As EastEnders steps boldly into its 40th anniversary year, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most turbulent yet thrilling chapters in the soap’s history. With long-standing characters taking their final bow, surprise comebacks from fan-favorites, and massive plot twists on the horizon, life in Albert Square is far from quiet. This year’s cast overhaul promises a mix of heartbreak, nostalgia, and game-changing moments for loyal viewers.

Following a major exit in 2024, Whitney Dean’s departure after 15 years left a noticeable void in Walford. But her absence wasn’t left unbalanced for long—Nicola Mitchell has entered the fray, quickly establishing herself as a strong, central figure. Touted as a new matriarchal force, Nicola’s presence is expected to shake up the Mitchell dynasty and potentially clash with old-school family members, bringing new layers of tension to the soap’s iconic power struggles.

One of the most buzzworthy announcements is the return of Ross Kemp as Grant Mitchell. The legendary bad boy of the Square is back, and with him comes a promise of old feuds reigniting and new alliances being forged. Grant’s return will not only stir up the family dynamics but could also play into the legacy left by his late mother, Peggy Mitchell, and the chaotic reputation of the Mitchell clan.

In an even more unexpected twist, Anita Dobson returns briefly as Angie Watts, in a cameo that delighted longtime fans. Her appearance, though fleeting, serves as a powerful homage to the early days of the soap and reinforces the theme of honoring EastEnders’ legacy while pushing forward into new territory.

But not all changes are cause for celebration. Several key departures are poised to dramatically shift the emotional landscape of the show. Matthew Morrison’s portrayal of Felix Baker will soon come to an end after three years. Felix, who made history as EastEnders’ first full-time drag queen character (Tara Misu), arrived in 2022 with great promise. Despite not receiving many major story arcs, his presence was meaningful—especially for LGBTQ+ representation in British soaps.

Felix’s journey began alongside his father, Avery, and brother, Finlay. While both were written out early on, Felix remained, managing the Albert and serving as a loyal confidant to friends like Chelsea Fox and Bernie Taylor. Now, with whispers of a romantic spark between Felix and Johnny Carter, fans may finally see a softer, more personal side of Felix before he departs. Will love bloom, or will heartbreak seal his exit?

Bernadette “Bernie” Taylor, played by Clair Norris, is another character waving goodbye. Her departure also signals the end of the Taylor family’s storyline in Walford—for now. A BBC spokesperson confirmed her exit, thanking Norris for her contributions. Interestingly, recent episodes saw Bernie given legal control over the inheritance left by Nish Panesar for his grandchildren, leading many to speculate she may leave Walford with a new sense of financial freedom. Could her exit pave the way for a spin-off or a future return?

Perhaps the most emotionally charged farewell belongs to Stacey Slater. After nearly two decades on the show, actress Lacey Turner is taking a well-earned break from her role. Since debuting in 2004, Stacey has been at the center of many of EastEnders’ most gripping and controversial storylines. Though the exit is temporary, Lacey teased that Stacey’s departure will be far from uneventful. And with the show confirming that her return is already being discussed, fans can rest assured they haven’t seen the last of Walford’s most complex and beloved heroine.

Returning characters are also sparking waves of anticipation. Jake Wood is set to reprise his role as Max Branning, last seen in 2021. His exit then was filled with heartbreak, after failing to win back Linda Carter. Since then, he’s taken Abby Jr. and has remained a controversial figure. However, Max remains unaware that Linda had his daughter—Annie Carter—while he was gone. His return is likely to blow that secret wide open and could put him on a collision course with Linda, Stacey, and even the wider Carter family.

As Max re-enters the Square, many wonder whether his reappearance could coincide with Stacey’s departure, adding one last fiery twist to their tangled relationship. His return is expected to ripple through Walford, igniting old conflicts and unearthing hidden truths.

Speculation is also heating up around Shirley Carter. Played by Linda Henry, Shirley left Walford in 2022 following the presumed death of her son Mick. She had been living with daughter Carly before reports suggested she suffered a breakdown. Her status has remained uncertain, with showrunner Chris Clenshaw previously hinting that her story is not over. Though there’s no official confirmation yet, fans remain hopeful for a dramatic return—especially with Dean Wicks now imprisoned for raping Linda Carter, and lingering emotional threads needing closure.

With no major new characters announced just yet, it’s the comebacks and farewells that are defining the current chapter of EastEnders. The 40th anniversary year is not only a celebration of the past but a bold leap into the future, fueled by powerful performances, emotional exits, and jaw-dropping returns. Whether it’s Nicola Mitchell rewriting the matriarchal rulebook, Grant and Max bringing chaos, or Stacey bowing out in style, 2025 is proving to be a year that EastEnders fans won’t soon forget.

As the cast shifts and Walford’s streets echo with new voices and familiar ghosts, one thing remains unchanged: in EastEnders, nothing stays buried for long.