EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?

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 2023

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
• Linda Henry as Shirley Carter
• Jamie Borthwick as Jay Brown
• Scott Maslen as Jack 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
• Rocco Brenner as Arthur Fowler
• Michael Jose Pomares Calixte as Raymond Dawkins
• Lorraine Stanley as Karen Taylor
• Danny Walters as Keanu Taylor
• Clair Norris as Bernadette Taylor
• Isabelle Smith as Hope Fowler
• Tony Clay as Callum Highway
• Roger Griffiths as Mitch Baker
• Kara-Leah Fernandes as Bailey Baker
• Mahalia Malcolm as Mia Atkins
• Isaac Lemonius as Mackenzie Atkins
• Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar
• Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar
• James Farrar as Zack Hudson
• Brian Conley as Tom "Rocky" Cotton
• 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
• William Ellis as Theo Hawthorne
• 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

And here are the changes to the cast coming soon...

DEPARTING

Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley)

When is Karen Taylor leaving? Late 2023.

Actress Lorraine Stanley is to be written out of her role as Karen Taylor later this year.

The BBC One soap will write out the character after executive producer Chris Clenshaw and others decided it was the end of the road for the character.

A source told The Sun on Sunday: "It’s always a tough call for bosses when deciding which characters will leave the soap, but it has to be done to keep storylines fresh and create new arcs for characters.

"Lorraine had a great run on the soap and was a real scene stealer with her comic timing and she has certainly made her mark with fans."

RadioTimes.com understands that it was the decision of the production team to write out Karen and her final scenes will air later this year.

Writing on Instagram after news of her exit came out, Stanley penned: "Hey everyone! I’m so grateful for all of your lovely messages this past week. Thank you to @daranlittle for creating the Taylors and to the BBC for giving me the opportunity to play such a fabulous character, @bbceastenders I’ll be sad to be saying goodbye to Karen Taylor and will miss all the cast and crew at Eastenders.

"However I’m looking forward to my next chapter and excited about being a jobbing Actor again & starting new ventures".

Karen first arrived in Walford in 2017 alongside the rest of the Taylor family.

Speaking about Karen's exit, Chris Clenshaw told RadioTimes.com: "You know, we're currently staying quite tight-lipped on the exact circumstances leading to Karen's exit.

"The Taylors have been a fantastic addition to the show since their introduction, which I think was about six years ago now," notes Chris.

"But what I can say is that, yeah, Karen's exit will be full of drama, in true EastEnders fashion, and yeah, there will be some twists and turns that I don't think viewers will expect…"

• Read More: How will Whitney Dean and Karen Taylor leave EastEnders? Theories and speculation

Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley)

When is Tom "Rocky" Cotton leaving? Late 2023.

Actor and comedian Brian Conley has been confirmed to be leaving EastEnders role as Tom "Rocky" Cotton later this year.

A report from The Sun had claimed that Conley had unexpectedly quit the role of loveable rogue Rocky and had suggested that his abrupt exit from the BBC One soap would impact the upcoming Christmas storyline which will see six women surrounding a mystery man's dead body on Christmas Day.

A statement from the BBC on Tuesday 12th September 2023 confirmed Conley's exit but denied any clashes behind the scenes and stated his departure had been planned for some time.

“We can confirm that Brian Conley will be leaving EastEnders," reads the statement. "There is absolutely no truth in any claims of a feud with bosses and the show fully support Brian in his decision to leave which was made some time ago. We wish him the best of luck for the future as we continue to work towards his exit storyline which has been in the works for some time."

Meanwhile, Conley himself took to his Instagram page to deny any suggestion of bad feelings between himself and the show and he had made the decision to leave the role after three years for multiple reasons.

The actor teased Rocky's exit storyline as "good", so we will have to wait and see how we will wave goodbye to the conman and how Kathy's heart will be broken once again...

Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty)

When is Whitney Dean leaving? Early 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 it was McGarty's decision to leave at the end of her contract and she will depart our screens early next year, 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.

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."

• Read More: EastEnders must give tragic heroine Whitney the happy ever after she deserves
• Read More: EastEnders’ Shona McGarty on exit: “Whitney deserves a happy ending”

RETURNING

Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa)

When is Lauren Branning returning? Late 2023.

Jacqueline Jossa is returning to her role as Lauren Branning full-time in EastEnders later this year.

The character was last seen back in June for a guest appearance as Lauren visited the Beales in France and discovered that Cindy was still alive, prompting her to leave again with her and Peter's son Louie.

In a statement from Jossa shared by the BBC, she said: "I’m really excited! It’s such an amazing time to be back as there is so much buzz around EastEnders at the moment, and I’ve been watching and loving it like a fan. Walford holds such a special place in my heart, so it really does feel like coming home."

Meanwhile, executive producer Chris Clenshaw commented: "I’m delighted to welcome Jaqueline back to the role of Lauren Branning. Although we only saw Lauren on-screen a few months ago, her return left plenty of unfinished business between her and the Beales."

Clenshaw added: "The Branning family have a long history of being at the heart of the drama in Walford, and we’re absolutely thrilled to have Jacqueline back in the Square as she continues that family tradition."

Teasing Lauren's comeback to RadioTimes.com, Clenshaw revealed: "And you know, what she has no idea about is that she has a sister living in the Vic.

"But, yeah, what can I tease? I suppose what can I say is when we first see Lauren, it won't be in Walford…and she won't be returning on her own."

Jossa begins filming in the Autumn, so we can expect her back on-screen in the Winter.

Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine)

When is Penny Branning returning? Late 2023.

EastEnders has confirmed the return of Jack Branning's eldest daughter Penny Branning, now played by newcomer Kitty Castledine.

The role was previously played by Mia McKenna-Bruce, who is now starring in the acclaimed film How to Have Sex.

Penny is Jack's only child from his first marriage to Selina Branning (Daisy Beaumont) and was left paralysed from the waist down when one of Jack's criminal associates ran her down and left her for dead.

After guest appearances in 2008, Selina moved to France with Penny later that year, but Penny visited and caused trouble between Jack and his on-off love interest Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack), with Penny preferring her dad's other love interest at the time - his sister-in-law, Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner).

In 2013, Jack left Walford for two years and went to live in France near Penny.

So, what brings Penny back to Walford?

Speaking of joining the show, Castledine said: “I didn’t expect to start my EastEnders journey so soon out of drama school – I can’t actually believe it! My whole family are EastEnders fans, and I remember sitting on my Nanny Kay’s lap to tune in, and now they get to watch me in Albert Square.

"The inclusion of disabled talent on screen is so important to me as a wheelchair user, so I’m thrilled to be playing a character as feisty and cool as Penny. She’s thrown into the middle of the drama immediately, and I can’t wait to see what she gets up to.”

EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw added: “It’s been a long time since Penny Branning was in Walford, and she’s a very different person from the one our viewers might remember. Kitty is a terrific addition to the show, and we’re looking forward to seeing Penny back in Albert Square.”

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 last year 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.

The last we heard of Shirley was 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.

Actress Linda Henry is taking an extended break from the show and has been off our screens for around nine months.

However, the BBC confirmed to RadioTimes.com at the time of her exit that Shirley had not left the soap for good and will 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)

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

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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