Albert Square is gearing up for one of its most explosive years yet, as EastEnders 2025 promises a series of shocking comebacks, emotional

exits, and intriguing new faces that will shake Walford to its core. Fans can expect heartbreak, betrayal, redemption — and a few jaw-

dropping surprises that nobody saw coming. Here’s your full rundown of who’s coming, who’s leaving, and what to expect next in EastEnders 2025!

 

 

BIG RETURNS — Legends Step Back Into the Square

EastEnders producers have been teasing “a year of legacy,” and it looks like they meant it. Several iconic faces are returning to reclaim their place in Walford history, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled.

1. Max Branning (Jake Wood)

 

After nearly four years away, the notorious Max Branning is set to make a dramatic comeback in early 2025. Last seen fleeing Walford following his daughter Abi’s tragic death and a series of scandals, Max’s return is rumored to involve revenge, redemption — and a possible new romance. Sources suggest his arrival will send shockwaves through the Beale family, especially when he crosses paths with Kathy and Ian once more.

 

 

2. Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner)
Though she’s been on and off the show recently, Stacey’s next return arc will be her most emotional yet. After months away dealing with mental health struggles, Stacey comes back to find the Slater family falling apart — and her relationship with Eve in ruins. Expect raw, emotional scenes as she tries to rebuild her life while confronting secrets from her time away.

 

 

3. Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden)
No one stays away from the Square for long — and Phil’s brief exit in late 2024 left fans wondering if this was the end. But Mitchell fans can breathe easy: Phil’s back in 2025, and he’s more dangerous than ever. This time, he’s setting his sights on reclaiming control of The Arches — and punishing anyone who’s betrayed the Mitchell name.

HEARTBREAKING EXITS — Fans Prepare to Say Goodbye

With big returns come painful goodbyes. Several key characters are set to leave EastEnders in 2025 — some permanently, others temporarily.

1. Denise Fox (Diane Parish)
After a tumultuous year filled with betrayal, breakdowns, and shocking revelations about Jack, Denise’s story is heading toward an emotional exit. Sources hint that her departure will be tied to a major family tragedy in the spring. But don’t rule out a comeback — one insider teased, “Denise’s story isn’t over; it’s just taking a new turn.”

2. Callum Highway (Tony Clay)
Callum fans, brace yourselves. Following his emotional struggles with Ben and his loyalty to the police force, Callum will reportedly leave Walford in mid-2025. While it’s said to be a “temporary break,” his exit will come after a heart-wrenching fallout that leaves Ben questioning everything.

3. Kim Fox (Tameka Empson)
The ever-fabulous Kim Fox is taking a bow after over a decade of laughter, sass, and heartfelt moments. Her exit storyline, still under wraps, will be a tearjerker — though rumor has it she may be moving to Scotland to start a new life. Expect an emotional farewell that will leave fans reaching for tissues.

NEW ARRIVALS — Fresh Faces Stir Up Trouble

The EastEnders casting team isn’t holding back in 2025. Several new characters are set to make waves in Albert Square, bringing mystery, romance, and danger in equal measure.

1. Jordan King (portrayed by new actor Jayden Malik)
Described as “a smooth talker with a dark secret,” Jordan arrives in Walford as a new mechanic at The Arches — but quickly sets tongues wagging. He’s charming, confident, and dangerously ambitious. Rumor has it, he has connections to one of the Mitchell family’s old enemies, and his arrival could spell serious trouble for Phil.

2. Ruby Allen’s Sister, Emma Allen
In a surprise twist, Ruby Allen’s estranged sister Emma makes her debut in summer 2025. Played by rising star Millie Gibson, Emma is described as “a survivor with a grudge” — and she’s not coming to Walford for a family reunion. Insiders say she’s on a mission to expose the truth about Ruby’s disappearance and might even target Martin Fowler for revenge.

3. DS Carter (A Returning Fan Favorite)
After a short but memorable stint last year, DS Carter is back — and this time, he’s investigating a shocking new crime spree that will dominate the show’s autumn storyline. Expect Carter to get entangled in the lives of the Mitchells and the Slaters, blurring the line between duty and personal obsession.

MAJOR STORYLINES TO WATCH

With such a dynamic mix of returning legends and fresh blood, EastEnders 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year. Here’s what’s coming:

The Mitchell Civil War: Phil’s return sparks a brutal family feud that could tear the Mitchell empire apart.

The Slater Secret: Stacey’s comeback uncovers a buried family truth that shocks even Jean.

The Fox Family Collapse: Denise’s exit triggers a chain reaction, leaving Kim and Jack reeling.

The Mystery of Ruby Allen: Emma’s arrival promises answers — but at a deadly cost.

Producers Promise “A Bold, Emotional, and Explosive Year”

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw teased what fans can expect:

“2025 is about legacy and reinvention. We’re honoring the show’s history while pushing it into bold new territory. You’ll see familiar faces return, but not everyone will make it out unscathed. It’s going to be emotional, thrilling, and unforgettable.”

Fans React to the Spoilers

The EastEnders fan community has exploded with excitement online. One fan tweeted:

“Max Branning and Stacey both coming back? 2025 is already iconic!”

Another added:

“I’m not ready to say goodbye to Denise. She’s been the emotional heart of the show for years.”

With more twists promised and several unannounced cameos rumored for later in the year, EastEnders 2025 looks set to be one of the show’s most gripping eras yet.