The streets of Walford are once again shifting beneath our feet, as EastEnders celebrates its 40th anniversary with a bold reshuffling of its cast. From heartbreaking departures to possible comebacks that could stir up past trauma, the soap is gearing up for another unforgettable year.

Top of the headlines is the impending departure of Lacey Turner, who has portrayed Stacey Slater for over two decades. A character defined by her fiery resilience and complicated personal history, Stacey has been at the heart of some of EastEnders’ most powerful stories. Now, Turner has announced she’ll be stepping away to focus on life outside the show. While it’s not a permanent exit, it will mark the end of a significant era—at least for now.

The production team is not closing the door on Stacey, though. A spokesperson confirmed that her character will leave screens later this year, but teased that there’s plenty more action to come before that happens. As always with Stacey, fans can expect an emotional exit full of unpredictable twists, and potentially a dramatic setup for her eventual return.

Also departing is Felix Baker, played by Matthew Morrison. First introduced in 2022 alongside his family, Felix brought fresh representation to the Square as the soap’s first full-time drag queen character. Known for his alter ego Tara Misu, Felix brought flair, fun, and a different kind of strength to the community. Despite this, the character never quite broke into the center of the show’s narrative. Most of his time was spent behind the bar at The Albert, with occasional moments in side plots.

According to reports, the creative team felt it was time for Felix’s journey to come to a natural close. While some fans may be disappointed by the lack of depth given to the character, there’s still a chance his exit may feature a poignant romantic subplot involving Johnny Carter. Whether this will be a final goodbye or the start of a new adventure remains to be seen.

No new cast members have been officially announced yet, but the EastEnders team is playing its cards close to the chest. Executive producer Kate Oates hinted during the BAFTA press conference that a highly-anticipated return is in development. While Oates was careful not to reveal too much, her comments sent fans into a frenzy. She promised that anyone who enjoys a good comeback won’t be disappointed.

So, who might be returning? Speculation is rife, but the name on everyone’s lips is Shirley Carter. Absent from the show since 2022, Shirley’s departure was driven by grief and emotional collapse after losing her son Mick. She left Walford with Lady Di, disappearing off to be with her daughter. Then came the twist: it was revealed she had reconnected with her estranged son Dean Wicks—infamous for raping Linda Carter—and reportedly suffered a breakdown, leading to her being institutionalized offscreen.

Despite the bleak implications, showrunner Chris Clenshaw confirmed that actress Linda Henry was only taking a break. The door has been left wide open for a return, and should Shirley reappear, the emotional consequences could be enormous. If Dean re-enters the picture as well, it could trigger some of the most intense confrontations the Square has ever seen.

As EastEnders navigates its 40th anniversary, the soap proves it’s not resting on nostalgia. With Stacey’s exit looming, Felix’s departure locked in, and a big return promised, the year ahead is poised to deliver seismic shifts. Whether you’re a long-time viewer or a new fan, 2025 is shaping up to be essential viewing in Walford.