Walford is preparing for another seismic year as EastEnders heads into 2026 with a packed roster of shocking exits, long-awaited comebacks, and powerful new arrivals. After the show celebrated its explosive 40th anniversary in 2025, you’d think things might slow down — but the Square has no intention of catching its breath.

New Arrivals – A New Force Hits Walford

First up is a completely fresh face: Bee. Described as fiery, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore, Bee reconnects with Linda Carter during a high-school reunion that quickly spirals into something far more dramatic. Played by award-winning actress Ronni Ancona, Bee is already being hailed as a major shake-up for Albert Square — the kind of presence that stirs trouble, exposes tensions, and leaves a mark on everyone she crosses paths with. She’ll arrive early 2026, and insiders say “fireworks” is an understatement.

Big Returns – Fan Favourites Come Home

The new year also marks the long-awaited comeback of Max Branning, played by the iconic Jake Wood. After four years in New Zealand with Lauren and Louie, Max shocked viewers with a brief reappearance at Lauren’s wedding — a return that immediately reignited old chemistry and old conflicts when Stacey Slater caught him sharing a forbidden kiss with Zoe outside the Vic.

Max is now set for a full-time return, promising the kind of chaos only he can deliver.

Stacey herself has temporarily stepped away to Brazil, unable to outrun the emotional damage left by Martin Fowler’s death. But actress Lacey Turner has already reassured fans: she will be back — and when she does, her story is far from finished.

Departures – Emotional Goodbyes Ahead

The Mitchell family faces another shock as Teddy Mitchell bows out. After only a year and a half on the Square, his exit — confirmed for late 2025 — will once again shake up the Mitchell clan.

Meanwhile, Sam Mitchell, played by Kim Medcalf, will also be departing in early 2026. Her emotional breast-cancer storyline concludes with a successful lumpectomy before she says goodbye to Walford once more. Before she leaves, Sam will share long-overdue scenes with frenemy Zoe Slater — their first significant reunion in two decades.

Another heartbreaking exit comes with Nigel Bates. Actor Paul Bradley returned after 26 years for a moving dementia storyline linked with Phil Mitchell — but Nigel’s stay is temporary, and it remains unclear when he’ll leave.

Rounding out the exits is Joel Marshall, portrayed by rising star Max Murrill. His disturbing storyline exploring misogyny and extremist online influences shocked viewers — especially after Joel’s violent attack on Vicki Fowler. His upcoming departure will conclude one of the show’s darkest arcs in recent years.

A Massive Year Ahead

With Bee’s arrival, Max and Stacey’s returns, and the emotional departures of Sam, Teddy, Nigel, and Joel, EastEnders 2026 is shaping up to be another high-stakes year. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia, shock, character-driven storytelling, and heartbreaking drama — everything that keeps Walford fans coming back.

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