotton’s son in 2019 and was met with acclaim and became a favourite with fans of ‘Ballum’ following his pairing with Callum Highway, played by Tony Clay.
Ben’s major storylines since Bowden took on the role have included his romance with Callum, Ben’s forays into crime, parenting Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown), parental issues with dad Phil, being the victim of rape, and his subsequent battle with bulimia.
Recent months have seen Ben in a better place as he attends therapy for bulimia and supports his grieving ‘brother’ Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick).
It is currently unknown if Ben will leave alone, but will he get a dramatic send-off?
RETURNING
Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer)
When is Bianca Jackson returning? Spring 2024.
EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer is reprising her role as Bianca Jackson for a short stint this spring.
The much-loved character last appeared for a guest stint in 2019, having first arrived in the soap in 1993 before departing in 1999 and then returning from 2008 to 2014.
Bianca will first appear in scenes set in Milton Keynes opposite stepdaughter Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and her partner Zack Hudson (James Farrar).
This will follow Bianca experiencing an off-screen breakup with partner Terry Spraggan (Terry Alderton) and Whitney recently discovering that she is once again pregnant.
Speaking about reprising her iconic role, Palmer said: “I’m so excited to be reprising the role of Bianca. EastEnders holds such a special place in my heart so it’s always a pleasure to be back.”
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: “I’m thrilled to welcome the fabulous Patsy back to the iconic role of Bianca Jackson. Although the character was last seen on-screen in 2019, Bianca still remains a fan favourite. We know our audiences will be thrilled at her return as she is thrust into the heart of the drama alongside step-daughter Whitney.”
Palmer is already filing again with the soap so fans don’t have long to wait to see the beloved Bianca again.
Will Bianca play a key role in Whitney’s exit?
Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff)
When is Johnny Carter returning? Early 2024.
Actor Charlie Suff is joining the cast of EastEnders as the third actor to portray Linda Carter’s second son, Johnny Carter.
The role was previously portrayed by Sam Strike from 2013 to 2014 and Ted Reilly from 2016 to 2018.
During his previous stints on the show, fans saw that Johnny was the favourite child of Linda but they faced difficulties initially when he came out as gay.
Later stories saw Johnny explore first love and also try to be a friend to the troubled Ben Mitchell. He left Walford to study Law in Manchester in 2018.
What type of person will Johnny be now following his time away and losing both his father Mick and his aunt Tina?
Speaking about joining the cast of EastEnders, Charlie Suff said: “I’m so delighted to be joining such an iconic programme – EastEnders was always on at my house when I was growing up.
“Johnny is a complex character who has been through so much, which I can’t wait to explore.
“I’ve found EastEnders to be the most kind and loving space to work in, and I already feel like one of the family.”
Meanwhile, executive producer Chris Clenshaw, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Charlie Suff to the role of Johnny Carter.
“Although we haven’t seen Johnny on the Square in almost five years, his character remains linked to the show and its most iconic venue, The Queen Vic.
“Since his short time away, the Carter family dynamics have changed significantly, and it’s safe to say that Johnny will be returning to a very different Walford than the one he left.”
Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier)
When is Freddie Slater returning? 2024.
Bobby Brazier will be returning to his much-loved role as Freddie Slater after taking a break for a stint on Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
Earlier this year, Freddie was seen heading to visit his mother Little Mo Slater after he was bailed for attempted murder following a violent confrontation with his old teacher Theo Hawthorne (Willliam Ellis), who had been stalking and then attempted to rape Freddie’s cousin Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).
The Slater family conspired to set up a crime scene that suggested Theo had a weapon and Freddie’s actions were purely in self-defence when he repeatedly hit Theo with an iron.
Due to Brazier taking part in Strictly and signing up to take part in the Strictly Come Dancing tour, Brazier is not expected to make his comeback as Freddie Slater until sometime in 2024.
Teasing Freddie’s return, executive producer Chris Clenshaw teased to RadioTimes.com: “In terms of Freddie, he obviously left after a huge storyline in which we saw a very, very different Freddie – we’ve not seen him kind of act in that way before although I think we understood exactly where that was coming from.”
He added that “when Freddie returns, he’s probably done a little bit of growing up since being away.”
Shirley Carter (Linda Henry)
When is Shirley Carter returning to EastEnders? TBC.
EastEnders fan-favourite Shirley Carter made a surprise departure from Walford just after Christmas in 2022 following the apparent death of her son Mick Carter.
Deciding that there was nothing left for her in Walford, Shirley walked out of the Square with Lady Di the dog to stay with daughter Carly Wicks and her family, having said goodbye to friends Jean Slater and Denise Fox.
We then heard of Shirley in February when we learned that she had also reunited with her previously estranged son Dean Wicks off-screen, the man who had raped Mick’s true love, Linda Carter.
When Dean made his horrific return on Halloween, he claimed that Shirley had experienced a mental breakdown and had been institutionalised and after Linda wasn’t in contact with her, changed her number and wanted nothing to do with her.
Linda was distrustful of Dean’s claims but was unable to get through to Shirley, meaning her fate remains mysterious.
Actress Linda Henry is taking an extended break from the show and has been off our screens for over a year.
However, the BBC confirmed to RadioTimes.com at the time of her exit that Shirley had not left the soap for good and would return.
Chris Clenshaw also told us: “So, Linda Henry is currently taking a break from the show.
“But you know, when she walked off with Lady Di last year, in the wake of Mick’s disappearance, it won’t have been the last you see of her. I can say that for sure.”
What will Shirley make of the new family in the Queen Vic, the Knights?
Which characters departed EastEnders in 2023?
The following characters have departed EastEnders in 2023.
- DCI Samantha Keeble (Guest)
- Ricky Butcher (Guest)
- Scarlett Butcher
- Edward “Jed” Chadwick (Guest)
- Ryan Malloy (Guest)
- Dr Ash Kaur
- Vi Highway
- Shifty Shiv (Guest)
- Roxy Mitchell (Guest)
- Duncan Boyd (Guest)
- Lola Pearce-Brown
- Lauren Branning (Guest)
- Louie Beale (Guest)
- Finlay Baker
- Peggy Taylor (Guest)
- Lisa Fowler (Guest)
- Arthur “Fatboy” Chubb (Guest)
- Graham Foster (Guest)
- Dorian Gates (Guest)
- Nadine Keller (Guest)
- Theo Hawthorne
- Karen Taylor
- Mitch Baker
- Bailey Baker
- Mia Atkins
- Mackenzie Atkins
- Keanu Taylor
- Tom “Rocky” Cotton
Which characters departed EastEnders in 2022?
The following characters departed EastEnders in 2022.
- Iqra Ahmed
- Mila Marwa
- Kioni Marwa
- Gray Atkins
- Keegan Baker
- Tiffany Butcher
- Isaac Baptiste
- Aaron Monroe
- Nancy Carter
- Avery Baker
- Rainie Highway
- Roland Highway
- Stuart Highway
- Dana Monroe
- Frankie Lewis
- Dr Nina Gupta
- Kheerat Panesar
- Lofty Holloway (Guest)
- Mary Smith (Guest)
- Disa O’Brien (Guest)
- Ian Beale (Guest)
- Colin Russell (Guest)
- Barry Clark (Guest)
- Kirsty “Dotty” Cotton
- Jada Lennox
- Alyssa Lennox
- Mick Carter
- Janine Carter
- Shirley Carter
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.
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