1. The Big Returns – Legends Step Back into the Square
Max Branning (Jake Wood) – Back for Revenge

Fans have been buzzing ever since rumors leaked that Jake Wood would reprise his role as the manipulative and unpredictable Max

Branning. After disappearing to Spain in disgrace, Max is reportedly returning this spring — and sources reveal he’s “not the same man he once was.”

 

 

His comeback is tied to the death of a major character and a secret inheritance that could divide the Beales and the Brannings once again. “He’s older, colder, and more dangerous,” one insider teased. Expect fireworks when he comes face-to-face with Jack and Stacey — two people who thought they’d seen the last of him.

 

 

Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) – Mother on a Mission

Jacqueline Jossa’s long-awaited comeback as Lauren Branning was confirmed earlier this year, and fans couldn’t be happier. Lauren will reportedly return to Walford with her son Louie after receiving shocking news about Peter Beale. Her arrival will tie directly into Max’s storyline, creating an emotional father-daughter reunion filled with resentment and regret.

 

 

Producers hint that Lauren’s return “won’t just be about family — it’s about unfinished business.”

2. Emotional Exits – Farewell to Fan Favorites
Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) – A Heartbreaking Goodbye

After over 20 years on the show, beloved character Jean Slater will be leaving EastEnders in a tear-jerking storyline that’s sure to leave fans reaching for tissues.

 

 

According to spoilers, Jean’s exit will be tied to a shocking health diagnosis, which prompts her to make peace with her past and leave Walford for good. “Jean’s final scenes are incredibly emotional,” said an insider. “It’s a fitting tribute to one of the show’s most cherished characters.”

Callum Highway (Tony Clay) – Out After a Shocking Betrayal

Fans were blindsided when it was confirmed that Tony Clay would exit EastEnders later this year. His character, Callum, has faced a rocky marriage with Ben Mitchell, and their story is heading for a dramatic conclusion.

Rumor has it that Callum will uncover a devastating secret involving Ben and Phil, pushing him to make a decision that will change all their lives forever. His final scenes, airing this summer, are said to be “explosive, emotional, and completely unmissable.”

3. New Arrivals – Fresh Faces Stir Up Trouble
The Hudson Family – Walford’s Next Power Players

A brand-new family is moving into Albert Square — and they’re bringing plenty of drama with them. The Hudsons, a wealthy but mysterious clan, will take over the old Panesar property.

The family is led by Claudia Hudson, a ruthless businesswoman played by Holby City alum Lorna Brown, alongside her ambitious son Eli (Jordan Nash) and rebellious daughter Amara (Mimi Keene).

Producers describe them as “a mix of charm, danger, and dysfunction — the kind of family that shakes Walford to its foundations.”

Detective Ryan Cross (Samuel Adewunmi)

Joining the cast this March, Samuel Adewunmi plays Detective Ryan Cross, a sharp, no-nonsense officer investigating the mysterious death that stunned the Square earlier this year. But fans suspect Ryan may have his own dark motives — and a hidden connection to one of the main families.

4. Surprise Guest Appearances – Nostalgia Meets Chaos

2025 will also feature a few short but thrilling returns from EastEnders icons:

Peggy Mitchell (via flashback scenes) – Actress Jaime Winstone is reprising her role in a special one-off episode exploring the Mitchell family’s secret past.

Dotty Cotton – Last seen fleeing London, Dotty will reappear briefly, reportedly tied to a shocking scam that drags Sonia back into chaos.

Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith) – Expect a fiery cameo as Tiff returns for Whitney’s wedding later this year.

Each of these appearances is designed to honor the show’s legacy while setting up future conflicts that could shape EastEnders well into 2026.

5. What’s Next for 2025 – New Feuds, New Romances, New Secrets

The new story arcs promise a perfect blend of nostalgia and reinvention. With the Hudson family clashing with the Mitchells, Lauren Branning’s emotional return, and Jean’s tragic farewell, fans can expect a rollercoaster of emotions.

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw teased:

“2025 is about legacy, reinvention, and consequence. We’re bringing back familiar faces to remind viewers where we’ve been — and introducing new ones to show where we’re going.”